Golf in Belgium

It may come as a surprise to some people but Belgium is littered with golf courses, some of which rank up there with the best in Europe. Take Royal Zoute Golf Club near Bruges, for example. This Harry Colt design was actually voted as the best course in the whole of Europe in 1992/93.

It has also hosted the Belgian Open on three occasions and former Open champion Nick Faldo, for one, loved playing there, the English star remarking that it was unmatched in terms of quality. Set amidst the old dunes and pine trees of the Zoute, this par-72 course runs parallel with a second course, this shorter track having a par of 64.

Royal Ostend Golf Club was founded in 1903 and is an authentic links, the course being situated in the dunes beside the North Sea. The sandy soil here guarantees dry fairways the whole year round and you will get a warm welcome in the stylish clubhouse whatever your handicap. Royal Antwerp is the oldest club in Belgium, having been established in 1888.

The course was originally designed by Willie Park but was modernised in 1929 by Tom Simpson. Thanks to its traditional classic design, the course demands a certain precision in shot-making with strategically-placed bunkers and an abundance of trees on every hole. It's a course which has considerable charm and provides players with a very pleasant and challenging experience.

Brasschaat Golf & Country Club and Rinkven Golf Club are two other courses well worth a visit in the Antwerp area. Hidden in a green environment, Brasschaat offers a relaxing atmosphere as you tackle a course where two sizeable lakes add to the difficulty level. Rinkven has three nine-hole courses which are laid out amidst a mature woodland that formsa haven for wildlife. Here, the diversity of the holes challenges the player to adopt an ever-changing strategy.

The top course in Brussels is the Royal Golf Club of Belgium, an excellent parkland layout in a fairytale surrounding. The fairways and greens are perfectly maintained here and the clubhouse was converted from a chateau which was actually a gift to the Belgian nation from Leopold II. The course is lined by a spectacular collection of trees and in early June the blooming of the rhododendrons is quite breathtaking.

Waregem Golf Club is near Ghent and, in addition to an excellent golf course, it also boasts a sports centre with tennis, squash and fitness facilities. The first nine holes of the golf course are situated on the Karmelberg, named after the nearby monastery. The course is hilly with large fairways and offers panoramic views from the highest point in the region.

By contrast, the second nine holes are situated in a large flat area , though the presence of water hazards ensure they are just as challenging. You see, Belgium has everything you'd be looking for in a golfing holiday and it is certainly worth a visit.