Golf Club Domaine Imperial

About the club

The imposing appellation of this club located halfway between Lausanne and Geneva references the fact that Emperor Napoleon III spent some time at the manor house here at the center of what were then the grounds of a grand estate. Pete Dye's design for the course acknowledges the history of the place while at the same time being thoroughly American in style. Thus his layout, which has matured since debuting almost three decades ago, blends in with and makes good use of the landscape as it works its way in part through thick woods and in part over pastureland, and offers panoramic vistas of Lake Geneva, the Jura Mountains and the Alps beyond. The challenges come in the form of imposing bunkering, carefully positioned trees and abundant water. At 6,339 meters, the course is long enough to keep good players entertained, though it lacks the teeth for championship play.