Golf in Brugge: The perfect weekend trip

Golf holidays to Belgium are growing in popularity, and it’s easy to see why. Although it may not be the first destination you think of, golf in Belgium offers exceptional value, effortless travel, and access to some of Europe’s most beautiful cities. With Bruges (Brugge) combining world-class courses, vibrant nightlife, and stunning medieval architecture, it’s a superb choice for a golf city break.

Not only is Belgium easily accessible via the Eurotunnel, but many of our packages include LeShuttle crossings, giving golfers great value, flexibility, and the convenience of taking their clubs door-to-door. We recently experienced an unforgettable Bruges golf weekend ourselves - exploring top courses, local culture, and the best of Belgian hospitality. Check out our full golf tour below!

Travelling from the south of England to Northern France couldn’t be easier, especially with LeShuttle (Eurotunnel) offering fast crossings and excellent value for golfers. In just 35 minutes, we travelled from Folkestone to Calais - ideal for anyone planning a self-drive golf holiday to Belgium or heading towards Bruges.

With the warm French breeze greeting us at arrival, we drove just 35 minutes west to Dunkerque Golf Club. Its convenient location makes it the perfect stop for a round either as soon as you land or just before you head home. Dunkerque is especially handy for golfers en route to Bruges, offering an enjoyable parkland layout and a stress-free start to your trip.

The parkland golf course at Dunkerque Golf Club offers a fantastic challenge for golfers of all abilities, making it an ideal first stop on any golf holiday to Belgium. With its tricky water hazards, bold shaping, and a variety of uniquely contoured greens, the course delivered a fun and exciting start to our trip.

A true highlight was the par-5 4th hole - a memorable test featuring a blind tee shot followed by an approach into a heart-shaped island green. Position off the tee is everything here, so fingers crossed you find the right line!

After finishing our round, we enjoyed a well-earned beer on the terrace overlooking the 18th green - a perfect way to unwind and soak in the atmosphere. From there, it was just a one-hour drive to the centre of Bruges (Brugge), where the medieval charm, vibrant nightlife, and world-famous Belgian hospitality awaited. This seamless journey is one of the many reasons golfers love combining Dunkerque Golf Club with a Bruges golf break.

After a quick and seamless check-in at Martin's Relais, a charming boutique hotel in the heart of Bruges, we settled into our spacious rooms and were greeted by the incredibly friendly staff - an ideal base for any Bruges golf break.

A refreshing shower and a change of clothes later, we took a short five-minute stroll into central Bruges, where the city really came to life. Surrounded by historic squares, cosy bars, and superb local restaurants, it was the perfect way to kick off our golf holiday to Belgium in true Bruges style. Whether you're after craft beer, traditional Belgian cuisine, or relaxed evening ambience, Bruges sets the tone beautifully for a memorable golf and city break.

Bruges, often referred to as the “Venice of the North,” is one of Europe’s most picturesque and atmospheric cities - perfect for combining sightseeing with a Bruges golf weekend. Cobblestone streets weave through a maze of peaceful canals, lined with beautifully preserved medieval buildings, independent shops, and centuries-old pubs, creating a truly magical setting for any Bruges city break.

No visit is complete without sampling some of the famous Belgian beers in the local bars and breweries. And be sure to climb the iconic Belfry of Bruges, overlooking the historic Market Square, for unforgettable views across the entire city.

On our second day, we made the short 35-minute drive from Bruges to Oostburg Golf Club, an impressive championship venue located just across the border in Holland.

As soon as we arrived and caught sight of the club’s iconic white clubhouse, it was clear we were in for something special - and the experience more than lived up to expectations. Oostburg’s pristine presentation, peaceful setting, and resort-style atmosphere make it one of the standout courses in the region.

This was easily my favourite course of the entire trip. Oostburg Golf Club has a truly premium feel - at times, it felt like we were playing in Sotogrande.

The layout is absolutely beautiful, combining pristine conditioning with a dramatic design full of strategic water hazards - more than you could ever imagine. Every hole offered something memorable, creating an exhilarating challenge that perfectly complements any golf holiday to Belgium or Holland.

The standout moment of the day was the 600-yard par 5, finishing on a dramatic island green - a true test of character that demanded both grit and precision. It’s one of those holes that stays with you long after the round, offering a perfect blend of visual beauty and strategic challenge.

After finishing up, we were genuinely impressed by the excellent value for money at Oostburg Golf Club, especially given the quality of the course and facilities. It rounded off the day perfectly, and I can confidently say I’d return in a heartbeat. For anyone planning a golf holiday to Belgium or the Dutch coast, this venue is absolutely worth the trip.

