Golf de l’Empereur: 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.
L’Empereur is also known as the club at the end of the world, far from the hustle and bustle and in a setting to delight the eyes and ears. Just 20kms from Brussels (Belgium) and not far from the Waterloo Lion, this club is indeed another world of restful silence. Nature has been carefully preserved here and , and the terrain is such that l’Empereur golf course embraces the hills and dales of this reserve where the flora and fauna remain undisturbed.
The course comprises several wide fairways enhanced by clusters of trees and broad greens , often elevated and guarded by elevated bunkers.
The clubhouse, a restored 18th century farmhouse, offers a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Facilities at Golf de L’Empereur: Clubhouse, pro-shop, driving range, putting green.
