You’ve been playing a key role in the transformation of Golf du Médoc into Cabot Bordeaux. What does this evolution mean to you personally?
Personally, it has been a very rewarding experience. I’m proud to be part of such a prestigious global portfolio of Cabot properties, from Canada and the U.S. to Scotland, and to see our destination here in France take its place among them is incredibly meaningful. At the same time, a rebranding is never easy.
I’ve managed this property for 20 years under the Golf du Médoc name, and there’s a strong emotional connection not only for me but also for many of our loyal guests, some of whom have been coming here for decades. Understandably, they’re still attached to the original identity. It takes time and consistent communication to help them embrace the change and see the value in it.
That said, it’s been a truly exciting journey. We’ve already done a lot to introduce the Cabot brand to our markets, with great feedback so far, and I feel fortunate to be part of this transition, helping shape the next chapter of the property’s story.
Are there any specific philosophies or approaches from Cabot that have particularly resonated with you?
Definitely. What stands out to me most is Cabot’s commitment to guest experience and brand identity. From the overall quality and course design to maintenance standards, retail, and even visual branding, everything is thought through in detail. There are clear brand markers and touchpoints throughout the resort that create a consistent, elevated experience, and that level of precision and care really resonates with me. I’m learning a lot from how Cabot operates, and I find it genuinely inspiring to apply that approach here at Bordeaux.
The support I receive from Cabot’s home office is also incredible. I’m surrounded by specialists in golf development, agronomy, construction, and operations, and I learn a lot from them every day. Ben Cowan-Dewar, Cabot’s CEO, is a visionary, and he’s built a strong, highly skilled team to help elevate the Cabot experience worldwide. That energy and expertise have definitely shaped the way I approach my role, and how we operate here, always pushing to do things the Cabot way, with excellence at every level.
What aspects of the guest journey at Cabot Bordeaux are you most proud of – or excited to enhance further?
What makes me proud is how consistent our product and service are across all departments, from golf and rooms to food and beverage, spa, retail, and instruction. That was already true at Golf du Médoc, and with Cabot, we’re working to raise that bar even further. We’ve already begun enhancing the golf course, including renovating bunkers and fairways on nine holes of the Château course. Phase two of this work is scheduled to continue from November 2025.
We’ve also planted more than 2,000 trees and redesigned the landscaping at the entrance to reflect a more classic French style, helping to create a stronger first impression as soon as guests arrive. There’s still more to do, of course, but we’re fully committed to elevating the guest experience in every detail, making sure each interaction and every corner of the resort reflects the quality and care that define the Cabot brand.
How do you see Cabot Bordeaux helping reshape the perception of France as a golf destination on the global stage?
To be recognised as a true golf destination, a country needs a collection of high-quality golf resorts, much like you see in Scotland, Ireland, Portugal, or Spain. France already has some great examples, including Terre Blanche and Evian, and Cabot Bordeaux is certainly part of that group.
The 2018 Ryder Cup at Le Golf National played an important role in raising international awareness, and now, with more French players emerging on the PGA Tour and continued efforts by the tourism board, we’re seeing real progress. France may not yet be seen as a top-tier golf destination, but it is moving in that direction.
Cabot Bordeaux will undoubtedly play a key role in that evolution by bringing world-class quality and visibility to the region, and by helping to elevate the overall reputation of French golf on the global stage.
You know this region better than anyone – in your eyes, what makes it so special for visitors, especially those discovering it for the first time as part of a trip to Cabot Bordeaux?
Cabot chose to invest here because the destination itself is exceptional. The golf resort had a solid foundation, with a strong reputation and established quality, but the real magic lies in the region. There is so much to explore, especially for international visitors and particularly those coming from North America. The wine culture is world-renowned, the city of Bordeaux is vibrant and elegant, and the surrounding areas are full of charm, from medieval villages to the Atlantic coastline and even natural wonders like the Dune du Pilat, the tallest sand dune in Europe.
The challenge now is to shift perception. Bordeaux is no longer just a wine region. It is a true travel destination in its own right, and with Cabot Bordeaux offering world-class golf at its heart, visitors can now experience a blend of culture, nature, and sport that is genuinely unique.
