Five Nations Golf Club sits in the commune of Havelange, in the Belgian province of Namur, at an elevation that gives the fairways a character quite unlike anything in the Belgian lowlands. The course was designed by Gary Player and opened in 1990 — which makes it a relative newcomer in European golf terms, but it has had more than three decades to establish itself as one of the premier golf destinations in the Ardennes.
The name refers to the five nations whose boundaries historically converged in this corner of Europe: Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Whether or not the geography entirely supports this claim is a matter of debate, but the name has stuck, and the international character of the club’s clientele — heavy with Dutch, German, and French visitors alongside Belgians — gives it a different atmosphere from a purely domestic club.
The Course
The layout is a parkland design with genuine elevation change. Gary Player courses tend to reward placement over power, and Five Nations follows that principle consistently: the premium is on finding fairways and understanding pin positions, not simply hitting the ball hard.
The routing makes good use of the natural terrain. Several holes play across or alongside the Hoyoux river valley, giving them a visual drama that rewards the golfer who is paying attention. The greens are moderately sized and well-defended by bunkering that requires thought rather than just power.
Standout holes:
Hole 7 (par 4): A dogleg left that requires a decision from the tee about how much of the corner to take on. Too conservative and the approach becomes very long; too aggressive and the ball finds trouble in the left rough. The kind of hole that rewards a plan and punishes autopilot.
Hole 12 (par 3): One of the best par threes in the Ardennes, played across a valley with a green that slopes away from the front. Club selection here is the entire game — short is very short, and long is an awkward chip from a downhill lie.
Hole 18 (par 5): A strong finishing hole that rises slightly toward the clubhouse, making it play longer than the card suggests. Three good shots are required for birdie; two good shots and a missed green will result in a dropped shot if the chipping game isn’t working.
Playing conditions: The Ardennes receives more rainfall than the Belgian lowlands, and the course sits at altitude. Expect wetter conditions than you might anticipate even in summer, and pack a waterproof regardless of the forecast. The flip side is that the course drains reasonably well and rarely closes for ground conditions.
Course rating and slope: The course plays to a par of 72 with a course rating in the mid-70s from the back tees and slopes that reward course management over raw handicap.
The Hotel
Five Nations is also a boutique golf hotel — three stars, which undersells it slightly. The rooms are comfortable rather than luxurious, but the hotel’s principal asset is that it puts you ten minutes from the first tee without a car journey, which matters more than thread counts once you’ve had a glass of Belgian beer the night before a round.
The restaurant serves solid Belgian regional cuisine. Wild game is well-represented in autumn and winter. Wine lists lean French, which makes sense given the geography.
Package options: The hotel regularly offers golf-and-stay packages that combine accommodation with green fees at preferential rates. These are generally the best value option for visitors staying multiple nights. Check the club’s current offerings directly before booking, as packages vary seasonally.
Green Fees and Booking
Green fees sit in the middle range for Belgian golf — accessible compared to Scottish or Irish links, more expensive than some local Belgian clubs. Weekend fees are higher than weekday rates, as everywhere.
The course can be booked directly through the club. Advance booking is strongly recommended in summer (June through August) and during the Belgian school holiday periods, when the course sees its highest demand.
Best value: Weekday rounds in May or September offer the combination of reasonable rates and reliable course conditions without the summer crowd.
Getting There
The club sits near the village of Méan in the municipality of Havelange, roughly 30 kilometres south of Liège.
By car: From Brussels, allow approximately 1 hour 30 minutes via the E42 toward Namur, then south through the Ardennes. From Liège, allow 45 minutes. From Luxembourg City, allow 1 hour 15 minutes via Arlon.
By train: The nearest significant rail station is Liège-Guillemins. From there, a taxi or hire car is necessary — public transport options to the course itself are limited. For visitors without a car, the hotel transfer service (when available) or a hire car from Liège is the practical solution.
Travelling with clubs: If you’re flying in from the UK or northern Europe, see our guide to transporting golf clubs on a European trip for airline fees, hard case advice, and the Eurostar option via Brussels.
When to Go
Spring (April–May): The Ardennes in late April and May can be outstanding. The course plays in excellent condition, crowds are manageable, and the forested landscape is at its most visually dramatic. Rain is possible but not guaranteed.
Summer (June–August): High season brings the most reliable weather but the most competition for tee times. Midweek visits sidestep the weekend rush.
Autumn (September–October): Often underrated. The turning leaves make this one of the most visually spectacular periods to play in the Ardennes, and the course conditions remain good through October. Temperatures drop but rarely to uncomfortable levels.
Winter (November–March): The course remains open in winter but conditions are unpredictable. Not recommended as a primary destination in January or February, though a November visit in good conditions can be memorable.
Combining with Other Ardennes Courses
Five Nations pairs well with Durbuy Golf, located approximately 30 kilometres to the northeast. Durbuy is a more technical layout — tighter, with less elevation change — and the contrast between the two courses makes a two-round Ardennes itinerary worth considering.
For a longer trip, the courses of the Luxembourg Ardennes — Golf Clervaux, Golf Grand-Ducal de Luxembourg — sit within a 90-minute drive and offer enough variety to fill four or five days without repeating yourself.
FAQ
Do I need a handicap certificate to play?
Yes. Five Nations operates a handicap requirement (typically 28 for men, 36 for women). Bring your handicap card or be prepared to show a current index from a recognised handicap system.
Are equipment rentals available?
The club pro shop offers equipment rentals, though availability varies. If you have specific requirements (left-handed, specialist shaft flex), confirm availability when booking.
Is Five Nations a members-only club?
No. The course welcomes visiting golfers and green-fee players. The hotel’s existence makes it specifically designed for touring golfers.
What’s the course like for high handicappers?
Manageable from the forward tees. The course has challenge but is not a penal layout — most holes offer a clear route for the higher-handicap golfer willing to play conservatively. The greens are the main difficulty; pace and break reading takes a round to calibrate.