Rue Emile François 31,
Ways (Genappe), Brabant B-1474
Office
+32 (0)67 77 15 71Pro shop
+32 (0)67 77 15 71Fax
+32 (0)67 77 18 33Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
Thomas MambourgAcademy
Process Golf Coaching (Académie de Golf).The Course:
18 holes. Tree-lined & open parkland. Undulating terrain - several slopes to climb.
Surroundings:
Rural countryside.
Designer:
Marcel Vercruyce
9-hole par-31 La Hutte course (1650 mtrs from mens tees).
50.633560
4.476972
25 km S of Brussels
Heading south on the southern section of the Brussels Ring, take exit 26 (Mont St-Jean). Follow road to the right at top of ramp, direction N253 Waterloo. After o.5 km at second roundabout take the third exit, direction Charleroi/Genappe. After 9 km turn right onto the N25 direction Louvain-la-Neuve/Wavre. After 1.5 km turn right direction Ways. At top of ramp turn left direction Empereur Golf. After 2 km on single-track road, golf is on your left.
Empereur
L'Empereur Golf & Country Club: Laid out over a large tract of what was originally open rural farmland, the Club's championship Empereur course provides one of Belgium's toughest and longest tests of golf. At 7,400 yards from the tiger tees, the mighty Emperor certainly dwarves its much shorter nine-hole companion, the La Hutte layout.
Although originally very open, the landing areas at Empereur are gradually being obscured by a rash of new tree planting that has invaded the course in recent years ... significantly changing its character from "open links" into "wooded parkland". Some of the recent tree-planting is ill-considered and downright unnecessary. That said, the course still suits big hitters, who have plenty of long-par-5s, 4s and 3s on which to flex their muscles, with the prevailing wind often making some of the holes longer still.
Out-of-bounds menacingly lurks on the rightside (and occasionally leftside) throughout the front-nine, which forms an outer loop of holes. The inner back-nine loop brings water dangerously into play at the short par-4 10th. You'll encounter a long and steady climb from the par-3 11th to the exuberantly undulating par-5 12th, and then a Himalayan climb as you ascend to the seriously elevated plateau-green at the "characterful" par-4 13th.
From most parts of the course, and particularly from the 12th green and "crow's nest" elevated 14th tee, you will enjoy beautiful views over the course and rolling Wallonian countryside and woodland. Tactical planning from the tee will not go amiss on many holes, even if the once invitingly good-width fairways invariably tempt you to go with the driver. The standard of upkeep is usually good at Empereur, with large and sloping greens requiring a great putting touch to safely get down in two.
Stay&Play at L'Empereur: onsite accommodation available, see Where2Stay section below.
Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends.
Must book in advance. Maximum handicap: 36.
Players generally walk this course. Golf carts available for hire.
Good
A round at Golf de L'Empereur (The Emperor), also known as le Golf au Bout du Monde ("golf at the end of the world"), was unlikely to have been on Emperor Napoleon's mind in the middle of June 1815. It was at this time that his vast army marched close to this old and rustic former farm (along what is now the N5 road), on their way to nearby Waterloo.
Just a few kilometres from the course is the scene of Napoleon's historic and final encounter with the armies of Wellington and von Blücher. A museum and very impressive monument (the Butte de Lion) mark the site of this epic battle.
31 rue Emile François, B-1474 Ways (Genappe).
+32 (0)67 77 15 71
Visit websiteLe Relais at Empereur is an onsite lodge-style hotel with contemporary design located in the historic courtyard of the Glabjoux farm at the Empereur Golf & Country Club. The 8 double rooms, 4 suites and 2 lofts of the Relais benefit from views of the golf course and/or surrounding countryside. Equipped with heating and air conditioning, the rooms have Smart TV, safe, minibar, telephone, wifi, desk, sofa and many other high-end features.
Empereur
Royal Waterloo; Sept Fontaines; Hulencourt.
La Tournette; Pierpont; La Bruyere; Rigenee; Louvain-La-Neuve; Royal Bercuit; Bawette; Royal GC de Belgique (Ravenstein).
198 Chausse de Tervuren, B-1410 Waterloo
+32 (0)2 352 18 15
Visit websiteThe Grand Hotel Waterloo is located within easy reach of the centre of Waterloo and just 3 km from one of Europe's most famous battlefields (well worth a visit!). The hotel's main restaurant, La Sucrerie (sugar factory), is particularly noteworthy, not least from an architectural standpoint. Many top-quality golf courses in the area will keep golfers fully occupied.
No
Royal Waterloo; Sept Fontaines; Hulencourt; Empereur.
La Tournette; Pierpont; La Bruyere; Rigenee; Louvain-La-Neuve; Royal Bercuit; Bawette; Royal GC de Belgique (Ravenstein).
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Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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