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Belgium
/ Waterloo Introduction
If you are looking for an alternative to the crowded courses
of northern France then the Brabant Wallon region of Belgium
only a two-hour drive from Calais and within easy reach of
the airports at Brussels and Charleroi could be the answer.
Known as the "Garden of Brussels" the province of
Brabant Wallon is located just south of Brussels in the so-called
"Heart of Europe".
This charming region
offers a picturesque and evergreen landscape just waiting
to be discovered, whether it’s a short break or longer
trip you are looking forward too we are sure you will not
be disappointed by the delights the Brabant Wallon has to
offer.
The Butte Du Lion mound created by the survivors
of the battle of Waterloo and its triumphant lion can be seen
for miles around and are eternal symbols of one of the greatest
battles in history, the defeat of Napoleon in 1815. The museum
and panorama commemorating the battle really are worth a visit.
As well as having a number of very good golf courses Brabant
Wallon is also known for its gastronomy, local beers, castles,
gardens, museums and much more.
The choice of golf courses is excellent with
no two being similar, midweek they are quiet with very reasonable
green fees, however weekends are more expensive, busier and
morning tee times are hard to come by on the mainly members
courses.
Because of the close proximity of the area
to Brussels the reverse applies to hotel rates, Friday, Saturday
and Sunday are great value with Monday through Thursday more
expensive.
|
 |
|
| 3
: Bercuit (£££) |
6524
yds Par 73 |
4
: Louvain la Neuve (££) |
6848
yds Par 72 |
| Situated
in Grez-Doiceau approximately 20 minutes from Waterloo, Golf Du Bercuit
was the first European course designed by Robert Trent Jones Snr.
In places the gentle valleys of Brabant Wallon give way to impressive
slopes and stiff climbs, Bercuit is a course that doesn’t know
the meaning of half-measures calling for excellent physical and golfing
form. Visitors to Bercuit will be rewarded by superb scenery and good
but fair challenge at this very enjoyable venue. |
The Louvain-la-Neuve
golf club only a 25 minute drive from Waterloo combines all the elements
required to provide an enjoyable golf round. With the Lauzelle woods
forming a backdrop to the clubhouse, the course is one of the most
pleasant anywhere, running mainly through open terrain over gently
undulating countryside. The fairways are dotted with bunkers and ponds
en route to the large greens. When it comes to relaxation, and a bite
to eat, the golfer has a choice between the comfortable Le Clocheton
or Italian restaurant’s situated in a charming chalet next to
the practice area. |
8 : Hulencourt
(£££)
|
6836
yds Par 72
|
9
: Pierpont (£) |
6855
yds Par 72 |
| Approximately
a 10-minute drive from Waterloo, Golf Club D’Hulencourt is over
looked by an imposing old Brabanconne farmhouse, which has been transformed
into a luxury clubhouse. Set in the midst of cultivated fields this
is a layout that has hosted several Challenge Tour events. Its well-earned
reputation for quality is in evidence right across the course, with
hazards at every turn in the form of bunkers, ponds and well protected
greens. Here everything combines to offer the golfer a quality experience
both on the course and in the splendid 19th hole. |
Golf Club de
Pierpont is situated in an area steeped in tradition, not far from
the Waterloo monument, midway between Brussels and Charleroi. The
18 hole course has rolling fairways and numerous water hazards complimented
by an unusual 5-hole compact course and driving range, Golf Club de
Pierpont provides an enjoyable test of golf for all and is another
of the Brabant Wallon clubs with an enchanting Chateau clubhouse. |
| 2 : La
Bawette (££) |
6683
yds Par 72 |
6
: Rigenee (£) |
7095
yds Par 73 |
| Set
in superb surroundings a mere 15-minute drive from Waterloo, Golf
Du Chateau De La Bawette is a picturesque parkland style layout amidst
wooded valleys, lakes and streams. Whilst pleasant on the eye this
