The first time I visited Royal Antwerp was like 8 or 9 years ago. The experience at the time was a lot like the movie Groundhog Day, experiencing the same thing over and over and over again. A tight course totally overrun by tree growth that had never been maintained. When I was finished every hole looked exactly the same, none of the features stuck out or were memorable, the turf was poor and the greens were of very average condition with considerable disease. On top of all this the reception we received at the clubhouse from the secretary was just plain rude and unwelcoming.

Fast forward to present day. Holy cow! I'm thrilled to say this is the single best renovation and turnaround I've ever seen in Continental Europe. We are talking Oakmont levels here. Royal Antwerp for me has become the poster child for what COULD BE done to every single European Golden Age Course that has been neglected for years. Which unfortunately includes far too many to name here. Clubs that are not being good custodians to Golden Age historical gems they have been graced with.

In fact, every single club should be getting a committee together and taking a field trip to study what has been done at Royal Antwerp because they have figured it out and what an amazing success story this is.

It all started with removing 100 years of tree growth, yes literally thousands of trees, in total perhaps 5000. Not an easy task but one that has paid off tremendously. More light and air circulation for starters which has done wonders for their turf. Their once diseased greens didn't need renovated, just a little love and a lot of light and air. Result is some of the best green surfaces in Europe. Bunkers cleaned up and we are talking an unrecognizable course. One that deserves to move to the top of the Belgian rankings and not only into the top 100 in courses in Continental Europe but well up the list.

Tom Simpson is looking down from above on his work of art at Royal Antwerp and he's just plain proud and shining with joy.

My opinion with regards to classic golf courses is based on a simple principle and that is to be the best possible custodians you can for the history you are graced with. Almost anything designed by the likes of Colt and Simpson to name just two are like living museum pieces of art. They are treasures from the great masters and should be treated as such.

That's exactly what Royal Antwerp has done and they are not finished. More tree removal is planned which will further strengthen the wonderful direction they have been headed in.