Golf and Country Club “De Palingbeek” was opened in May 1992. The idea for a golf club in south-west Flanders dates back to 1986, when a group of like-minded local entrepreneurs came together to explore the various possibilities. Prominent amongst this group were Leonard Guillierme, Jean Viaene, Chris Lecluyse and Luc Callens. Gradually, the interest grew and by the beginning of 1988 a group of 12 investors and an initial pool of 180 potential members had been found. All that was now needed was a suitable patch of ground and after much fruitless searching a stroke of good fortune finally led to the 45 hectare domain of the family Cossart in Hollebeke. Under the skillful leadership of Karel Van Biervliet, one of the investors and Chairman of the local Chamber of Commerce, additional purchases were made to provide a more workable surface area of 72 hectares.
The course was designed by Harold J. Baker, a top professional player for more than 30 years and a highly respected course architect. Baker believed that a golf course should merge naturally with its surroundings, so that not only sporting but also aesthetic considerations could be satisfied. The Palingbeek Golf Club is one of the finest examples of the Baker philosophy in practice.
The result is a course of great natural beauty which offers a wide range of challenges to players of all abilities, where good play is rewarded but where the occasional bad shot is not excessively penalised