After switching hotels, we checked into Martin’s Brugge, an even more central base that put us right in the heart of the city. The location was ideal for making the most of Bruges’ nightlife, with countless bars, pubs, and late-night spots just a short walk away.

We quickly found a few lively sports bars in Bruges, where things got a little competitive over games of pool and darts before we headed out to dance the night away. It was the perfect way to round off another incredible evening on our Bruges golf weekend - great golf, great company, and a city that truly comes alive after dark.

After waking up in the super modern, clean, and comfortable Martins Brugge, and indulging in a Pain au Chocolat, we were ready to tackle the day. Just a stone’s throw away was Damme, a 12-minute drive, where we were greeted with a nice welcome and with plenty of time to warm up at the fantastic range. A very friendly gentleman was there to help with anything we needed.

The new ‘President’s Nine’ offers a brilliant links-style golf experience, with holes weaving through natural valleys framed by sand dunes. Water hazards appear throughout the layout - often closer than you’d like - creating a constant sense of risk and reward that keeps every shot exciting.

The signature par-5 16th was the standout challenge of the day. It begins with a blind tee shot over the trees, followed by a fairway flanked by water on both sides. From there, you’re left with around 180 yards into a green heavily protected by front bunkers with more water lurking just beyond.

Sounds impossible? You’d be right. But tackling it was an absolute blast - and exactly the kind of thrilling test that makes the President’s Nine such a memorable addition to any golf holiday.

After the round, we settled into the beautiful clubhouse, warming up by the fire with a crisp local lager in hand and golf playing in the background - an ideal way to unwind before the evening ahead.

Later on, we made our way to one of Bruges’ most popular all-you-can-eat ribs restaurants, where the team proudly demolished 35 ribs between us. A few lively Belgian beers helped wash it all down before we headed back out to dive once again into the vibrant Bruges nightlife. It was the perfect mix of great food and great atmosphere.

With a few sore heads, tired eyes, and a touch of sadness that our adventure was coming to an end, we began the leisurely drive back towards the Eurotunnel. The 90-minute journey passed quickly as we reminisced about the highlights and laugh-out-loud moments from our Bruges golf weekend.

Before we knew it, we were pulling into the terminal, grabbing a quick coffee, and preparing for our smooth LeShuttle crossing home - a reminder of just how easy and convenient a self-drive golf holiday to Belgium can be. And just like that, our unforgettable trip had come to an end.

How far is Bruges by car from the UK? By driving to Folkestone and taking the Eurotunnel to Calais, it’s about 1.5 – 2 hours’ drive to Bruges - very doable for a weekend break.

What’s the best time for a golf weekend in Bruges? Spring through early autumn (April–September) offers the most pleasant weather for golf and sightseeing, though Belgium can be cooler than southern Europe.

Do I need a car? Having a car is highly useful, especially to reach courses outside the city centre and to explore more remote clubs. You can taxi or shuttle for city stays, but a car gives you more freedom.

Can non-golfers enjoy Bruges too? Absolutely - Bruges’ canals, museums, chocolate, beer cafes and medieval streets are ideal for walking and relaxing between rounds.

What’s the local language? In Bruges, Dutch (Flemish) is spoken, but English is widely understood in tourist and golf areas.

Before You Go

• Book tee times in advance - popular courses like Royal Zoute fill up fast in peak season.
• Check handicap requirements - some clubs require a minimum handicap or proof of handicap.
• Pack for variable weather - Belgium can change quickly, so waterproofs and layers help.

Getting Around

• If you’re coming from the UK, Eurotunnel to Calais is fastest for a drive to Bruges.
• Local car rental or taxi/Uber can be used to reach outlying courses.

Off-Course Fun

• Sample local Belgian beers and hearty cuisine - Bruges is famous for both.
• Explore the Market Square (Markt), climb the Belfry Tower or take a canal boat tour.

In conclusion, our golf weekend in Bruges was the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and indulgence. From the effortless travel via the Eurotunnel (LeShuttle) to the exceptional golf at Dunkerque and Oostburg, every moment delivered something memorable. Add in the medieval beauty, vibrant nightlife, and welcoming atmosphere of Bruges, and it’s easy to see why golf holidays to Belgium are quickly becoming a favourite among golfers.

With stunning courses, great value, and the ever-beautiful backdrop of Bruges, this is a trip we’d happily repeat - and one we’d recommend to any golfer looking for a truly unforgettable European golf getaway.