9-hole golf course in Haute-Savoie: play near Annecy without sacrificing your day

Why choose a 9-hole course rather than an 18-hole course?

The 18-hole course has its fans, but it often requires 4.5 hours of your time, stable weather throughout the round, and significant logistical planning. The 9-hole Belvédère course meets a different need: the desire to play more often without sacrificing the enjoyment of the game. You can literally finish your round after work, without racing against the approaching nightfall, or squeeze in a round between lunch and a family activity.

This condensed format is by no means a cheap compromise. It's a fully-fledged format, designed for consistency: the more often you play, the faster you improve, and the 9-hole format facilitates this frequency of play. Many experienced golfers even deliberately choose the 9-hole format on certain days, not for lack of time, but because it allows them to focus on a specific objective: working on their tee shots, perfecting their approach shots, or simply playing without the mental fatigue of a longer round.

• A full round takes 1.5 to 2 hours, compared to 4 to 5 hours for 18 holes.
• Less physical and mental fatigue, therefore better consistency of play on the last holes
• More flexibility to fit a game into a busy day
• An excellent format for rapid progress thanks to the frequency of play.

A technical setting between lake and mountains

Nestled in the hills above Saint-Martin-Bellevue, the Belvédère golf course unfolds its greens and fairways in an exceptional setting, with panoramic views of the Aravis and Parmelan mountain ranges. From every hole, the view extends to the surrounding mountains—a special mention goes to the green of the 1st hole and the tee of the 2nd hole, where the panorama surprises even seasoned players.

Composed exclusively of par 3s and par 4s, the course has been designed to offer three different playing experiences depending on your skill level and goals. Distances vary between 100 and 350 meters per hole, with a progressive increase in difficulty.

This diversity allows experienced golfers to practice precise shots, while remaining accessible to beginners. The course's meticulous and environmentally conscious maintenance ensures you play on high-quality greens, with natural undulations winding through a preserved forest.

How does a round of 9 holes at Belvédère work?

In practical terms, here's what a typical outing on the route looks like:

1. Welcome to the clubhouse — you go to reception to pay the green fee and collect your scorecard.
2. Warm-up — Allow 10 to 20 minutes at the practice range or putting green before heading out onto the course.
3. Tee off from hole #1 — the course takes approximately 15 minutes per hole for a group of average level.
4. Hole #4, the most technical — a delicate approach that requires precision, often cited by regulars.
5. End of game — Allow 1.5 to 2 hours in total for a quartet, before enjoying the Club House.

Ideal for starting golf with confidence

If you've never held a golf club, the 9-hole Belvédère course is probably the most comfortable entry point for discovering the sport. Unlike an 18-hole course, here you don't need to set aside half a day or demonstrate an advanced level of play: you progress at your own pace on a course designed to be approachable.

For beginners who want a guided introduction before playing on their own, the Belvédère Golf School offers introductory courses and training programs adapted to all ages. It's often the best starting point before venturing out onto the course independently.

Practicing before playing: the role of the driving range

Before hitting the course, many golfers—beginners and experienced alike—stop by the Belvédère driving range to warm up or work on a specific technique. It's a useful step to get your feel for the game back, especially if you haven't played for several weeks.

The driving range allows you to test different clubs without the pressure of scoring, to work on your short game on the synthetic green, and to arrive on the course with a feel for the game already in place. Fifteen to twenty minutes is generally enough for an effective warm-up before a 9-hole round.

What golfers who have tested the course are saying

«"A superb course near Annecy with beautiful views of the lake, complemented by a pleasant clubhouse."»

«"An accessible and well-maintained trail, perfect for progressing without pressure, in a preserved natural setting."»

These reviews reflect what has made the Belvédère famous since its creation in 1992: a technical but never discouraging course, in one of the most beautiful natural settings in Haute-Savoie.

Family golf on a 9-hole course

The 9-hole format is particularly well-suited to family outings. The reasonable playing time allows children or casual players to complete the entire round without getting tired, and the moderate technical difficulty of the course makes it accessible to everyone.

It's also one of the few sports where parents and children can play together, each at their own level, on the same course and at the same pace. For a first family outing, combining a golf school introduction in the morning with a 9-hole round in the afternoon is a formula that works particularly well.

Prices and useful information before your visit

Playing a 9-hole round in Haute-Savoie doesn't require a large budget. At Golf du Belvédère, the 9-hole green fee is generally between €23 and €41 depending on the season and day of the week. Membership packages are also available for regular players.

• Arrive 10 to 20 minutes before your departure to warm up.
• Parking is free and easily accessible.
• A green card or license may be required to play alone on the course
• For a quieter experience, choose weekday slots before 4pm.

After your round, treat yourself to a relaxing moment at the Clubhouse. Its terrace offers breathtaking views of the course and the surrounding mountains — the perfect place for a morning coffee, a refreshing drink, or a friendly aperitif with friends.

Belvédère Golf Course compared to other golf courses in Haute-Savoie

Haute-Savoie boasts around ten 9-hole or longer golf courses nestled between lakes and mountains. What sets Belvédère apart is its rare combination of a technical yet accessible course, panoramic views of the Aravis mountain range, and immediate proximity to Annecy and Geneva. Unlike more isolated courses at higher altitudes, you can reach the club in just a few minutes from Lake Annecy, without sacrificing the stunning mountain setting.

This proximity significantly changes the experience: there's no need to plan a full day of travel to enjoy a true mountain course. You can play a technically demanding 9-hole round in the morning and be back in the center of Annecy before lunch.

When to play your 9 holes in Haute-Savoie?

The Belvédère Golf Course can be played all year round, with conditions varying according to the seasons. Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures and particularly flattering light on the Aravis mountain range, while summer allows for longer days, making it possible to fit in a round in the late afternoon.

During the week, the course is generally quieter, especially in the morning and early afternoon. Weekends, particularly Sunday mornings, remain the most popular time slot, largely due to the free introductory lessons offered to new players. If you're looking to play without waiting, choosing a weekday slot is the best option.

What equipment should you bring for your first round of 9 holes?

If you're a beginner, there's no need to invest in a full set of equipment right away. Clubs can be rented directly at reception, allowing you to try out the game before buying your own. Only comfortable shoes, ideally with flat soles or soft cleats, are recommended for playing comfortably on a hilly course.

For players who wish to gradually acquire their equipment, the ProShop at Golf du Belvédère offers personalized support, including a fitting service to ensure that the clubs truly match your swing rather than the other way around.