Family history at breathtaking golf location

Golf de Falnuée

In the heart of Belgium, in the midst of the enchanting Falnuée region, you will find Golf de Falnuée. A true treasure trove where nature and passion for golf go hand in hand. It was a passionate family that laid the foundation in 1987 for this picturesque 65-hectare estate, where a renowned golf course extends around a listed 13th-century castle farm. But Golf de Falnuée is much more than just another golf course. It is an oasis of biodiversity and a paragon of sustainable development.

More than just a thriving business, Golf de Falnuée is the heartwarming story of a family with a passion for nature and golf. In 1987, the Jottrand family purchased a 45-hectare estate with a historic chateau farm. The ambition from the outset was to create a world-class golf course without compromising the history and natural beauty of the site. Soon the project gained momentum, and today the golf club boasts 18 challenging holes spread across 65 acres of lush, rolling countryside.

Warmth and biodiversity trump

At Golf de Falnuée, a friendly, discreet and experienced team is on hand. With three greenkeepers and a mechanic, the family chooses to perform all on-site maintenance themselves. This hands-on approach results in meticulous attention to every detail, which in turn allows for flexibility in responding to changing conditions.

What makes Golf de Falnuée so special is the perfect marriage of tradition and biodiversity. The course meanders over a varied terrain, which at over 5 hectares has been declared a Natura 2000 site. One of the gems is the limestone grassland, located below the fairway on hole 14. This unique piece of nature is home to rare flora, similar to that of the Alps or southern France. The grassland, which can bathe in the morning sun, is home to a diversity of plants not normally found in this region
would expect.

Balancing tradition and sustainability

The challenge at Golf de Falnuée is balancing tradition and sustainability, especially in light of Belgium's volatile climate and strict environmental standards such as the Zero Phyto goal. That prohibits the use of synthetic plant protection products.

"Recognizing the economic and political challenges for golf is crucial, especially in view of the different regulations between regions. We face competitive distortions because of the Zero Phyto standard," said Jean Jottrand, co-owner and founder. "The Zero Phyto principle is a precautionary measure, but we must not forget the years of scientific research that are now no longer put into practice by this new standard. The precautionary principle is in danger of becoming the antithesis of progress." 

How can we meet those challenges? "The future lies in genetics," adds Jean Jottrand. "By investing in more resistant grass varieties and adopting more environmentally friendly mechanical maintenance practices - overseeding, drilling and scarifying - Golf de Falnuée aims to remain at the forefront of the industry while meeting new challenges." 

A delicate balance between tradition and sustainability, between passion for golf and preservation of the environment. A jewel in the region, the golf resort with hotel is both a paradise for golf lovers and a textbook example of harmony between man and nature. 

Discover the inspiring story of a family estate where nature meets golf. Golf de Falnuée effortlessly adapts to the future without losing sight of the past and sustainability.