Cleydael

Cleydael Castle dates back to the 13th century, when it was inhabited by the Sanders van Hemessen family. Over the centuries, the marshy surrounding area was drained to create the well-manicured estate that exists today and the main building was repaired and extended to fashion one of the best preserved moated castles in all of Belgium.

Extending to 6,988 metres from the back tees, the course is an early 1980s Paul Rolin design where holes are set around 165 acres of forest and parkland, with the par five final hole routed towards a home green that’s fronted by a ditch and back dropped by the imposing stone fortress less than 100 metres away.

Highlight holes include short par fours at the 4th, 10th and 14th, along with the shortest of the four par threes at the 132-metre 9th, with the tee shot to the green played across the full length of a beautiful ornamental pond. Beware the toughest two holes on the card (both left legging par fours) at the 5th and 15th.