Périgord Noir
The estate
Lolivarie is an 18-hole course set in the heart of the Périgord Noir, between the châteaux of the Dordogne valley and its characterful villages. A par 73 of 5,884 m from the white tees, with six par 5s, which is a lot for a course of this length.
The fairways wind between oaks, poplars and willows, alongside lakes and a small stream. The trees are old and plentiful, so the course stays green and shady even in high summer, which is not so common in the region in August.
The layout is varied and technical, yet playable at every level: six sets of tees, from 5,884 m to 3,020 m.
Since 1984
One of the oldest golf courses in Dordogne
The story begins in 1984 with nine holes, which makes Lolivarie one of the oldest golf courses in Dordogne.
The original layout was conceived by Jean Duc, who then owned a hotel and restaurant on the site and wanted to expand what he could offer his guests. The nine holes were laid out on former farmland, below Lolivarie, the small Périgord village that gave the course its name.
These nine historic holes have not changed: tall trees, demanding fairways, subtle greens, and the stream that runs alongside much of the play.
In the early 2000s, the arrival of private partners and the purchase of new land made it possible to go further. In 2001, the course grew from 9 to 18 holes. This is the course you play today.
From above
Two loops, two characters
Seen from above, the layout is almost symmetrical: the two loops of nine spread out on either side of the clubhouse, like the wings of a butterfly. On the ground, they could hardly be more different.
The front nine: precision and strategy
The first nine holes are the original 1984 layout. They call for accuracy and thought more than power. The stream runs along much of the loop and quickly punishes a loose tee shot or approach. The mature trees tighten the play and make this half especially pleasant in summer.
The back nine: space and length
The back nine is more open and gives drives more room to land. You can play long here, but water and placement still matter. Hole 14, a par 5 of 536 m from the white tees, is one of the big tests on the course.
With six par 5s in all, Lolivarie offers plenty of chances to attack, as long as you manage your game.
The signature hole
The 12th hole
The 12th has become the signature image of Lolivarie. A 297 m par 4 from the white tees, with two ponds and a peninsula green.
The distance puts it within reach, the design makes it demanding: this is a hole where you have to choose between caution and attack. Its stroke index of 2 says a lot about what it costs when you choose wrongly.
Since 2019
A new momentum
In July 2019, Nadia Habti and Julien Prévost, who had been part of the club for years, took over Golf de Lolivarie. The idea was not to transform it, but to move it forward without losing what makes it what it is.
Since then, one project has followed another: renovated tees, drainage, landscaped water features, bridges renovated and built, new maintenance equipment, a stronger greenkeeping team, a larger car park and a modernised reception.
The clubhouse and the brasserie followed, to make them a place where people stay on after their round rather than just a counter: shade, flowers and tables.
The aim has not changed: to keep improving the course while preserving the natural, friendly spirit that gives it its character.
On site
Practise and improve
The estate has a complete set of practice facilities: a large driving range, a putting green and two short game areas for chipping and pitching.
Private and group lessons, courses and events are offered all year round, for beginners and experienced players alike, as well as groups and teams.
The rest of club life happens in the clubhouse and the brasserie: competitions, get-togethers and convivial moments around a table, in the shade of the plane trees when the fine weather arrives.
Google reviews
We thoroughly enjoyed 2 games at Lolivarie golf club. We enjoyed our first experience so much we went back for a second! Very friendly staff who made us so welcome. An interesting and varied course, well maintained, with a lovely outdoor shaded area post golf for refreshments. All in all a great experience.
I played 18 holes on vacation may 2024, very nice course , been some rain and the lower lying areas were a little soft. Had a lovely time , the owner Julian very kindly dropped me back to my accommodation , thanks for the round .
Nice seating area outside. Suuuuuper friendly people!
Great course, well maintained and well kept greens. Relaxed atmosphere. Best to book in advance. Yearly tradition to golf at Lolivarie!
Pros- nice friendly staff at the reception and easy booking for tee time. Relaxed atmosphere around the clubhouse and restaurant. Good driving range facility. The course layout is nice, fairly challenging and mostly flat. Good value for money esp. for golf addicts with their day pass! My “local” preferred course in Dordogne.
Cons- tee boxes could be better, most are uneven and some with tall grasses.