What is a Carte Verte golf permit in golf?
The Carte Verte is a kind of “golf license.” It certifies that the player knows how to play on its own On the course: he plays at a reasonable pace, knows the basic rules, respects the course, and doesn't put anyone in danger. On a golf course, this ensures that a beginner won't hold up the groups behind him.
Carte Verte or Carte Verte golf permit: What Has Changed?
Since 2016, the French Golf Federation (FFGolf) has replaced the Carte Verte with the PASS Carte Verte. The basic concept remains the same, but the training is broken down into steps, with specific tests. In practice, many golfers and clubs continue to use the term “Carte Verte” when referring to the PASS.
Old green cards are still valid: the FFGolf recommends that golf courses open their courses to holders of a Carte Verte, from a PASS Carte Verte or a handicap. However, each golf course is free to set its own admission policies.
How do I get the Carte Verte golf permit?
He is training with a golf instructor at a club that offers this service. There are three options:
- Live: a course lasting several months, for beginners.
- In three internships: three weeks of training, one week per level.
- The Regularization Test: For a player who already knows how to play but doesn't have a Carte Verte golf permit or a handicap card.
To pass the final exam, regardless of the program, you must hold a valid FFGolf license.
What skills do you need?
The PASS is completed in three levels, covering increasingly longer distances:
| Level | Objective |
|---|---|
| Level 1 – Beginner | Learn the basics of the game over short distances (such as pitch and putt) |
| Level 2 – Making Progress | Refine these fundamentals over medium distances (compact course) |
| Level 3 – Final Exam | Mastering the Basics of Playing on the Full Course |
At each level, the teacher assesses five areas:
- the Putting;
- the short game: bump and run approaches, bunker shots;
- the big game: tee shots and shots toward the green;
- the Rules of Golf, through a short questionnaire;
- the behavior On the course: rake the bunkers, repair your divots, don't take practice swings on the tee box, and let faster groups go ahead of you.
The final test also includes a few holes played on the course within the allotted time. The details of the tests are subject to change: your instructor will inform you of the current criteria. Once you have earned your PASS, your instructor will also advise you on the starting point tailored to the length of your swings.
What happens after you get your Carte Verte?
The next step is the'handicap, which measures your skill level and improves as you achieve good scores, whether in competitions or in registered friendly matches. Young people in golf schools, on the other hand, follow a separate path, that of the Flags, from the green flag to the gold flag.
Where can I take the Carte Verte golf permit exam?
At golf courses that offer this program: the FFGolf publishes a map of the clubs and their packages on its website. It’s best to start with an introductory lesson—which many golf courses offer—and then ask the club how it organizes the PASS.
Video lessons to prepare for the Carte Verte golf permit
Related sections
Guides to Read
Related terms
Frequently Asked Questions: Carte Verte at the Golf Course
Is the Carte Verte still a thing?
Since 2016, the French Golf Federation has replaced it with the PASS Carte Verte. The old green cards are still valid, and many golfers still refer to the PASS as the “Carte Verte.”.
How long does it take to get the Carte Verte?
Depending on the option chosen: several months of continuing education, or three weeks of training, one per level. A player who is already self-sufficient can take a placement test right away.
Is a Carte Verte golf permit required to play on a golf course?
There is no law requiring this, but the FFGolf recommends that golf courses limit access to their main courses to players who hold a green card, a Carte Verte golf permit, or a handicap. Most golf courses follow this recommendation.
Do you need a driver's license to take the Carte Verte test?
Yes. A valid FFGolf license is required for the final exam, regardless of the course you take.
