Aa Saint-Omer Golf Club Est. 1990

Straddling two sides of a small, natural valley, Aa Saint Omer's championship course (Le Val/The Valley) presents a relatively open and undulating lay-out, which hosted its first European Tour event in 2003 - now an annual occurrence. From the clubhouse and more elevated positions on the course there are splendid views over the surrounding partly-forested, rural countryside. Whereas several front-nine holes follow the valley floor, the back-nine has a more roller-coaster character, as you cross from one side to the other, sometimes hitting down into the valley, at other times up and out of it. Few back-nine holes traverse the sides of the valley. Straight driving will need to be complemented by accurate approach work to hit the large, undulating greens. These testing putting surfaces, well defended with good bunkering and occasionally water, are often elevated, while a few are to be found in plunging hollows. Although the layout is open for the most part, the course perimeter is predominantly woodland, with copses of trees providing a tree-lined feel to some holes. Overall a thoroughly enjoyable venue, as many visiting British, Dutch and Belgian golfers will amply testify.