Golf in Brugge: The perfect weekend trip

While it may not be the first place you think of when considering a trip, golf holidays to Belgium come with plenty of upside. It's easily accessible via the Eurotunnel, its great value, the courses are excellent, and it gives you a chance to visit some of Europe's most beautiful and cultural cities. We were fortunate enough to experience all of this on a recent trip to Brugge - check out our epic golf tour below!

Travelling from South England to Northern France is incredibly easy, especially with Le Shuttle (Eurotunnel) offering great value and direct access. In just 35 minutes, we went from Folkestone to sunny Calais. With the gentle French breeze in our hair, we headed west for another 35 minutes to reach Dunkerque. Its convenient location makes it the ideal spot for a round of golf either when you arrive or before you depart, especially if you're en route to Brugge or coming from there.

The parkland golf course here is a fantastic challenge for golfers of all levels. With plenty of tricky water hazards and uniquely shaped greens, it was a fun and exciting start to our trip. One standout was the par 5 4th hole, where a blind tee shot sets you up for an approach into a heart-shaped island green—fingers crossed you're in the right position! We wrapped up our round with a refreshing beer on the terrace overlooking the 18th Green—a must-do before making the hour-long drive to the charming centre of Brugge.

After a quick and smooth check-in at Martin's Relais, a delightful boutique hotel with spacious rooms and incredibly friendly staff, we were ready to explore. A quick shower, a change of clothes, and a five-minute stroll had us in the heart of Brugge, where an array of cozy bars and wonderful local restaurants awaited to kick off our trip in style.

Brugge, often called the "Venice of the North," is a picturesque city known for its medieval charm. Cobblestone streets wind through a maze of canals, lined with stunning historic buildings, quaint shops and old pubs, makes for a magical place to visit. Try as much local beer as possible and be sure to check out The Belfry of Brugge overlooking the Market Square.

On our second day, we ventured to the impressive Oostburg Golf Club, just a 35-minute drive across the border into Holland. The moment we stepped onto the grounds and saw the iconic white clubhouse, I knew we were in for something special—and it certainly didn’t disappoint!

This was easily my favourite course of the trip. It felt like it should have been in Sotogrande, with glimpses of the stunning Real Club De Sotogrande. The course was absolutely beautiful, with more water hazards than you could imagine, making it an exhilarating challenge in immaculate condition.

The 600-yard par 5, which finishes on an island green, was a real test of character, requiring grit and determination. It was a gorgeous hole, both visually and in terms of the challenge it presented. After the round, we were pleasantly surprised by the excellent value for money. I wouldn’t hesitate to return in a heartbeat.

After changing hotels, we checked into Martin’s Brugge, which was even more central. The location was perfect for exploring Brugge’s nightlife. We found plenty of sports bars where we got a bit too competitive with pool and darts before heading out to dance the night away.

After waking up in the super modern, clean, and comfortable Martins Brugge, and indulging in a Pain au Chocolat, we were ready to tackle the day. Just a stone’s throw away was Damme, a 12-minute drive, where we were greeted with a nice welcome and with plenty of time to warm up at the fantastic range. A very friendly gentleman was there to help with anything we needed.

The new ‘President’s Nine’ has a links course vibe, with holes winding through valleys between sand dunes. Water hazards are a constant feature, and we got up close and personal with them! It’s a true risk-reward course, making for a thrilling challenge. The signature Par 5 16th was especially memorable—a blind tee shot over trees, flanked by water on both sides, demanded precision. Your second shot leaves you 180 yards out, with bunkers guarding the front and water looming behind the green. Sounds impossible? You’d be right. But we had a blast trying!

Afterwards, we relaxed in the beautiful clubhouse, enjoying a local fizzy lager in front of the fire with golf on in the background—a perfect way to kick off the evening. Later, we devoured 35 ribs at a popular all-you-can-eat ribs restaurant, washed down with a few lively Belgian beers, before heading out once again to explore the vibrant Brugge nightlife.

With a few sore heads, tired eyes, and a bit of sadness among the group because it was time to head home, we began the leisurely drive back to the Eurotunnel. The hour and a half flew by as we reminisced about the weekend’s antics. Before we knew it, we were grabbing a quick coffee, marking the end of a fantastic trip. And just like that, it was over.

In conclusion, our golf weekend to Brugge was a delightful blend of adventure, relaxation, and indulgence. From the ease of travelling with the Eurotunnel to the stunning golf courses in Dunkerque and Oostburg, every moment was filled with excitement and charm with the ever beautiful backdrop of Brugge!