Historical Links Course

Lombartzyde Golf Club was one of continental Europe’s most admired pre-war links. Opened in 1910 beside Nieuport-Bains on sandy coastal ground, it must now be documented as a lost Belgian Open venue rather than as a playable course.

The Crombez family promoted the course as part of the coastal resort’s development. Villa Crombez served as the clubhouse and the 18-hole course opened in April 1910. It hosted the 1913 Belgian Open, won by Tom Ball on 145, one stroke ahead of James Braid. The course closed in 1939 as war approached and was taken over for military use.

Contemporary accounts describe sandy soil, fine seaside turf, large greens and high dunes covered in marram grass. Writers compared the changing landscapes with famous British links. The architect cannot be stated with confidence, so the profile should preserve the documented terrain without inventing an attribution.

The airport project considered for the site was never completed. The clubhouse was used during the occupation and partly destroyed, and no meaningful traces remain. This record must be non-bookable and visible only in competition and heritage contexts.

Belgian Open — 1913 Tom Ball 145, un coup devant James Braid.