Take a golfing break in Wallonia, Southern Belgium

TUNE IN TEE OFF:

Take a break in Wallonia

by T. Munro

BABY YOU CAN LIGHT MY FIRE: LIÈGE

French speaking Wallonia, Southern Belgium is always a joy to visit. Just a couple of hours drive from Calais you reach the first hub of Mons or Waterloo. It is toll free and the green fees are great value.

With so many golf courses, I struggle to choose, but on top of that is a brilliant variety of pre- and postgame experiences to give the weekend that added oomph.

A bit further east is Liège. Known as the ‘fiery city’, the ‘Liegeois’ (locals) have the most southerly temperament, with a work hard, play hard attitude and a true ‘joie de vivre’ in the many buzzy bars and restaurants around the city.

The golf: there are half a dozen topnotch courses in this area alone.

Just a 10 minutes’ drive from the city centre, I kicked off with the 18 hole Royal Club du Sart –Tilman. This club bears all the markings of a classic 1930’s Tom Simpson design, weaving through ancient forests and avenues of pine, beech and birch trees. Golfers with a spirit of adventure will love this course.

Golf de Liège-Gomzé – A bit further out – say half an hour drive – is in my top three places to play. Designed by Belgian architect Paul Rollin in the 80’s, landscapes of ancient woods, rolling meadows and orchards offer plenty of changes in terms of elevation, whilst the modern clubhouse offers excellent cuisine.

Finally – it’s a bit more of a trek (45 minute drive) but I would definitely put Royal Golf Club des Fagnes on your ‘must do’ list. It’s another Tom Simpson classic with a royal tag.

HANDY TIP Head for the pedestrian area ‘Le Carre’ – 14 criss-crossed streets full of quirky and original independent shops, bars and restaurants. Try a hearty regional plate of ‘Boulets Liégeois’. Juicy meatballs served with the sweet tasting ‘Sirop de Liège’ sauce, accompanied of course with Belgian fries. Match it with a local lager like Jupiler. Actually, there are so many different brews here you could drink for a month and still never get to the end.

Liege Henri Chapelle GC © CGT Arnaud Siquet

© WBT P.Coenegrachts

© WBT Denis Erroyaux © Val Dieu Brewery

WHERE TO STAY

From £325pp

© Congres Hotel © FTPL-P.Fagnoul © Congres Hotel

CONGRES HOTEL VAN DER VALK – the arty option: 15 minutes’ walk from the historical city centre and close to the motorway for easy access. If you have an artistic streak you can pop into ‘La Boverie’ museum next door. The Fine Arts Museum is twinned with the Louvres in Paris and regularly houses acclaimed international art exhibitions. Get dressed to the nines and enjoy a glamorous ladies cocktail evening in the hotel’s Sky Bar with stunning views over Liège by Night.

HOTEL SÉLYS VAN DER VALK – gastronomic delights in historical splendor: A luxe hotel in a grand medieval mansion just 5 minutes’ walk from the historic old town. Check out the ‘bistronomic’ L’Atelier Sélys restaurant with its exciting flavor fusions based on fresh local ingredients. The sleek lobby bar also does a damn good cocktail. Cheers.

From £340pp

© Liege Henri Chapelle GC Selys © WBT Jeanmart

ALL BREAKS INCLUDE • 2 nights B&B (twin room) • 2 rounds pp • Eurotunnel Crossing (based on 4 people per car) Tel: 01494 875 164 | admin@agolfingexperience.co.uk | www.agolfingexperience.co.uk

With its magnificent views overlooking the city of Cardiff and the Bristol Channel, Radyr has one of the most idyllic settings of any golf club in South Wales. Nestling in rural parkland, its gentle undulations provide both members and guests with a course that is a delight to the eye, yet which offers the sternest of tests to golfers of all standards. Renowned for its excellent putting surfaces, the course has hosted many national and county events and including the Welsh National PGA Championship sponsored by Asbri Golf. Radyr Golf Club are the proud winner of the 59 Club Service Excellence Award and Silver Flag award for commitment to our members and outstanding service both on and off the course.

www.radyrgolf.co.uk | call (02920) 842408 Ext.2 @radyrgolf on social media | visit our You Tube channel

HEART OF WALES GOLF BREAKS

Welcoming you back for 2023

Play four unique golf courses – jewels in the crown of mid-Wales

Relaxed, friendly and unhurried beautiful and challenging golf

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Llandrindod Wells If you’re looking for an undiscovered golfing land of true beauty and excellence, allow us to recommend the delightful Heart of Wales.

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A cluster package of four superb golf courses and a range of accommodation offers visitors a rewarding golfing experience with a comfy stay too. Kington

To book call Catherine on 01597 828598 email sales@heartofwalesgolfbreaks.co.uk or visit the website www.heartofwalesgolfbreaks.co.uk

We welcome groups from 12 to 100+ players. Waterlooville Golf Club is one of Hampshire’s friendliest clubs and you are sure to have a great experience, from the warm welcome, to the fantastic championship course right through to the great food after your game.

If you haven’t played it, put it on your bucket list! The friendliness of the welcome, the presentation of the course and the quality of the greens were all outstanding.

Andra, Gloucestershire Team Captain

Looking for a fantastic experience on your next society or away day? Why not come and play Waterlooville Golf Club, home of the 2016 English Women’s County Finals and Southern Counties Seniors Foursomes in 2021.

GOLF DAYS FROM AS LITTLE AS £35.75