An overlooked corner of European golf: classic Harry Colt and Tom Simpson layouts in pine and heather, a seaside Royal on the North Sea, and short drives that let you fold in Bruges, Brussels and a Trappist beer or two.
Photo: Royal Zoute Golf Club, Knokke-Heist via Google.
Belgium rewards the golfer who values pedigree over headlines. Its best courses were drawn by the same golden age architects who shaped England's heathland, Harry Colt and Tom Simpson, and they run through pine, birch and heather that would not look out of place in Surrey. It suits couples and small groups who want quiet, characterful golf paired with culture and food, the kind of trip where the round finishes early enough for a proper lunch and an afternoon in a medieval town.
Build the trip around three Royals: Royal Zoute on the coast at Knokke, Royal Antwerp in the woods at the country's oldest club, and the Royal Golf Club of Belgium at Ravenstein near Brussels. The whole country is barely two hours end to end, so you can base in one spot and reach everything, or split the week between the seaside and the city. Add Spa or Naxhelet in Wallonia if you want a fourth contrasting round.
Widely regarded as the finest course in the country, set just back from the North Sea at the smart resort town of Knokke-Heist. Harry Colt re-routed it in 1912 and the result mixes heathland and links character, firm turf and exposed wind, with an executive second course alongside for an extra round.
The grand old club of Belgian golf, founded in 1888 and laid out by Tom Simpson in 1930. A recent tree management programme has restored the heathland character he intended, and at well over 6,600 yards it plays long enough to test anyone while winding handsomely through woods of pine and silver birch.
The most prestigious club near the capital, set in the Forest of Soignes at Tervuren on royal estate land. Mature parkland framed by huge beech trees, classic Simpson bunkering and a clubhouse heavy with history make it the natural third round on a Brussels based trip.
Designers, dates and club history verified June 2026. Green fees are indicative third party figures for the 2026 season and change with demand; some clubs require a member introduction. Always confirm directly before booking.
Fly into Brussels or take the train, then transfer to Knokke-Heist. An evening on the seafront promenade and dinner of North Sea fish.
The headline round beside the beach. Play the championship course in the morning, then a relaxed loop of the executive course or an afternoon in nearby Bruges.
Drive inland to the woods at the country's oldest club for a classic Tom Simpson heathland test, with lunch in the handsome old clubhouse.
Finish at the Royal Golf Club of Belgium in the Forest of Soignes, then a few hours in Brussels before an evening train or flight.
Drive times between the Belgian courses are typically thirty minutes to ninety minutes; the country is small and the motorways are quick.
| Style | Per person, 2026 | What it usually includes |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal short break | From around €700 to €1,100 | 3 nights, 2 to 3 rounds near Knokke, transfers |
| Royals of Belgium tour | From around €1,200 to €1,900 | 4 to 5 nights, 3 to 4 rounds, coast and Brussels |
| Golf and culture week | From around €1,900 upward | 6 to 7 nights, 4 to 5 rounds plus Bruges and the cities |
Indicative third party operator ranges for the 2026 season, shown to set expectations only. We are a guide, not an operator, and never quote our own pricing. Always confirm directly before booking.
The Belgian season runs May to September, with the heathland courses at their finest from late spring once the heather firms up. April and October are quieter and cheaper but cooler and softer underfoot. Book the Royals two to four weeks ahead in high season, check whether your chosen club asks for a member introduction, and weekends fill faster than weekdays.
Tell us the courses you want and roughly when. One concierge costs the whole trip to the head and replies within one working day, with no obligation.
May to September is the prime season, with the heathland courses at their best from late spring. April and October are quieter and cheaper but cooler. Winter golf is possible inland but soft underfoot.
Royal Zoute at Knokke-Heist is widely rated the best, a Harry Colt design near the North Sea. Royal Antwerp, a Tom Simpson layout at the oldest club, and the Royal Golf Club of Belgium at Ravenstein complete the trio.
Indicative 2026 high season green fees at the marquee courses run from around 90 to 160 euros, with the most exclusive clubs higher and some requiring a member introduction. Confirm directly before booking.
Yes. Many groups split a trip between the North Sea coast around Knokke and the wooded courses near Antwerp and Brussels. Drives are short, so you can fold in a city, a brewery or the Flanders battlefields.
European golf deals, new openings and the booking windows worth moving on first. Every other week.