We set off at 9.00am for our tee time at 10.18 but in doing so missed our fresh bread and croissants from Jean-Luc who had had a late night and who we passed going in the other direction somewhere en route. The Bressons golf course was carved out of the woods and undulating terrain typical of the area. American in appearance, we came to realise that this extended to the many large and sometimes inappropriately placed bunkers which were not in great shape after recent rain. Nevertheless, we happily hit a bucket of balls on the range and set off for 9 holes, lunch and then the second nine - all with the administration's approval. The quality of golf was, as expected, variable but M1 was one up at lunch. The walk back to the Clubhouse was pretty long - more of a randonnee in golf shoes and carrying our clubs. Lunch on the terrace was light and tasty and we practiced the art of people watching. We both very much like the informality of European Clubs as far as dress and dining are concerned. Golfers of both sexes were casually dressed but looked clean, natural and wholesome. In the UK, unfortunately, casual means dressing in clothes to wash the car. Nevertheless, there is a model here that UK Clubs should not ignore. Golf International de Grenoble, to give the place its full title, is also sponsored by patron companies with small discrete placards at the tee, acknowledgement shown on the course guide and listed near the 1st tee (Gold, Silver, Bronze). If UK Clubs fail to go some way towards this system, then subscriptions must rise significantly. We feel sure that an accommodation could be made without compromising the status of a private Club.
After lunch, we were driven out to the 10th tee to resume our round. All looked good and there was a neat space for us on the course. However, the 11th hole was a par 3 and there was a queue of players from green to tee. We made our peace with the group behind us when they appeared on the tee. Fortunately, we played both 11th and 12th in reasonable time to re-establish the separation. Then McD was approached by someone at the 12th green. Initially, we both thought that this indicated a problem. But no - Bruno Campignotti, who had been playing in the 3 Ball ahead together with a husband and wife had been asked to leave them (he had joined them when his other playing partners had walked in) as his presence was putting the lady off her game! We were pleased to welcome him. Bruno proved to be a delightful companion and a pretty useful golfer with a swing reminiscent of Jim Furyk's (octopus and trees?). He had excellent English and despite our valiant attempts to talk in French, for the sake of ease, we quickly gave in and lapsed back into our mother tongue. The golf was again variable over the tricky closing holes but the humour and exchange was good. Bruno joined us for a welcome beer after play then astonished us by inviting us back to his house for dinner having consulted his wife - it might even have been her idea! We had explained that we were waifs and strays travelling in an ancient camper van but he batted not an eyelid and said we could park the van in his drive or even take a bed in his house. This was an offer we could not possibly refuse so we high tailed it back to the campsite - inevitably in the wrong direction - broke camp, cleaned up and presented ourselves Chez Campagnotti at about 7.45pm to another enthusiastic and warm welcome.
Bruno's lovely wife, Nadine also made us feel very welcome and proceeded to ply us with blinis and tapenade, grilled shrimps with provencal sauce, the most divine tomato, mozzarella and basil salad, followed by grilled meats and sausages with haricots verts and ratatouille. Bruno meanwhile kept his end up by offering us several delicious wines. Their house at Crolles was set almost directly against a sheer 1000 ft cliff face at the back but with uninterrupted views across the valley to the front. Complete with heated pool, a myriad of umbrellas, sunshades, lights, terraces and garden furniture, they were fully geared for outdoor living. We dined on the back terrace and got to know our hosts ever better and like them even more - not just for their wonderful and unexpected generosity, but also for their warmth, interest, values and love for each other and for life. Bruno, a lecturer at Grenoble University with responsibility for Economic English showed his energy, vitality
and diversity at every turn. Aged 60, he played golf, skied (mostly off piste), climbed via ferrate, played the drums and owned a Harley Davidson lookalike motor bike (just 125cc) which he and Nadine chugged happily round the region. Nadine - vivacious and surely younger than Bruno - was an administrator at Grenoble's main hospital. She was also potty about her rabbit Katy (who we have to say was very cute!) which had been a present from her son when their rescued dog had died four years previously at the age of 17.
Nadine would not let us escape without a range of cheeses and some excellent sorbet (Picard is the name for quality, she says). Asked about why the French choose to serve cheeses before dessert, Nadine was forthright "Why you English no finish your meal with something sweet? You are mad!". We also had to sample some locally made wines/spirits made, we were told proudly, by Nadine's Mum. We both came away with a bottle suitably labelled on the spot using labels from her handbag!
Without doubt, this was a memorable and most wonderful night for the travellers who were made to feel thoroughly at home in a stranger's house after meeting for just six holes of the marvellous game of golf. Reluctantly, we made our way to the van for the night stop. Just as we settled down, there was a huge noise from inside the house as Bruno gave us a roll of his drums. I hope he didn't upset the neighbours!
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