Royal Zoute - former host of the Belgian Open
Rob Smith
By Rob Smith
published

Many discerning, travelling golfers thirst after something new - not just in the golf, but in the culture, scenery and other activities away from the course

Golf in Flanders

For the discerning golfer who travels, of particular interest are the courses in continental Europe that provide easy access. Happily, a new enterprise is offering the perfect solution for golfers from all over Europe as Golf in Flanders reveals the region to be one of the continent’s best, new golfing hotspots.

The beautiful course at Cleydael runs round the 14th-century castle

The beautiful course at Cleydael runs round the 14th-century castle

With Thomas Pieters and Nicolas Colsaerts set to represent Belgium in the Olympics, the Flemish Golf Federation is proud to be promoting Flanders as a top-class golf destination where its 54 clubs will welcome golfers of all standards to try out its wide and varied array of courses. Many are reminiscent of some of the finest heathland and parkland courses in the UK. Some, such as Royal Zoute which has hosted several European Tour events, are already widely known and highly respected. Others such as Millennium and Koksijde Golf Ter Hille are more recent creations which offer a wonderful contrast meaning that there is something for everyone.

The challenging course at Royal Ostende is the one true links course in the country

The challenging course at Royal Ostende is the one true links course in the country

"Flanders has some of the best and most beautiful golf courses at relatively short distances from each other and from the tourist attractions nearby, but it is unknown for many tourists and expats,” says Katrien Pauwels, project manager of Golf in Flanders. “Our golf clubs have all the required facilities: varied and well-kept courses to suit every skill level, good food and great service in the clubhouse as well as lots of heritage to discover.”

Oudenaarde in the Ardennes, home of two fine courses

Oudenaarde in the Ardennes, home of two fine courses

Everyone associated with the project is keen to show off the many wonderful and exciting things that golfing tourism in the region has to offer, and to make sure that every visiting golfer has an experience that is positive in every way. Accordingly, the Golf in Flanders team is looking forward to inviting golf writers and journalists as well as golf tour operators to come and sample all that is on offer for themselves.

Historic trees and challenging water features await at Ternesse

Historic trees and challenging water features await at Ternesse

 

More information is available at the Golf In Flanders website

Rob Smith
Rob Smith
Contributing Editor

Rob Smith has been playing golf for 45 years and been a contributing editor for Golf Monthly since 2012. He specialises in course reviews and travel, and has played more than 1,200 courses in almost 50 countries. In 2022, he played all 21 courses in East Lothian in 13 days. Last year, his tally was 81, 32 of them for the first time. One of Rob's primary roles is helping to prepare the Top 100 and Next 100 Courses of the UK&I, of which he has played all but seven and a half... i.e. not the new 9 at Carne! Of those missing, some are already booked for 2024. He is a member of Tandridge in Surrey where his handicap hovers around 16. You can contact him at r.smith896@btinternet.com.

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