Golf du Medoc (Vignes)

The number two at this resort on the outskirts of Bordeaux, it benefits from the association with American architect Bill Coore.

The feted designer, part of the most revered firm in the game alongside Ben Crenshaw, designed the Châteaux course here when he had yet to properly partner with the Masters champion.

And as well as bequeathing an outstanding course to Golf du Medoc, his assistant on the Châteaux, Rod Whitman, returned to the region two years later to design the Vignes.

Built two years after its older brother, the Vignes is a 6,860 yards, but is touted as a ‘more gentle’ examination.

And there is some substance to the suggestion that if it was a stand-alone course it could be even more highly regarded.

After a three-hole parkland opening, it benefits from the same heathland landscape as its sister and makes this one of the finest resorts in continental Europe or Great Britain & Ireland.

Its ranking within the Top 100 on the Continent tells you it is one of the strongest No.2 courses anywhere in Europe.

And there is some substance to the suggestion that if it was a stand-alone course it could be even more highly regarded.

As it is, you will enjoy the same heathland characteristics of firm, fast-running fairways lined by sandy waste areas, heather and pines.

You will also enjoy intriguing holes, well-crafted green complexes and a feeling on tranquility on the Vignes as you do on the top-20 Chateaux. Chris Bertram