The National Golf Brussels

The National Golf Brussels, located just outside Belgium's capital city, is home to a modern championship golf course, which opened for play in 2017. Set in a quiet area of attractive fields and paddocks, this relatively open undulating layout will seriously challenge all aspects of your game. With plenty of bold expansive bunkering, rolling elevation changes and a well-crafted linksy layout, both nine-hole loops provide a thoroughly enjoyable test.

Described by many as an "inland links", there are certainly many reminders here of seaside golf ... without the sea! Wonderfully rolling fairways, plenty of elevation change (but never too onerous to walk), and excellent quality bunkering are some of The National's hallmarks.

Water threatens on at least seven holes, most notably at the risk-reward par-5 18th ... one of the most fearsome closing holes in Belgium. A small lake wraps around the final green, with a large back bunker providing the only realistic "bail-out" option. The green might be comfortingly wide, but it lacks any depth at all; pin-point yardage is required for your final approach shot. Walk off this final green with par or better, and you'll certainly close-out your round on a high!

Two things The National will need to be mindful of as it justifiably settles into Belgian's elite. First, the linksy mounding is currently covered in fine fescues ... that needs to continue and not give way to all manner of vegetation that will try and take over. Second, the world's very best inland links (e.g. Erin Hills, Ballyneal, French Lick, et al) have barely any trees on the course ... The National already has too many ...