Representative image Photo: Mertbiol · CC0
Royal Antwerp Golf Club
Kapellen, Antwerp, Belgium
18 Holes · Par 73 · Green fees vary by season and day and the sources disagree; see held_back · Heathland
— About
About Royal Antwerp Golf Club
Royal Antwerp Golf Club sits in the Kapellenbos woods north of Antwerp and is home to the Tom Simpson course, an 18-hole, par 73 layout of 6,228 meters from the back tees. The fairways run between trees, and several doglegs reward a tee shot placed with care over one hit with force. A 9-hole Dormy House course shares the grounds, which makes the club a 27-hole facility. The setting is a wooded heathland landscape.
- Belgium's oldest golf club and the second oldest on continental Europe.
- The 6th hole is singled out among the holes on the Tom Simpson course.
- The club has a driving range, putting greens, a restaurant, a bar and a pro shop.
- Buggies can be rented for 45 euros, and walking is allowed on the course.
History of Royal Antwerp Golf Club
Royal Antwerp was founded in 1888, making it the oldest golf club in Belgium. In 1910 the club began a new course at Kapellenbos, designed by Willie Park Jr. and in play by 1912. Around 1930 Tom Simpson reworked the layout and added a third nine, which brought the club to 27 holes. That redesign gave the club its present Tom Simpson course.
Signature holes at Royal Antwerp Golf Club
The 6th hole is the one most often highlighted. Beyond it, the course asks for placement rather than distance: trees line the fairways, several doglegs reward a well-placed drive, and the bunkering is by Simpson.
When to play Royal Antwerp Golf Club
The visitor season runs from spring through October. Book ahead with the club.
Playing Royal Antwerp Golf Club: tips
Visitors can book a round but need a valid handicap certificate, and the club sets a maximum handicap for the Tom Simpson course, so check the current limit with the club before you travel. Green fees vary by season and by weekday or weekend, so confirm the rate at booking. Contact the club on +32 3 666 84 56 or through ragc.be. The address is Torenlei 1A in Kapellen.
Visit Royal Antwerp Golf Club
Torenlei 1A, 2950 Kapellen, Belgium
Kapellen, Antwerp, Belgium
— Facilities
Practical Information
— FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Royal Antwerp Golf Club
Do I need a handicap certificate to play Royal Antwerp?
Yes. Visitors must show a valid handicap certificate, and the club sets a maximum handicap for the Tom Simpson course, so confirm the limit when you book.
How many holes does Royal Antwerp have?
The club has 27 holes: the 18-hole Tom Simpson course, par 73, and the shorter 9-hole Dormy House course.
Who designed the Royal Antwerp course?
Willie Park Jr. designed a new course on this site, in play by 1912. Tom Simpson reworked it around 1930 and added a third nine, creating today's layout.