Vuissens

Vuissens is another of Pern’s Swiss creations and it opened with an initial six holes in 2001, seven years after its current owners acquired Château de Vuissens.

The full 18-hole course was in play by the end of 2002, laid out as two returning loops of nine holes. A little earth had been shifted, over 5,000 trees planted and several water hazards brought into play during the construction process to add definition to the layout.

The outward half plays to a par of 35 with three of the five short holes on the scorecard played on this nine. In contrast, the back nine plays a lot longer as three of Vuissen’s five par five holes are faced on this circuit.

Course architect Jeremy Pern commented as follows:

Since its opening, Vuissens has been considered as one of the top five course in Switzerland, despite its rather out of the way location. Nestling into the rolling hills between the Jura and the Alps, Vuissens includes the finest elements of a parkland course.

Mature woodlands bordering the site, strategically placed streams and lakes, rolling greens with links-like bunkering, fine fescue roughs and immaculately maintained fairways combine to form a distinctive whole – a Swiss golf course that defies a simple description.

Although it is not a long course, and with an unusual configuration of five par 5’s and five par 3’s, it is a real golfing challenge for the more able golfer whilst the less proficient can still enjoy a rewarding round without the humiliation that longer courses can cause.

The Club House and surrounding buildings date from mediaeval times, where atmosphere is bucolic rather than daunting; a place where first time visitors are surprised and usually can’t wait to return.

I consider that Vuissens is amongst the most interesting and enjoyable golf courses that I have had the pleasure of designing. The first hole gives a taste of what is to follow and the sustained rhythm of the course is maintained right through to the 18th green. Enjoy.