Royal Antwerp is Belgium's oldest golf club, dating back to 1888. Located in the Kapellenbos north of Antwerp since 1910, the course has often been described as one of the finest (and certainly quietest) wooded heathland courses in north west Europe. The excellent sandy soil base is perfect for this style of course, with its copious quantities of heather and mature pine trees lining many of the fairways.

The terrain at Royal Antwerp is relatively flat, giving an easy-walking layout, although one with plenty of inherent golfing challenges - not least staying out of the trees and plentiful bunkering, and getting down in two on the usually immaculate and fast greens. Water ditches are scarce, making a brief appearance on just a couple of holes.

At over 6600 yards from the back tees the course plays long enough to amply test the vast majority of golfers, especially if there's a bit of wind swishing around between the pines. This is not a layout that requires a booming drive off every tee. Course management and good placement will serve you just as well if its a good score you are wanting to card.

The opening and closing holes, both shortish par-4s, provide the opportunity to start and finish your round in style. What happens in between is probably down to your course management, and (of course) the fickle fads of the golfing gods. A course that always exudes plenty of charm and challenge, no matter what time of year you play it.