Royal Waterloo (Le Lion) - Belgium

Founded in 1923, Royal Waterloo Golf Club moved to its current location in the early 1960s. Fred Hawtree set out the club’s original course then additional holes were appended to form four 9-hole courses which eventually became the La Marache and Le Lion 18-hole layouts. Paul Rolin was responsible for the 1980s expansion, though Martin Hawtree also introduced a 9-hole short course called Le Bois-Héros which he renovated (along with La Marache) between 2003 and 2006. The same architect then upgraded Le Lion during 2014-15.

Today, the course measures 6,394 metres from the back markers, playing to a par of 72, with holes arranged as two returning nines. Beginning and ending with eminently birdieable par five holes, the course gives golfers the opportunity to start and finish their round with a flourish. Other holes of note include the slightly left doglegging short par four 12th and the last of the par threes at the 14th which plays across a couple of small ponds to a rather shallow, angled green. The 437-metre 16th is a brute to encounter so late in the round, rising steadily to a sand-protected green that slopes markedly from back to front.

Extract from the Peugeot Golf Guide: “The course is prettily landscaped and very well-balanced in layout and for the placement of hazards. Although technically challenging for golfers looking to card a good score, especially when playing from the back tees, it is still perfectly playable for the less skilled golfer. The excellence of maintenance also does much to enhance the course’s overall appeal. If you are passing through and have just one day to spare, come here in early summer and plan on playing both courses at Waterloo.”