BRUGGE & ROYAL ZOUTE GOLF COURSES
The best Golf Clubs for golfbreaks in Bruges & the Belgian coast at Zoute.
Royal Zoute Architect: H.S. Colt & S. Dunn (1945). 18 holes: 6,172m: par 72.
Surely one of Belgium's (if not Europe's) finest courses; rich in the traditions of the game, having hosted the Belgian Open on many occasions. A superb variety of tantalising holes with a real links feel to the sandy soil that ripples through the dense pine forest surrounding the seaside resort of Knokke-Heist. A "must play" course if you are in the area - or anywhere near it!
Royal ostend Architect: T. Simpson (1903). 18 holes: 5,618m: par 70.
One of the first course in Belgium and there is still plenty of olde worlde charme about this fine establishment with its blend of woodland and true links holes.
Don't be fooled into thinking it's a bit short, remember you are playing alongside the North Sea so there's always (at least) a gentle zephyr to contend with!
N.B. A very private Club, however it is possible for us to arrange Tee-times for small groups (HCP certificates required).
Damme Architect: D. van Heel (1987). 18 holes: 6,028m: par 72.
The closest course to Brugge and well worthy of a second visit to this very welcoming Club - or maybe a 27-hole day out to take in it's devilish new nine-holes that are festooned with water hazards. The course design makes intelligent and very entertaining use of the established woodland and water - a good example of a course that fits beautifully to its surroundings.
Royal Latem Architect: F. Hawtree (1909). 18 holes: 5,669m: par 72.
Just south of Ghent (another acquatic Belgian beauty) the exclusive Royal Latem Golf Club is tucked away in the dense forest. A very private Golf Club with a tight and twisting course that will leave you wanting more. The course sports the full range of woodland hazards, i.e. deciduous and coniferous! Plus the occasional drop of water and two or three blind drives: all-in-all, lots of fun. Uniquely, two generations of the Hawtree family were responsible for the current shape of play: first Fred then more recently Martin. The final touch of class is the rather smart, nicely understated, Clubhouse - just as one might expect.
Oostburg Architect: B. de Vos & R. Kirby. 18 holes: 6,402m: par 73.
Over the border into Holland for a real test of your golfing skills! Oostburg picks its way through an almost ornamental garden; tight avenues of trees and encroaching water almost everywhere makes you think twice about unwrapping that new ball... At the end of it all, the magnificent Clubhouse provides the perfect spot to relate your (unquestionably numerous) adventures.
Koksijde Architect: J. Pern. 18 holes: 6,020m: par 72.
On the French/Belgian border, not far from Dunkirk, Koksijde Golf ter Hille is a new development that is clearly well-funded. The flat terrain here has been drained into omnipresent lagoons, canals and ponds that border practically every hole! In between the water, the sandy Fairways and firm Greens have a very linksy feel, further enhanced by the creation of dunes sewn with Marram grass. Clubhouse is exceptional too, making Koksijde a tremendous addition to the growing number of golf courses in North Belgium (and France).
Palingbeek Architect: B. Baker (1992). 18 holes: 6,159m: par 72.
A recent addition to the Belgian golfing scene close to Lille and the French border; so ideal for a stop en-route from Calais. Hiding in pastoral isolation, the substantial Palingbeek Clubhouse seems a little incongruous amongst the farm buildings and livestock of Flanders' fields. The course itself has made good use of the land's gentle slopes and although some holes run adjacently, there are plenty of quiet corners too to contemplate the scenery or that last four footer...