Golf
Royal Latem Golf Club
Latemstraat 120, 9830 Sint-Martens-Latem
Organising a round does not book a tee time: book directly with the golf club.
The course
Latem Course
- 18 holes
- Par 72
- Length 6,100 m
- Opened 1909
Royal Latem Golf Club is one of Belgium's historic clubs, founded in 1909 on Albert Feyerick's estate. Its single eighteen is now a par 71 measuring 5,673 metres from the back markers. The distance appears modest, yet compact design, mature trees and well-defended surfaces give it far greater presence than the figures imply.
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Architecture
The par 71 draws its substance from tight proportions, exacting lines and greens whose entrances are not always fully visible. Trees define varied corridors rather than a repetitive series of tunnels. Bunkers and small changes in level strengthen the angles without overloading the landscape.
Work by successive Hawtrees has moved or reshaped selected elements, yet the overall scale remains that of an old course. Every metre matters because recovery seldom takes place from broad, neutral ground, giving the short total length considerable density.
The course in detail
The land moves through modest rises, shallow hollows and short plateaux rather than dramatic elevation. Fairways fit between trees that influence light, moisture and the perception of width. Heath-like patches and woodland floor recall the naturally poor character of the old sands; Golf Vlaanderen cites Latem as a place where such ground can support distinctive biodiversity.
Walking is easy, although subtle contours continually alter stance and the visibility of green surfaces, ensuring that the compact property never feels entirely flat.
Address · Philippe de Denterghemlaan
Editorial source: The Round public Atlas
The club
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History
The club was established in 1909 as Les Buttes Blanches. Geo Pannell laid out the original course, later remodelled by Fred Hawtree. Royal Latem hosted three Belgian Opens during the 1950s and an Alps Tour event in 2011. Its architecture has continued to evolve without a wholesale break: Martin Hawtree changed holes 12 and 16 in 2013, holes 1, 4 and 5 in 2014, then 10 and 11 in 2016.
That sequence connects the founding design with contemporary requirements.
Club experience
Royal Latem is a private club that accepts visitors by prior appointment and asks for a federation card plus a handicap no higher than 36. Fourteen covered practice mats include balls, while the bar and restaurant extend the visit but close on Mondays.
Geography and setting
Sint-Martens-Latem lies beside the River Lys southwest of Ghent, in a landscape known for leafy villages and an artistic tradition. The club was originally called Les Buttes Blanches, referring to broom growing on ancient dunes. That sandy foundation separates Latem from wetter lowland courses elsewhere in Flanders and supports a long playing season, even though weather still determines daily access and trolley conditions.
Where to play
Golf
Club affiliation
Declaring an affiliation gives you no management rights.