Royal Limburg Golf
Antwerp
Located in Houthalen-Helchteren in the province of Limburg, Royal Limburg Golf is one of Belgium’s most respected classic heathland courses. The 18-hole, par-72 layout was designed by Fred Hawtree and sits within a peaceful natural landscape close to the Hoge Kempen region, giving it a very different feel from flatter parkland courses elsewhere in Belgium.
The course measures around 6,178 metres from the back tees and is known for its sandy, free-draining ground, pine and birch woodland, heather, natural contours and quiet forest setting. It has a strong British heathland feel, rewarding accuracy, creativity and smart course management rather than pure power.
Royal Limburg is playable for a wide range of golfers, but it has enough strategic depth to keep stronger players interested. Tree-lined fairways, deep greens, well-placed bunkers and changing lies all make positioning important. The course also underwent bunker renovation work by Bruno Steensels of Mastergolf International, helping sharpen the challenge while respecting the original character.
For Belgium golf holidays, Royal Limburg works well as part of a Limburg, Antwerp or Brussels touring itinerary. It is ideal for golfers who enjoy traditional heathland golf, natural surroundings and a refined private-club atmosphere.
Antwerp Airport
71km
England’s best golf tour operator 2026 winner
Time Zone:
GMT+1
Currency:
€ (Euro)
Temperature:
1°C - 24°C
Cost of a Beer:
£4.30
Cost of a 3-Course Meal:
£70
Hashtag Guide
About The Area
Kapellen is a leafy town north of Antwerp, best suited to golfers who want a quieter base with easy access to one of Belgium’s most historic courses. It is not a major tourist city in its own right, but that actually works in its favour for a golf break: calm surroundings, woodland scenery and quick access into Antwerp for restaurants, culture and evenings out.
The main reason golfers should look at Kapellen is Royal Antwerp Golf Club. The club dates back to 1888, making it Belgium’s oldest golf club, and has been based in the Kapellenbos area north of Antwerp since the early 20th century. Its setting is one of the big draws: sandy soil, mature pine trees, heather and a wooded heathland feel give it a very different character from flatter parkland courses elsewhere in Belgium.
The course has strong architectural pedigree too. It was originally laid out by Willie Park Junior and later redesigned by Tom Simpson in 1930, giving it real old-school European golf character. Expect a strategic round rather than a power contest, with tree-lined fairways, subtle angles and the need to keep the ball in play.
Golf around Kapellen is best enjoyed from spring through early autumn, when conditions are generally more comfortable and the woodland setting is at its most attractive. Visitor access should always be checked in advance, especially at historic private-style clubs.
Off the course, Kapellen works well because of its location. Antwerp is close by and offers fashion, shopping, gastronomy, culture and architecture, making it a strong city add-on after golf. For nature, Kalmthoutse Heide is nearby, with dunes, fens, pine forests and wide heathland landscapes ideal for walking or cycling.
For golfers seeking historic Belgian golf, peaceful woodland surroundings and easy access to Antwerp, Kapellen is a refined and quietly rewarding choice.
