31 May 2012
Posted by Rory 
With the majority of airlines charging you an arm and a leg to fly with your golf clubs, there is often little choice but to rent clubs upon arrival at your golf holiday destination of choice and, let’s face it, playing with strange clubs just doesn’t feel right and, quite frankly, can be darned expensive! This is where Eurotunnel, our preferred short sea crossing provider, come into play…
Taking the Eurotunnel into France and perhaps further on to Belgium can rid you of these additional costs and perhaps more importantly, having your own car in which to get from place to place gives you tremendous freedom that lets you make the most of your golf tour of Europe. Another bonus to travelling in your own car on the Eurotunnel is that you don’t have to pack light which means you can be fully prepared to bring your A game to your golf courses of choice.
With a crossing time of only 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais, Eurotunnel offers the fastest Channel crossing with your car and the quickest route to the fairways! Its reliable service operates round the clock, 365 days a year, taking the hassle out of travelling to the Continent. Choose from up to 3 departures an hour during peak periods – no other cross-Channel operator offers you more choice.
With its own motorway junction (11a M20), access to the Passenger Terminal could not be simpler. Prior to boarding the shuttles, you will pass through both UK and French frontier controls which means on arrival in France, you simply drive off the shuttle and onto the European motorway network.
But where to go once disembarking the Eurotunnel?
The most easily accessible destination which just so happens to be home to a number of top class golf courses is Le Touquet. Le Touquet is just a 45 minute drive from Calais and boasting a number of excellent restaurants and a buzzing nightlife featuring bars, nightclubs and elegant casino there is something on offer for everyone away from the numerous beautiful golf courses.
Golf D’Hardelot – Les Pins Course
Your first stop after leaving Calais should be Hardelot, a charming coastal town that is home to some of France’s most adored golf clubs including one of France’s elite golfing destinations, Golf D’Hardelot. Boasting not one but two stunning championship courses; Les Pins and Les Dunes, this is a must. If you are forced to choose between the two courses it would be foolish to turn down a crack at the Les Pins course which is simply divine. This gorgeous layout winds its way through Hardelot’s majestic pine forest and demands sound strategy and accuracy rather than brute strength and ignorance. It’s a true parkland great but don’t fret if you have to settle for the Les Dunes course; you won’t be disappointed!
Golf du Touquet – La Mer Course
Be sure to head to Golf du Touquet, whose two championship courses and nine-hole academy layout have made it one of the best and most convenient golf break destinations in continental Europe. La Foret is the oldest course at Golf du Touquet, having been inaugurated in 1904. In stark contrast to its rugged sister course, La Mer, La Foret is carved through stunning pine woodland with some beautiful holes. While La Foret is undoubtedly an excellent golf course, La Mer is Golf du Touquet’s crowning glory, and has frequently hosted prestigious professional tournaments, including the French Open on numerous occasions. These are must play courses.
Golf du Tourquet – La Foret Course
Additional destinations to keep an eye out for include the Golf Hotel De Saint-Saëns and the famous Le Golf D’Arras.
Golf breaks in Belgium are also a fantastic option, particularly for those who have exhausted the possibilities across the French border. Belgium allows you to combine golf with visits to one of the fascinating cities that the country is so famous for – think Brussels and Bruges, a charming Medieval City that will thrill those who enjoy a bit of history.
Royal Waterloo
The Waterloo region, easily accessed from Brussels and the Brabant Wallon region, is home to some 11 golf courses, including classics like Royal Waterloo, and a staying here will allow you to easily explore Belgium’s capital, home of the European Union and some impressive architecture. Bruges is one of Europe’s most popular medieval tourist attractions, but is also within easy reach of the North coast and classics like Royal Zoute which is among the finest golf courses in Europe.
Royal Zoute
Alternatively, try something a little different; combine golf and relaxation with an escape to Spa, or head South to the charming rural towns, whose surrounding countryside is perfectly suited to beautiful golf courses. This rich variety makes Belgium especially appealing, providing golf breaks with an added edge, with an option to suit every demand. Added to this is the prospect of Belgium’s outstanding cuisine and its world-famous beer – what more could you want?!
Whilst onboard, relax in the comfort of your own car during the short 35 minute crossing. The Eurotunnel experience is simple and hassle free – no wonder they are the preferred choice for over 1 million motorists each year. Plan a crossing time to suit your golfing tee times and enjoy the convenience of travelling to your destination with everything you need packed in the boot of your car.
For more information on Eurotunnel Golf Breaks, Belgian Golf Holidays and French Golf Tours please visit www.yourgolftravel.com or call free on 0800 043 6644.
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