Smurfit team buys Paris golf club

A TEAM of investors headed by Dr Michael Smurfit has bought the Paris International Club, one of France's most famous golf courses.

Paris International Club is located in Baillet en France 22km northwest of Paris and 15km west of Roissy CDG International Airport.

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The seller is ClubCorp International Inc.

Opened in 1991, the Paris International Club features an 18-hole, 6,319m Jack Nicklaus Championship golf course and extensive golf practice facilities that include a driving range with covered bays and chipping and putting greens. The 5,500 square metre clubhouse offers fine dining in Le Belvedere dining room conveniently situated overlooking the 18th green.

Other club amenities include a bar and lounge, meeting rooms, an indoor swimming pool, golf shop, men's and women's locker rooms with sauna, jacuzzis, massage rooms and four tennis courts. Six guest rooms provide accommodation within the clubhouse towers.

The Paris International Club was ranked in 1997 by Golf European magazine as among the top 50 courses in France. The championship course served as the venue for the French Ladies Open in 1997 and 1999.

"The acquisition is a good 'fit' for my continued drive to develop outstanding golf properties. After the success of The K Club, I feel that Paris has the potential for a world renowned golf club," Dr Smurfit said. "Since Paris is among the top five most desirable vacation destinations, I know the city can be a favourite destination for golfers."