Royal Latem Golf Club

Royal Latem Golf Club occupies a wooded parkland site in Sint-Martens-Latem, a village along the Leie River in East Flanders. The course was originally laid out by Geo Pannell in the early twentieth century and later modified by Fred Hawtree, whose firm contributed to numerous European courses during the mid-1900s. The design reflects the traditional parkland style common to Belgian golf, with tree-lined fairways and modest elevation changes that characterize the region's gently rolling terrain. The routing moves through mature woodland and open clearings, creating a variety of playing corridors that require accuracy off the tee. Water features appear on several holes, and the bunkering follows classic strategic principles, penalizing wayward shots while offering recovery options for skilled players. The greens are typically well-contoured, demanding thoughtful approach play and careful reading on the putting surface. Royal Latem holds a place among Belgium's established golf clubs, serving a membership drawn from the surrounding Ghent area. The club maintains the traditions common to European royal golf clubs, including formal clubhouse protocols and a calendar of member competitions. The course has hosted regional amateur events over the years, though it is not widely known outside Belgian golfing circles. The setting in Sint-Martens-Latem, a village with artistic heritage, provides a quiet, pastoral backdrop for the round.