Architect has developed a plan that aims to bring more consistency to Royal Ostend’s layout
By Alex Smith |
Jonathan Davison of Create Golf is underway with a project to restore the links character of the 18-hole course at Royal Ostend Golf Club, near the seaside town of De Haan, Belgium.
The course, originally designed in 1903 by Scottish architect Seymour Dunn, is the only links in Belgium. It was destroyed in both World Wars but was rebuilt and restored both times. The course was redesigned in the 1990s by Martin Hawtree when the club lost some of its land.
Davison’s involvement began when the club ran a design competition, overseen by club historian Mathias Slabbinck, president Caroline Lecluyse and members of the board, for the redesign of the thirteenth hole.
Davison’s proposal for the redesign of hole thirteen at Royal Ostend (Image: Create Golf)
“Following that process, we completed a full masterplan, which was approved by the members in early 2026,” said Davison. “The plan aims to bring greater consistency to a course spread across four parcels of land, while restoring links-style features and improving traffic throughout the golf course.”
The first phase is focused on expanding green complexes to better connect with hazards, restoring lost pin positions and converting several bunkers into shortgrass run-off areas. The club will also continue to use Ecobunker edging, a product already installed on several holes prior to Davison's appointment.
Work is being overseen by superintendent Shane Buckley, who previously worked with Davison at Penati Golf Resort in Slovakia.
“We are extremely proud to be working with such a historic golf course and pleased to be back in Belgium following our successful work at Bois d’Arlon Golf Resort in the south of the country,” said Davison. “Our approach is to bring consistency to construction methods while adding variety to the design and playing strategies. We are excited to begin bunker work on holes eleven to fourteen in October this year.”