Bois d’Arlon Golf and Resort in southern Belgium is preparing to open its new 18-hole Heath course, designed by Stuart Hallett.

The resort opened its nine-hole Park course, designed by Jonathan Davison of Create Golf, in May 2023.

Hallett’s design was created to complement the site’s natural landforms. His routing process centred around what he calls the “natural holes”, before moving on to others that required more earthmoving. “I picked out a few green sites on my first visit thanks to some very exciting features,” said Hallett. “I wanted to exploit the natural landscape to build what I believe are some standout golf holes, including the fourth green, holes five, six and fourteen, and part of fifteen. This interesting corner appears in both loops; a crossroads in the course routing.

“We worked hard on a couple of the so-called weaker holes on paper, with some good ideas and skilful shaping helping to produce some very interesting holes, such as the third, eleventh and eighteenth.

“The routing has plenty of variety with five par threes and five par fives. I was keen on finding a balance; some holes are forgiving with straightforward strategy, some are tough, while others have surprises or are quirky in places.

“My aim was to provide playing options and avoid penal architecture. It’s not all about distance but visualising the shots. I’m hoping the measuring devices will be redundant on a few holes – that would be hugely satisfying. Concerning distance, it’s a long way from the tips, but we spread out the other tees to please members.”

GolfLink Evolve handled construction on both courses and a Rain Bird irrigation system has been installed.

The resort will have membership options for locals and will also be open for visitors. The developer, Luxembourg-based property investor Roby Schintgen, has also expressed an ambition to hold a tournament on the Heath course.