Of the countless considerations that no doubt come into play during the selection process for a golf break or golf tour destination, culture probably ranks pretty low. Packing out the top places are the likely lads: ease of access, local bars and eateries, good golf courses, welcoming hotels and value for money. Luckily for the city of Mons, Belgium’s European Capital of Culture for 2015 then, that it ticks those boxes too.

The Walloon city – Walloon referring to the French-speaking community within Belgium, principally in the district of Wallonia – was the subject of repeated fighting in the late Middle Ages, notably between the French and Austrians, and was also the site of the first World War I battle fought by the British Army in 1914, but is now settled as the capital of the Belgian province of Hainaut.

Its blend of gothic and industrial architecture makes the city’s landscape an intriguing one. Of all the attractions the Grand Place is the one that will likely welcome the most tourists; this is Mons’ main square and, in the typical European fashion, is the focal point for eating, drinking and relaxing, with a clutch of excellent bars and restaurants to enjoy.

So Mons is packed with character, interesting buildings and nice places to have a beer. All good things, but we’re here to play golf in Belgium, so let’s give that some thought. From the moment you emerge on the continental side of the Channel, most likely via the excellent Eurotunnel service at Calais, you will be able to cover the 180 or so kilometres to Mons in less than 2 hours on a good day, which means that those in the South East could easily enjoy a round of golf on the afternoon of day one; the alternative is to stop off and play somewhere like Golf de Dunkerque on route to break up the journey.

Once safely in Wallonia, and checked into one of our recommended hotels – the Ibis, Infotel and Mercure all provide good lodgings – it will be time to don clubs and head for the course. The two closest to Mons itself happen to be among the best. Mature parkland best characterises the style of golf around here, as exemplified at Golf du Mont Garni. This course is just to the north west of Mons and is most memorable for its slightly unorthodox routing; three six-hole loops comprise the course, which is cut into the well established woodland that covers much of the region.

The immaculate Royal Golf Club du Hainaut is likely to be the stand out experience of your golf break in Mons. Since 1938, this esteemed club has been the region’s golfing focal point and, like many of the best courses in the continent’s northernmost locales, it has a distinctly British accent. In fact, Royal Golf du Hainaut was mapped out by Tom Simpson, an Englishman. Simpson is credited with design work in his homeland including The Berkshire’s three splendid nine-hole loops (in association with Herbert Fowler), but it was in France and Belgium that he was most prolific. Hardelot, Hossegor, Chantilly, Fontainebleau and Morfontaine rank among the very best in France, and all bear Simpson’s signature. At Hainaut he has fashioned a suitably impressive par-72 layout, making good use of the majestic natural terrain.

Also possible for golf tours in Mons are a few courses between the city and Brussels, including Hulencourt, Chateau de la Tournette and Golf de l’Empereur, all al bit further away but ideal if your stay is longer than a couple of days.

Southern Belgium is a destination to discover, where little is known to many golfers but much is possible. Warm and welcoming, you will find less first tee hustle than some of the Northern French alternatives, the reward for extending the drive from Calais that little bit further. Prices for Belgian golf tours in Mons start at £219 per person, including two nights’ accommodation, two rounds of golf and Eurotunnel crossing.