European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - August 12, 1993, Darmstadt, Hesse                                The sporting life Mark Wallace manages the Golf course at Sainte Maxime. Links continued from Page 13 plus the French have so much land to devote to the game. But it in t that big  Wallace and Lomas have set up a  that will give golfers a tour of several of the courses. For about 850 francs $ 170 link sters can play five of the 14 courses during a one week period. Lamas said the golfer can pick any course to play and All Green fees will be covered. We can give the golfer a Good feel for the courses in the area Wallace said. If you consider that you d pay about 300 francs for a round at one course you can see the  along with spectacular Golf courses Lomas said a Golf trip to Southern France also offers a lot of activities for families. While mom or dad tee up on the first Hole most course hotels have swimming pools Tennis courts and even horseback Riding for other family  the proximity to the coast is a plus As Well he said. You can play a round in the morning Stop for lunch head to the Beach come Back and play again Lomas said. All the while the family could be at the Beach shopping or just visiting the Countryside. This is a True golfer s  a golfer putts on the eighth Hole at Sainte Maxime. The clubhouse and hotel Complex Are in the background. Fast facts for Var Golf information Contact Mark Wallace at Golf de Sainte Maxime routed bar Quement 83120 Sainte Maxime or Call at 33 94 49 26 60 or Send a fax to 33 94 49 00 39. To set up a Golf Holiday write Bill Lomas at 405 Boulevard Des Bruyerer Les i Sambres 833830 or Call at 33 94496533. Boule part Bowling part marbles All fun every afternoon thousands of people gather in Parks and courtyards throughout the South of France to play a grown up version of marbles. Boule is one of a Long line of european Bowling games that has a cult like following in France. People crowd nearby bistros to watch players throw softball sized steel balls at a Small rubber Ball on a Patch of dirt. The object is to Knock the other player s Ball out of play. Often the action leads to animated arguments or Gleeful shouts of Triumph when one player knocks another a Ball out of the Yard. Boule is a variation of the italian game of bocce. According to the encyclopedia of sports both games Are played on a court approximately 60 feet Long. However in Boule players Pace off the distance with 15 paces. One player throws the Small rubber Ball called the Jack the approximate Clib Tance. Another paces the distance and if close to the required length signals for play to begin. A player takes an accurate measurement during a game of Boule. Boule is usually played with two teams of two people each. The Point of the game is to get one team s steel balls closest to the Jack. The first team throws one Ball out then Steps Back. The other team tries to Knock that Ball away from the Jack and leave their Ball closest. The balls Are thrown underhanded some players lob the Ball gently while others rocket it in. Crossing a Boule Field in play is Akin to crossing a game of Dodge Ball played with shot puts. After the team is through the first team tries to regain the closest position. In the end Points Are awarded based on who s nearest the Jack. Each game is normally played to 12 Points with one Points a photos by Michael Abrams awarded for each Ball closer than an opponent s. In France the game is played virtually everywhere. Parks courtyards and vacant lots double As Boule courts. For example in Saint Tropez a Park the size of a football Field is Host to dozens of Boule games every Day. The game attracts Many Ages though older people seem to be More attracted to the slow Pace and strategy of the game. The heavy steel spheres Are difficult for children to handle safely but teen agers and older people Are taking a growing interest in the game. Like other sports Boule has an assortment of accessories that players can buy to show their interest in the sport. Bags for the balls magnets on strings to eliminate bending Over to pick up the Ball and cleaning cloths Are available. The balls themselves Are All similar. Most Are carved with grooves for better Finger traction and weigh More than 2 pounds each. They can be bought in stores throughout France. Mar Kinkade i4 stripes  August 12, 1993