Come for the practice, stay for the view
Short on time? Here’s the quick version. You don’t need an LPGA handicap or a room at the Royal to experience Evian golf. Up above Lake Geneva there’s a beautifully kept academy where ordinary golfers can hit a bucket of balls, improve their swing and enjoy some spectacular surroundings while they’re at it.
Golfers are natural born optimists. If you aren’t an optimist, you might as well give up now. Somewhere in our heart of hearts, we know that one day…. we’ll have that perfect round, birdie every hole and get a cheer in the clubhouse afterwards.
We just need more practice.
My father was a golfer too. He was often to be seen out in the garden with his elbows tied together or wearing a headband, with a weight dangling from it in front of his face. Did it improve his swing or stop him lifting his head? No…but it gave the neighbours a laugh.
Thankfully, things have moved on. In this age of virtual reality, AI swing analysis, and instant replay we don’t need to resort to such lengths to improve our game.
The more I practise, the luckier I get
Gary Player
But we do need to practise.
Set high above Lake Geneva with the Mémises mountains behind it, Evian Resort’s Golf Academy and the 6-hole Lake Course must be one of the most beautiful places in the world to practise your golf.
And the good news is, it’s accessible to you and me.
Welcome to the Evian Golf Academy
While the Championship course is the stuff of dreams, the Academy offers the chance to enjoy a little of that Evian magic without the eye-watering green fees.
You can drive through the gates, practise in beautiful surroundings and spend a few hours admiring the views of Lake Geneva. It still feels special, just more within reach.
If you’ve been to the main Evian Resort Golf Club, where the Amundi Evian Championship is held every year, you know about style. But you don’t have to be an LPGA professional to experience Evian golf.
The Academy is no less manicured or stylish.
If Lake Geneva has captured you imagination, you’ll find more places to explore in my Lake Geneva and Lac Léman collection.
First stop: Le Manoir du Golf
The first thing you notice when you arrive at the Academy is the manor house. Set in the heart of the extensive grounds, Le Manoir du Golf exudes old fashioned elegance. Built in 1911 as a private family home, it now serves as the Academy clubhouse and a small, exclusive Bed & Breakfast.
This is your first stop.
Inside you’ll find the Welcome Desk, where visitors pay for practice sessions, buy buckets of balls and organise lessons if necessary. There’s also a comfortable lounge where you can sink into a soft leather armchair for a pre-practice coffee.
Le Manoir has just 8 guest rooms, so if you plan to stay, booking ahead would be sensible.
It also houses the pro shop where clubs can be rented. You can try out the latest Callaway driver or buy yourself an Evian Golf polo shirt if the fancy takes you.
Now for the important part.
Practice with a view
The grounds here are stunning. Shaded by statuesque pine trees, the vivid green of the perfectly manicured grass and soft white sand of practice bunkers are offset on most summer days by an azure sky. Sweeping down from the driving range is the 6-hole par 3 Lake Course with its spectacular views over Lake Geneva.
This is a golfer’s paradise.
I’ve played some beautiful courses in the past (badly), some of them quite intimidating. But this isn’t intimidating at all.
It has an intimate, friendly feel to it. Welcoming you whatever your game is like. From beginner to professional, from duffer to superstar.
There are two sets of bays on either side of the driving range; one near the car park and another beyond the manor house. These are my favourite ones. A little tucked away but, apart from the crack of the balls and the rattle of the practice-ball dispenser, it’s an oasis of calm.
There’s no pressure to hit a perfect shot. No one else is watching because they’re too focused on their own performance. You can take as much time as you like and just relax into your natural trophy-winning swing.
Away from the driving range, the short game area is where shots are really won and lost. A dedicated chipping area and a putting green offer you the chance to finesse those shots that can make or break a round… if I hear my husband say ‘dustbin lid’ once more he could soon be wearing one.
Trackman, TopTracer and smarter practice
If you’re taking the whole thing more seriously, several stalls are equipped with TrackMan, the same technology used by the world’s top professionals. It tracks every aspect of your shot, from ball speed and distance to club path. The data doesn’t lie, unfortunately, but it does help identify any bad habits you may have.
