Back
The Cabot Collection has expanded into continental Europe by announcing the purchase of a 36-hole golf resort in France.
Golf Du Medoc Resort has been rebranded as Cabot Bordeaux. It becomes the sixth Cabot property worldwide, joining golf properties in Florida, St. Lucia in the Caribbean, Scotland in the United Kingdom and British Columbia and Nova Scotia in Canada.
The news comes as golf in France takes center stage from Aug. 1-10 at the Paris Olympics. Bordeaux, one of the world's premier wine regions, is in southwest France, a six-hour drive from Paris.
"Bordeaux holds a special place in the hearts of travelers worldwide, known not only for its rich history and stunning landscapes, but also for its remarkable culinary offerings and universally revered wine,” said Ben Cowan-Dewar, CEO and co-founder of Cabot. “We are thrilled to now have a presence in this iconic destination and look forward to offering guests unforgettable experiences that seamlessly blend exploration and cultural immersion with world-class golf."
Why Cabot Bordeaux makes sense
While the Dream Golf brand, led by Mike Keiser, focuses on developing new golf resorts in America, the Canadian-based Cabot brand has taken a more global approach. It is developing its own projects - e.g. Cabot Cape Breton, Cabot St. Lucia and Cabot Revelstoke - as well as purchasing existing golf properties and upgrading them to fit its clientele. Scotland's Cabot Highlands, Cabot Citrus Farms and now Cabot Bordeaux have all been acquired in the past three years because of their special locations and the potential of the properties themselves.
Bordeaux is a paradise of vineyards, castles, monuments and museums. The nearby medieval village of Saint-Émilion, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known for its 2,000-year vineyard history and underground wine caves. The Bordeaux-Merignac international Airport is just 20 minutes away from Cabot Bordeaux, while Paris is reachable in two hours by high-speed train.
For golfers, Cabot Bordeaux offers courses designed by Bill Coore (Chateaux) and Rod Whitman (Vignes) from 1989-91. Both are rated among the best in Europe by various publications. Cabot hopes to bring back the firm and fast conditions that were originally intended.
Resort amenities include a 79-room hotel, French restaurant and a spa with a heated indoor swimming pool, fitness room and a variety of treatments. The Bernard Pascassio Training Center is home to golf simulators, a TaylorMade fitting room, practice area and more.
Cabot plans to modernize the resort's interior without deviating from its historic charm. New activities and amenities specific to the region are in the works. For example, when Cabot took over Castle Stuart in the Scottish Highlands, the renamed Cabot Highlands partnered with the nearby Ness Castle Lodges to bring a world-class fly-fishing experience to guests.
Although France doesn't have much of a golf culture, it is definitely a golf destination with loads of untapped potential. France's love of art, food, wine and history certainly complements the tastes of discerning golfers who love to travel.
As splashy as this news is on the eve of the men's and women's golf competitions in the Olympic Games, don't expect Cabot Bordeaux to be the brand's last acquisition. Cowan-Dewar appears to be just getting started.
Stay in the Swing with GolfPass!
Get exclusive tips from the pros, in-depth course reviews, the latest gear updates, and more delivered straight to your inbox.
Comments (0)