course should not be considered a push over and is well worth the
very reasonable green fee. There is also the Les Champs’ 9-holes,
par 33 course, that is ideal for rounding off what should be an enjoyable
day. |
Approximately
30 minutes drive from Waterloo, Golf Club DeRigenee is the longest
course in the Brabant Wallon area. The mainly flat fairways at Rigenee
stretch away to the far horizon, broken here and there by bushes and
clumps of trees. Don’t be fooled by the tame appearance of the
first and eighteenth holes in front of the pretty clubhouse with its
large terrace, the course requires consistency of play and a solid
swing, especially when the wind is blowing. |
| 7
: La Bruyere (£) |
6791
yds Par 72 |
11
: Royal Waterloo (£££) |
La
Marache 6821 yds Par 73 |
| Le
Lion 6799 yds Par 72 |
| About
a 30 minute drive from Waterloo, Golf La Bruyere is situated on the
edge of the Brabant and Hainaut regions stretching out over the gently
undulating valleys surrounding the Chateau de la Ferme de la
Bruyre, which is now a magnificent clubhouse. The course, strewn
with spinneys and ponds, is a wonderful way to discover the Brabant
countryside. This seemingly easy course hides its challenges, and
should be treated with respect. |
The
36 holes at the wonderful Royal Waterloo Golf Club blend superbly
into the evergreen Brabant Wallon countryside of fields, valleys and
forest overlooking the historic battleground of Waterloo. The club
opened in 1923 and has hosted Belgium Opens and many other big tournaments.
The original La Marache course offers great variety, combining a relatively
open front nine with a back nine that is tighter as it winds through
the regions most scenic forest. Opened in 1985, Le Lion is an open,
gently undulating wooded course with magnificent views of the Lion
of Waterloo, and is every bit as enjoyable as the older La Marache
course. (Members only Sat/Sun). |
|
10 : La Tournette (££)
|
The
American 6683 yds Par 72 |
1
: Sept Fontaines (££) |
Le
Chateau 6600 yds Par 72 |
| The
English 6806 yds Par 71 |
La
Foret 5357 yds Par 69 |
| Opened
in 1991, the impressive 36 holes Golf Chateau De La Tournette
club is situated in the heart of the Brabant Wallon countryside just
15 minutes drive from Waterloo. The two courses and par 3 nine holes
are set in a picturesque rural landscape following the natural terrain
across gently rolling tree lined fairways. A host of bunkers, lakes
and a charming clubhouse enhance this most attractive of setups and
a day spent golfing here should leave you with happy memories for
many a year to come. |
Set
in thickly wooded countryside about 15 minutes from Waterloo, the
Golf Club De Sept Fontaines spares no effort to constantly enhance
the quality of its courses and the overall golf experience on offer.
The excellent Chateau course is set in thickly wooded hills and
fields and the shorter Foret course has narrow fairways and more
physically demanding terrain. There is also an interesting nine-hole
pitch and putt course making up the 45 holes at Sept Fontaines. The
splendid clubhouse provides a haven of comfort and is appreciated
by all. |
| 5
: L’Empereur (££) |
6826
yds Par 72 |
| BELGIUM
GREEN FEE PRICE GUIDE |
| |
Weekday |
Weekend) |
| £ |
£20 |
£35 |
| ££ |
£21-£30 |
£36-£45 |
| £££ |
£31-£65 |
£46-£80 |
|
| Known
affectionately as 'the golf club at the end of the world', Golf De
L’Empereur is far from the daily hustle and bustle and is a joy
to behold. Situated just twenty or so kilometres from Brussels, quite
near the Lion’s Mound at Waterloo, L’Empereur provides a
golfing environment where nature remains undisturbed and the silence
is golden. The splendid Chateau clubhouse has a warm and friendly
atmosphere where you can relax and unwind to your heart’s content. |
| Belgium |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sept |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Max Temp °F |
42 |
42 |
49 |
55 |
63 |
67 |
72 |
72 |
66 |
58 |
48 |
44 |
| Sunshine Hours |
2 |
3 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
6 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
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