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42nd Ryder Cup, September 25-30, 2018 PRESS KIT

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25 - 30 September 2018 Paris — the city of light and the capital of romance — is hosting the First played in greatest match in world golf in September 2018, when the French capital stages the 42nd Ryder Cup between Europe and the visiting 1927, the drama, team from the United States. First time the Ryder Cup is tension and The showdown will take place between September 25-30 2018, at PARIS held so close to a capital City the spectacular Le Golf National course — just over 30 kilometres sportsmanship from the city centre — which is also host to the golf competition in of the Ryder Cup the 2024 Paris Olympics. First played in 1927, the drama, tension and sportsmanship of the has become Ryder Cup has become legendary and it is now among the most visitors legendary eagerly-anticipated and fiercely-contested events in world sport. expected per day 60,000 Close to 200,000 spectators are expected to visit Paris to watch the three days of match play in which the European team, led by Thomas Bjørn, will battle to win back the Cup from an American team, captained by Jim Furyk. GOLF NATIONAL For the first time, the Ryder Cup will take place on the fringe of a yrs capital city, which, with Paris’s network of international airports, 30 train stations and motorways, will make this probably the most Home to the HNA easily accessed Ryder Cup in history. It is also only the second occasion that Europe has hosted the event outside the UK. Chosen for the Paris The Golf National has 2024 Olympics turned 30 this year Both teams will be based at the renowned and luxurious Hotel Trianon, in nearby Versailles, which with the beautiful palace and gardens of Versailles a stroll away, is one of Europe’s most compelling tourist destinations. Only a short 34.5 km 55 min putt away... from the heart of Paris to from Charles De Gaulle and Golf National 30 min from Orly Airport

One of the world’s most 2 | The 2018 Ryder Cup iconic destinations The 2018 Ryder Cup | 1 PARIS: A CLASSIC STAGE FOR THE RYDER CUP

With its world famous and iconic landmarks — the , the Arc du Triomphe and the Champs Elysees as well as many other Paris will provide architectural and design treasures such as Versailles — Paris will provide the perfect backdrop to the drama of the 2018 Ryder Cup. the perfect

Famous for its art and architecture, its museums and galleries, backdrop to the its café society and its culture, the French capital is also fast becoming one of the world’s leading venues for the leading events drama of the in international elite sport. 2018 Ryder Cup In addition to staging the 42nd Ryder Cup and being named as host of the 2024 Olympic Games, Paris also hosts the finale of the Tour de France, the Roland Garros tournament, the French Open and the Paris Marathon. It is now also home to Neymar, the world’s most expensive footballer and iconic star of Paris Saint-Germain.

But there is much more than great sport to the French capital, which, with Disneyland Paris, the Parc Monceau, the Jardin des Plantes and Asterix amusement park, is a great family destination and offers plenty to do for those who prefer the artistry of Gaugin and the flair of Gaultier to a round of golf.

Museums such as the Louvre, the Musee d’Orsay, the Pompidou Centre and the Musee de Quai Branly offer culture vultures hours of pleasure, while gastronomic highlights such as the Route des Gourmets tour, the Bustronome bus tour and classic favourites such as Chartier’s restaurant will sate the most demanding palates.

Fashion is another cornerstone of every Parisian’s life and followers of all the latest designs and trends, both in streetwear and haute couture, will relish visiting the Cite de la mode et du Design, the Rue du Faubourg Saint Honore, the retro and vintage stores of the Marais as well as the Yves Saint Laurent museum and of course, the Galeries Lafayette and Boulevard Haussmann. Did you know? There are 407,719 registered Golfers in France

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Le Golf National ©Steve Carr GOLF IN FRANCE

From the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, the Alps to the Pyrenees, France offers France offers rich and varied terrain for great golf in magnificent rich and varied and welcoming surroundings. For those used to the more traditional golf experience, French golf terrain for — unstuffy, affordable, friendly and fun – offers a breath of fresh air. There is a vast range of courses, including spectacular seaside great golf in golf and dramatic mountain courses, most of which are great value.

magnificent That informality doesn’t mean that the courses aren’t just as demanding — as the reputation of Le Golf National proves — but and welcoming that the appetite for the game across France and across age groups surroundings and genders just keeps on growing. If the spectacle and quality of Ryder Cup venue Le Golf National leads the way, there are more than 600 other courses around France to choose from, with 150 listed among Europe’s most beautiful courses.

There are challenging ‘tracks’ in Normandy and Brittany, Acquitaine and the Alps, Perigord and Provence, most with green fees that don’t break the bank.

And it’s never been easier to access all of France from the UK. Whether you want to spend a long weekend golfing in northern France, enjoy an even longer break touring around the country, or pair great golf with gastronomic experiences, all of these are possible.

