History
Golf and Country Club “De Palingbeek” was opened in May 1992. The idea for a golf club in south-west Flanders dates back to 1986, when a group of like-minded local entrepreneurs came together to explore the various possibilities. Prominent amongst this group were Leonard Guillierme, Jean Viaene, Chris Lecluyse and Luc Callens. Gradually, the interest grew and by the beginning of 1988 a group of 12 investors and an initial pool of 180 potential members had been found. All that was now needed was a suitable patch of ground and after much fruitless searching a stroke of good fortune finally led to the 45 hectare domain of the family Cossart in Hollebeke. Under the skilful leadership of Karel Van Biervliet, one of the investors and Chairman of the local Chamber of Commerce, additional purchases were made to provide a more workable surface area of 72 hectares.
The famous English professional, Harold Baker, was appointed to design the course and work began in September 1990. The first 9 holes were opened on 17 May 1992 and the full 18 holes on 1 July 1992. Since then, we have never looked back …
The running of the club is in the hands of a Board of Directors, consisting of the first 12 investors, under the chairmanship of Karel Van Biervliet. The day-to-day administration of the club is the responsibility of a managing director, who since 1996 has been Willy Deceuninck. The managing director is also the President of the Club.
Under him is a Sports Committee, headed by the Captain of the Club, whilst several other bodies deal with matters as diverse as course management, historical and environmental matters, publicity and public relations, etc.