Golf Holidays in Ypres

One of the richest parts of Europe since the Middle Ages, the region is also rich in history and culture. It’s been fought over by the Spanish, Dutch, English and French. More recently, it was an area of vital strategic importance during WWI and WWII and there are poignant memorials and museums to appreciate in Ypres, Boezinge, Palingbeek, Nieuwpoor and Passchendale. As with all my holidays, you will receive a posted travel guide to the region with your holiday tickets.

For golf, there are three good courses on the Belgian side including the recently-opened “inland links” at Koksidje designed by Jeremy Pern. And I’ve added the European Challenge Tour course of Saint Omer as a very good French “guest”. All told, you’ve got one traditional links, one modern links and two parkland. For hotels, I’ve chosen a family-run three-star in the charming city of Ypres and a stylish three-star in the fashionable coastal town of Nieuwpoort.

Ypres is one of only two municipalities awarded the Military Cross and its place in history is guaranteed. The city dates back to Roman times and there are magnificent medieval halls as well as WWI memorials to visit. The population is about 30,000 and there’s an excellent choice of restaurants and bars to enjoy after your game.