In France, combining golf with tourism is easy. You can enjoy golf with fine food and wine, with well-being and spa breaks, with museums, chateaux and culture, or with business and meetings.

Did you know? France has more golf courses than Spain and Portugal combined

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Thomas Bjørn, European captain for The 2018 Ryder Cup - ©Pete Goding GOLF IN FRANCE - THE BUCKET LIST

There are many highlights to playing golf in the stunning course at Servanes in the shadow of France. For example, within easy reach of the the Alpilles, or, further along the Cote d’Azur, the With the Channel ferry ports are great golfing regions such run of courses — including those at Sainte Baume, as Brittany, Normandy, and of course, Paris, with Golf du Chateau de Taulane, Terre Blanche, and anticipation Le Golf National and nearby Golf de Rochefort, as Roquebrune — are all within easy reach of the well as several others. But the south-west and perfectly blue waters of the Mediterranean. and excitement Atlantic coast, the Alps and Provence-Alpes Cote d’Azur also host many great courses. The oldest course in France is Pau Golf Club 1856, building towards which is also the oldest course outside Great Britain. France’s northern coast is within easy reach of But there are many other courses, which have just the 2018 Ryder the UK and is rich in great seaside golf courses. as strong a historic atmosphere, such as Dinard, Close to the ferry ports at St Malo, Roscoff, Caen with its beautiful and characterful clubhouse and Cup, and then and Cherbourg are classic coastal courses such as stunning sea views, founded in 1887. Granville, Pen Guen and St Malo itself. the 2024 Paris If it’s the high life you’re after, then there are A little further east along the coast, accessible plenty of golf courses in mountain settings, Olympics, there from Le Havre, Dieppe or Calais, are Le Touquet, surrounded by the most spectacular vistas. Hardelot and Wimereux, some of the most Chamonix, Megeve and Morzine all have courses has never been a demanding and highly rated courses in Europe. above 1,000 metres in altitude, while the course at Tignes, the highest in Europe, tops out at a better time to play Close to magnificent stretches of coastline as well as breathtaking 2,100 metres among the towering the gastronomy of the Pas de Calais, these challenging peaks of the Val d’Isere. golf in France. courses are ideal for a long weekend of golf. Whether it’s over a long weekend or a family Lovers of the best wines can pair a long weekend touring holiday, there’s a course for all ages and in legendary wine capital Bordeaux with great golf all levels. With the anticipation and excitement close at hand, for example at Golf du Medoc and building towards the 2018 Ryder Cup, and then the beautiful Arcachon lagoon. the 2024 Paris Olympics, there has never been a better time to play golf in France. Provence and the Cote d’Azur offers perhaps the ideal location for combining a family holiday Find out more here: uk.france.fr/en/golf-1 with golf. Long, sunny days, fine wines, inventive cuisine and the proximity of the Mediterranean’s coastline all make this region one of the world’s Did you know? best holiday destinations. There are 648 golf From the Severiano Ballesteros designed Pont Royal, in the vale of the beautiful Luberon hills, to facilities in France

6 | The 2018 Ryder Cup About Brittany About Normandy

All year round, Brittany´s golf courses offer From the bay of the Mont-Saint-Michel to the the very best! More than 40 carefully designed Alabaster coast, from Perche to the courses, suitable for all levels, can be found valley, from the Cherbourg peninsula to the across the region nestled among spectacular Pays d’Auge, there are more than 40 courses to scenery. Uncrowded greens, inexpensive fees challenge you. Pure Scottish style links, inland and easy access combine to make the region a courses following the natural contours in the natural choice. The lure of a warm welcome and heart of hills or forests, greens and fairways fine gastronomy should seal the deal. overlooking the sea…

Brittany Château Domaine des Ormes Golf Champ de Bataille - Normandie ® Vudoiseau D. Decamps

Paris - Lafayette Travel About Provence Alpes With a wealth of experience creating comprehensive Côte d’Azur sport packages, Lafayette Travel are bringing their expertise during The 2018 Ryder Cup creating comprehensive and A La Carte packages delivered With over 60 golf courses spreading across the to the highest standard. Lafayette Travel has also Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur (PACA) region, the been an approved introducer of the hospitality destination is well known and loved amongst packages for The 2018 Ryder Cup. golfers. Amateur and expert players alike will enjoy teeing off with panoramic views over the Alpes or the Mediterranean. Paris - Lafayette Travel Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur - Golf Dolce Frégate

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Lincoln House, 300 High Holborn, London WC1V 7JH +44 (0)20 7061 6640 [email protected] www.franceuncovered.com www.france.fr @atoutfranceukpr #FeelFrance @AtoutFranceIEpr

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