There’s nothing better than a good life

With 30% of its members being expats and over 32 different nationalities joining together in the name of golf, Hulencourt prides itself on its impeccable service and ability to welcome new members, whilst maintaining certain standards. The 25-year old club has recently experienced a renewal – tradition is moving with the times.

“The club’s owner Patrick Solvay wanted a Belgian club with a British accent, which means fair play and good sportsmanship. It really is one big family; the club is the clan,” says James Beckman, Chief Operating Officer of Hulencourt Golf Club.

There are currently 500 members, and Beckman anticipates this will be capped at 550, although they do accept green fees: “We try and keep a balance as we want to keep the course free for the members to play whenever they want to. Here you can turn up without a reservation and the majority of the time you can head straight out onto the course”.

The club motto, Nihil melius quam bona vita (There’s nothing better than a good life) is a charming example of Hulencourt’s philosophy; it’s a place to enjoy yourself and to respect your fellow members. If you aren’t playing on the green, you can relax in the clubhouse and experience the culinary delights of Maître Cuisinier de Belgique, chef Alain Neckerbroeck, or perhaps try one of the many fine wines or whiskies available at the bar.

For the inexperienced golfer the Jérôme Theunis Golf Academy can offer a real taste of golf as you get to grips with the sport’s technicalities. Hulencourt’s head pro Jérôme Theunis runs the academy and believes it gives a smooth transition from the smaller courses to the main course:

“We want students to cover all aspects of golf within the academy. They can come and practise by themselves and have full access to the clubhouse and the smaller course. We like to encourage beginners to start together, that way they can build friendships at the same time”.

There are also 50 junior members, ranging from six to 18 years of age, and Theunis adds it is important to teach them more than just the practicalities of the sport: “We also teach what is expected from them as golf players in terms of etiquette, mentality and discipline. But we try and make it fun for them too”.

Hulencourt Golf Club is certainly going from strength to strength and there is a clear sense of pride and enthusiasm from everyone involved - from the management, to the clubhouse staff, to the members themselves.  

More info on www.golfhulencourt.be