Cleydael Golf Club, Antwerp Royal Latem Golf Club
Did you know … that Flanders has
claims to the origins of the game when
in 1360, the council of Brussels banned
the game of ‘Golf’: “wie met colven
tsolt es om twintich scell’ oft op hare
overste cleet” (“he who plays golf pays
a fine of 20 shillings or his overcoat
will be confiscated”!!)? Those were the
first signs that something was brewing
when even then people couldn’t stop
playing … golf! but rumour has it Seymour Dunn, the architect
of the Kings and of Royal County Down fame
has at least inspired the lay out. In 1990 Martin
Hawtree, third generation course architects and
prominent in Belgian golf, embarked on a 10 year
renovation plan to bring the course up to scratch.
This is a magnificent property, very traditional (no
shorts except with knee length socks) and Augusta
inspired with a broad variety of plants, shrubs and
monumental trees framing the fairways and greens.
Members flock to the clubhouse during lunchtime
as the food is of exceptional quality and adds to the
whole experience of the club, of which the King of
Belgium. Albert II, is the Honorary President.
Brussels National Airport is only 15 min from the
city centre and a gateway to and from Europe and
beyond. There are ample ways of getting round
Belgium, either by train (underneath the airport) or
rental car, with the major rental car companies like
Hertz all having plenty of wheels available. Leave
the airport and 20 minutes later, golfers can tee
it up on the brand new ‘The National’ golf club.
Built on the grounds of the old Sterrebeek horse
race track, the National is a modern golf course
designed by Bruno Steensels. Like all contemporary
courses, a lot of earth movement has created a
stadium like arena with length and many hazards
and once the playing surfaces are more embedded,
surely ready to host a major tournament. Close by,
the Royal Golf Club of Belgium - “Royal” since its
foundation in 1906 by decision of King Leopold II
- is laid on land belonging to the “Royal Donation”.
The Ravenstein Manor Farm owes its name to its
first owner, Philippe de Cleves, Squire of Ravenstein.
It’s not exactly clear who designed the golf course Over the past years, cities in Flanders have been
given the nod by the likes of Lonely Planet and are
now known to the broader world to be hip and
cool. Ghent and Antwerp are among Europe’s most
desired short trip city destinations and there is
good golf nearby.
Antwerp is one of Flanders’ most diverse cities.
From the medieval squares dotted around the
imposing cathedral, to the bars and restaurants on
the ‘South’ surrounding the old filled in medieval
docks, Antwerp has it all. From bustling shopping
streets to a thriving bar and restaurant scene, you
are never far away from a quality meal with a typical
Belgian beer. Golf is never far away from the city
centre so basing yourself in Antwerp will see you
playing golf within half an hour from the centre
of town. Royal Antwerp, the 2nd oldest golf club
on the continent has recently been restored to
resemble the characteristics of the traditional Tom
Simpson layout from the ‘30s. Also nearby is the 36-
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