Near Alès, a calm and family summer at the Ribaute-les-Tavernes golf club

Sur le parcours, habitués et touristes se mélangent. Midi Libre – ALEXIS BETHUNE

The Ribaute-les-Tavernes golf club opens its doors to everyone throughout the year.

Nestled on the banks of the Gardon d’Anduze, the Ribaute-les-Tavernes golf club offers a perfect setting for fans of this sport, which is nevertheless rarely practiced by the general public. Since 1997, the Alès Ribaute golf club has grown at the same rate as its number of holes. Antoine Lebizay, an employee of the club for two years, recalls the evolution:“The club has grown from 6 to 9 holes. Today, we can count around 130 members and 200 licensees which is not bad for a small club.” A small club that is growing while opening its doors to the greatest number. “Golf is open to everyone. Of course, if you have never been on a course before, you have to go to the practice range. It allows you to hit balls. The buckets are 3 € and we lend clubs."

Jérôme Gamallo came to share a moment with his father-in-law. Midi Libre – ALEXIS BETHUNE

Behind the good running of this place hides a man, Nicolas Bernal, gardener of the Golf. The latter has occupied this position alone for three years, "a good job" which allowed him to discover golf. "Before I didn't even know this sport, today I play every day (laughs). To be a good gardener (in a golf club), you have to be a good golfer!" This very complex work, golf courses being very fragile, demands a lot of time from Nicolas Bernal, especially since he is alone. Indeed, many problems endanger the lawns: heat, storms, diseases, wild boars, etc. Despite these drawbacks and thanks to the work of Nicolas Bernal, the golf course attracts its public.

On the course, regulars and tourists mix. Jean-Claude Ragot, a new member of the club for 2 years and a golf player for about fifteen years, comes here very regularly. “In summer I come less often. It's a beautiful golf course, very well maintained, very familiar." That morning, he is accompanied by Jérôme Gamallo, his son-in-law from Toulouse and an occasional player for about fifteen years. "It's a nice golf course and above all very close to home." After a few shots played and also a few misses, the latter confides to us with a laugh: "Golf is not easy."

Clément tests himself on the practice range. Midi Libre – ALEXIS BETHUNE

On the practice range side, a couple is busy hitting balls. Clément and Amélie are locals and are here for the second time. For Clément, the goal is clear: “We try to touch the ball before we want to go on the course.”(Laughs) This couple is trying to “enjoy the holidays” as Amélie tells us. “We decided to come at the last minute. We find it amusing." Beyond making it a passion, the couple reassures: "It's not a given to be a member, you have to be sure you want to do it."

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