There’s even something called the ‘Big Tilt XL Pro’ (which sounds more like something you’d find in a pub in Glasgow than a golf academy) designed to help you visualise and practise shots on sloping ground.
The 6-Hole Lake Course
When you’re ready to take it to the course, there’s always the 6-hole par 3 Lake Course. This little course is an absolute gem. It’s worth it just for the views.
At 885 metres (968 yards) its elevated tees overlook the course as it drops down towards the water. Each hole presents a different challenge; bunkers, water hazards and tree lined approaches. It’s ideal for working on that short game.
Lessons at the Evian Golf Academy
If your golf game needs more than just buckets of balls and gallons of sweat, the Academy also offers lessons.
Private coaching is available for all levels — from complete beginners trying to just hit the ball at all to experienced players hoping to shave a few strokes off their score.
Individual lessons, junior coaching and more structured programmes are also available using the David Leadbetter method the Academy is known for.
If the Trackman data has you reaching for the car keys, professional help is on hand.
One bucket of balls at a time
When you’ve exhausted all those possibilities, and yourself, head back to the clubhouse for a drink and a little post practice analysis of your own.
And if all the technology still doesn’t improve your swing… there’s always my father’s method of tying your elbows together in the garden.
Planning your visit to the Evian Golf Academy
Who is it for?
Everyone. Complete beginners, casual holiday golfers and experienced players are all welcome.
Do you need to stay at the resort?
No. The Academy is open to non-residents, and you can simply arrive to practise or book lessons.
If you’re staying at one of Evian Resort’s hotels, the Royal or the Hermitage, academy access is often included, along with preferential rates for lessons.
What facilities are available?
- Driving range
- Short game practice area (putting and chipping)
- Trackman Range, TopTracer Range and Big Tilt XL Pro technology on selected bays
- 6-hole par 3 Lake Course
- Club hire and pro shop
- Clubhouse and café facilities
How much time should you allow?
Two to three hours is enough to enjoy the practice facilities, but if you add the Lake Course you could easily spend half a day here.
After practice, Evian-les-Bains itself is worth exploring for lakeside walks and cafés.
What should I bring?
Clubs can be rented if you’re travelling light. The Academy offers the latest series of Callaway and Odyssey clubs for hire. You can even rent individual clubs if you don’t want a full set.
What should I wear?
On many courses golf is still all about the clothes. The Academy is no different. It has a proper golf dress code which includes mandatory collared polo shirts and tailored shorts, golf trousers or skorts. Denim jeans, T-shirts and tank tops are not permitted. Smart casual would probably fit the bill nicely.
Golf shoes are required if you’re planning to play the course. ‘Neat and suitable’ trainers are acceptable on the practice areas.
Things to know before you go
Even if you don’t play golf, Le Manoir and the Academy grounds are worth visiting simply for the atmosphere and the views.
My tip for first-time visitors
The Academy provides practice facilities for professional players participating in upcoming competitions, and it may close to outside visitors during these periods. My top tip is to phone before your intended visit just to check that it will be open.
Also, don’t rush straight to the range. Arrive early, have a coffee at Le Manoir and soak up the surroundings before hitting your first ball.
Practical details
Directions
The Evian Resort Golf Academy is located 1016 Rue du Chablais, 74500 Evian les Bains. If you’re staying at one of the Resort’s hotels then a shuttle service is available.
The Academy is open from early February until early December.
Opening hours
- High Season: 1 May – 30 August
- Sunday – Thursday 8.00 AM – 7.30 PM
- Friday – Saturday 8.00 AM – 8.00 PM
- Low Season: 8.30 AM – 7.30 PM
Prices
Prices for the Evian Resort Golf Academy for 2026 vary from season to season. They range from around €35 – €45 for practice sessions.
Individual adult lessons start at around €90 for 55 minutes for one person and €130 for two. 3, 4 or 5 day ‘stages’ are also available.
Check the Evian Golf Academy website for current prices and up-to-date information.
