European destinations such as the Algarve, Costa del Sol and Le Touquet have long been welcoming hoards of golfers looking to escape the stresses and strains of everyday life on their annual golf breaks. While the list of top class courses and luxurious accommodations in these golfing hotspots is an impressive one, there comes a point when golfers may find that they have had their fill of a certain place?for at least a while anyway!
That?s where the lesser known European golf holiday destinations such as Belgium come to the fore. While Belgium is more commonly associated with chocolate, waffles and fine beers, it is also home to a number of outstanding golf courses. Golfers who have strayed from the usual haunts of Spain, Portugal and France may have heard of the likes of Royal Waterloo near Brussels and Royal Zoute near the popular medieval city of Bruges but there are plenty of other golfing gems in the south of the country, specifically the Spa-Liege region, that will fit perfectly into your next Belgian Golf Holiday.
Spa is Europe?s original spa town whose reputation is forged on the mineral-rich water that bubbles to its surface. Today, the focal point of this well-being Mecca is the infinitely lavish Thermes de Spa which sits proudly atop the hill, overlooking the charming town. To get the best use possible out of the spa, which we would fully recommend as it is a great place to head immediately following a taxing round of golf; the Radisson Blu Palace Hotel is the place to be. Connected to the exclusive Thermes de Spa by a funicular railway, this luxurious yet laid back hotel is a great base for your South Belgium Golf Break.
The accommodation comes courtesy of 120 high class rooms and suites, which are decorated and furnished impeccably, with most benefiting from high speed wireless internet access. Whether you are a golf or leisure traveller, a trip to Spa is sure to be a relaxing escape, and bases do not come much more convenient than the Palace Hotel.
While the town of Spa is understandably geared towards the Thermes de Spa, there is more than enough to keep the travelling golfer entertained throughout their stay. Golf courses may not appear as frequently as they do in the North of Belgium but they are never too far away. The most notable of the golf clubs in this stunning region of Belgium include Royal Golf Club des Fagnes, Royal Sart Tilman and the Mergelhof Golf Resort, which is also home to a fantastic hotel by the way.
Royal Golf Club des Fagnes
Royal Golf Club des Fagnes enjoys a position in the Top 100 European Golf Courses and is ranked as the fourth best in Belgium. While that should be enough to convince any golfer to pay it a visit while on a Belgian Golf Break, comparisons with the world class golf courses in and around London such as Sunningdale and Wentworth will certainly tip the balance in Fagnes? direction.
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Royal Golf Club des Fagnes is one of the best courses not just in Belgium but in the whole of Europe.
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Royal Golf Club des Fagnes was designed by the flamboyant English architect, Tom Simpson, and offers two contrasting loops of nine that are sure to thrill in equal measure. The original nine holes are bordered by heather, and are reminiscent of England?s great heathland courses, while the second half, added at a later date, is carved through the adjoining pine forests. The course is full of character and requires accuracy and creativity over simple brute strength. In its early days Fagnes played host to some of the best players in golf?s history including Sir Henry Cotton who said, ?I think the golf course at Spa is one of the best I have seen in Europe?it will be the finest on the continent in a year or two.?
High praise indeed!
Royal Sart Tilman
Like Royal Golf Club des Fagnes, Royal Sart Tilman was laid out by Tom Simpson and is widely regarded as one of the finest golf courses in Belgium. The course sprawls over the rolling hills around the town of Liege and like many of the courses in the region, fairways are bordered by rows of age old pines that have come to dominate the land. Needless to say then that accuracy from the tee is a handy weapon to have around here.
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Royal Sart Tilman is bordered by towering pines that dominate the area surrounding the Ardennes.
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Throw in severe undulations, sneakily placed bunkers and sloping greens and you have a real test on your hands. The course is impeccably maintained from start to finish and although the first two are relatively straight forward, the remainder of the course will pose some serious questions of your game.
Mergelhof
Situated a stone?s throw from the borders of Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands, Mergelhof must be the most international golf courses of them all. In fact, if you hit a wayward drive on the 6th you may have to venture into the Netherlands to retrieve your ball!
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Mergelhof offers a less exacting test that the two Royal courses in the area and is perfect for a more relaxing round of golf.
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This par 72 course features rolling fairways that are well protected by numerous bunkers and a number of devilish water hazards, providing a stern test for all who play here. Panoramic views are offered from all over the course, particularly from some of the more elevated tees, and are a joy to take in while you stroll to play your next shot.
Mergelhof also boasts an excellent nine hole course which allows those who are pressed for time, or simply those who don?t feel up to the physical exertions of a full 18, to enjoy a more manageable slice of Mergelhof.
With all the golf that is on offer in this region of Belgium, those looking to explore Spa and Liege on a Belgian Golf Break should be hard pressed to tear themselves away from the fairways but should a day away from the course appeal during your break there are plenty of other sights and sounds that make this region of Belgium a popular destination for golfers and non golfer alike.
Often referred to as the Pearl of the Ardennes, Spa is an attractive Belgian town in a wooded valley surrounded by undulating hills and countless rivers and springs making it ideal for those who like to explore the great outdoors. Taking a break from nature, visitors can also explore the town of Spa itself.
Galleries, museums and more are sure to interest many looking to sample a bit of Belgian culture and when the sun goes down over the stunning Ardennes the fantastic collection of bars, restaurants and a lively casino are sure to keep night-owls entertained.
Whatever your fancy, Spa, Liege and the south of Belgium are sure to thrill golfers of all shapes and sizes.
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For more information on Belgium Golf Holidays please visit www.yourgolftravel.com or call free on 0800 043 6644.
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