When sports, nature, and education come together in the heart of Provence Verte
At the foot of the unspoiled Sainte-Baume massif, the eponymous golf course regularly welcomes visitors in search of sport, nature, and relaxation. But this time, an equally important mission took center stage on the course: education.
A class of high school students studying for a vocational diploma in hospitality at the Lycée Raynouard in Brignoles came for a unique immersion experience combining an introduction to different professions, an introduction to sports, exploration of the site, and awareness of biodiversity.
It was a busy and meaningful day, fully in line with the school’s objective of anchoring training in the realities of the region while democratizing access to new professional and sporting environments—and also in line with the vision of Golf Sainte Baume, which is committed to local roots, transmission, and the discovery of its sporting and tourist universe.
A professional immersion at the heart of an iconic local site
Welcomed by Richard Stanislas, director of Golf Sainte Baume, the students immediately immersed themselves in the diversity of professions related to hospitality, tourism, and sports complex management. From the driving range to the pro shop, from the restaurant to the reservation and reception area, each department revealed the high standards, organization, and versatility required to provide a seamless experience for visitors, tourists, and loyal customers.
A highlight of the visit was when a student who had completed an internship at the golf club answered a customer call live, demonstrating in a real-life situation the quality of the skills she had developed during her training.
This professional guided tour gave the high school students a concrete view of the interactions between customer relations, logistics, tourist site organization, and sports facility management—essential knowledge for their future careers—while highlighting the philosophy of Golf Sainte Baume, which places great importance on the transmission of know-how, education, and personalized hospitality, and ensures that every visitor enjoys an impeccable experience that reflects its special attention to customer satisfaction and service excellence.
An introduction to the sport to experience the physical benefits of golf
After discovering what goes on behind the scenes, it was time to get some practice in! Under the guidance of golf instructor Thomas Rehberger, the high school students enjoyed a fun and dynamic introduction to the sport.
After a review of safety rules, the basics of the swing, posture, grip, and more, two hours of practice on the driving range allowed everyone to give it a try, sometimes timidly, often enthusiastically.
For many, it was their first time. And that is precisely one of the main objectives of this day: to democratize golf, to show that it is an accessible, comprehensive sport that is good for concentration, emotional management, motor skills, and well-being.
Amid laughter, surprises, and successful first shots, the introduction opened a new sporting door for young people who might never have dared to discover this discipline otherwise.
An exploration of the journey: immersion in nature and awareness of biodiversity
One of the highlights of the day was undoubtedly the tour of the course in golf carts.
It was a unique immersion into the heart of the 18 holes, revealing the beauty of the terrain, the technical nature of the maintenance, and the essential role of the local vegetation.
Golf Sainte Baume, a true natural gem, raises awareness of the close link between sport and the environment, and the importance of sustainable maintenance in the service of biodiversity.
The students were able to discover how a golf course can play a role in conservation: responsible water management, wildlife protection, enhancement of the landscape heritage, etc. This is essential awareness-raising, especially in an area as rich and unspoiled as the Massif de la Sainte-Baume Regional Nature Park.
Transmission, pedagogy, and territory: a day that goes far beyond experience
For the teachers who organized the trip, this outing was much more than just a visit: it was another step in the development of an ambitious educational project, namely the tourism component of the Bac Pro Métiers de l’Accueil (vocational diploma in hospitality).
This successful immersion strengthened the ties between the school and local stakeholders, while giving students a concrete vision of career opportunities.
The class’s exemplary behavior, the students’ active involvement, the quality of the exchanges with professionals, and the warm welcome from Golf Sainte Baume made this day a complete success. It was a memorable and formative experience.
Beyond discovering a profession or a sport, this day helped to convey strong values: curiosity, respect, commitment, openness to nature, and awareness of the benefits of sport.
It was an inspiring encounter between young people, teachers, and professionals, in a place where the natural setting enhances the learning experience.
The day was a complete success, exceeding even initial expectations: discovering a sporting and economic facility while offering a new physical activity. We believe that this outing fully achieved its educational objectives and enabled students to develop important skills as part of their training in Hospitality, Tourism option.
