Royal Antwerp Golf Club
Kapellen
Located in Kapellen, north of Antwerp, Royal Antwerp Golf Club is Belgium’s oldest golf club and one of the most historic courses in continental Europe. Founded in 1888, the club moved to its current Kapellenbos setting in the early 20th century, where the main course was originally laid out by Willie Park Jr. and later redesigned by Tom Simpson.
The main Tom Simpson Course is an 18-hole heathland layout set among pine, birch, heather and sandy soil. It measures a little over 6,200 metres from the back tees and plays to a par 73, offering a classic strategic test rather than a modern power-focused layout.
Fairways are framed by woodland and natural heathland, with fast greens, well-placed bunkers and subtle angles rewarding accuracy and good course management. It is charming rather than flashy, but that is exactly the appeal: old-school golf, proper architectural heritage and a quiet, traditional club atmosphere.
Royal Antwerp also has a 9-hole Dormy House Course, giving visiting golfers extra variety. For Belgium golf holidays, it works beautifully as part of an Antwerp, Limburg or Brussels itinerary, especially for golfers who enjoy classic heathland golf and historic private-club settings.
Antwerp Airport
17km
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.
