Committee

Notre histoire - Our history

En date du 24 Août 1983 a été créé, au sein des Institutions des Communautés Européennes de Bruxelles, une association appelée "Club de golf des Communautés Européennes de Bruxelles", rattachée au Groupement des Cercles de Loisirs.

Ceci fut le début de notre club de golf qui aujourd'hui s'appelle Club de Golf de l'Union Européenne.

This was the beginning of our golf club which today is called the European Union Golf Club.


GET TO KNOW THE COMMITTEE

Christian Ehlers, President of the EUGC.


How did I get infected with the golf virus? Many years ago, I discovered accidentally the CNBC weekly summaries of the US PGA tour and I was fascinated by the question how anybody could propel a golf ball with such precision towards a ridiculous small target with instruments singularly ill designed for that purpose (W. S. Churchill). The answer seemed obvious: It’s  dead easy. Even I could do it! . . . And ever since I am struggling to admit that this is not the case - encouraged to persevere by the exceptional well struck ball.

I have seen the EUGC from many angles: as a ordinary members, as a member of the committee, as a treasurer and as a secretary. Since I joined the committee it’s principle objective never changed: to make your club membership a pleasant experience. If you have questions or suggestions, please contact one of the committee members. If we can, we will help. Enjoy your EUGC membership and if you appreciate what you found, spread the news!

Chantal Jacques, Secretary of the EUGC.


I touched my first iron in the seventies in London.  It was such a disaster that my friend took it from my hands after having replaced my enormous divot and we went for a drink.  I forgot about golf for many years till the end of the eighties when my neighbour and colleague told me he had started playing in the US and found it rather pleasant.  He insisted and I actually took my first lesson in September 1991 and then I got hooked. At the end of the nineties, I have discovered the EUGC and really enjoyed the formulae of playing different courses.

I joined the committee in 1999 and became secretary of the club in 2000.  In 2006 Christian replaced me as the secretary but I have always remained active in the committee. In 2018, I have accepted to re-enlist for the job of secretary.  I do my best to accommodate your playing desiderata. Don’t forget, it is well known that a bad day on the golf course is better than a good day at the office...

Emilio Rodriguez Castro, our Vice-President.


At 15 I played football, at 25 I played tennis, at 35 I played golf ...

Inspired by Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer, ... I wanted to try golf too.

Since then, I hit my driver, I hit the irons and I hit the putter ... without problems or almost.

Member of the EUGC Golf Club since the 90s, I am proud to be part of the committee today. 

And do not forget, golf is an excellent game for everyone: man or woman, fit or not, young or old.

The best thing to do is just try. Book an initiation session, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Dominic Doyle, Captain of the EUGC.


I grew up with golf in my blood. My great grandparents, grandparents and father played the game. As a kid I played when I could and it was always there in the background. However  I never took it up formally until I moved to Belgium some 30 years ago. My favourite type of golf is links where the weather and terrain can inspire and frustrate in equal messure.

This is my second stint on the committee and I look forward to helping the club to develop where I can. The EUGC has always been a friendly and accomodating club where enjoyment of the game is the primary aim. Looking forward to seeing you on a course soon.


“Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots – but you have to play the ball where it lies.”  — Bobby Jones


Victoria Pagadigorria, responsable ladies.


When I arrived in Belgium long time ago, I (thought I) had an idea of what golf was about, but reality is stubborn, as I could confirm when I started to go to the course with a friend of mine who played. It was mostly a disaster, so at a certain point I decided either to quit or to get a bit more serious with it.

That is how I took my brevet at Boitsfort and my struggle with golf began. Playing golf is a permanent challenge but such a great pleasure!

I joined the Committee last year. Fortunately, I can count on my fellow members, far more experienced than me. My goal is to be useful to our ladies, so any suggestion is more than welcome.

Peter Baader, our Members Representative.


Peter has been addicted to golf for some 35 years now and continues loving it (although on some occasions he still believes it is a good walk spoiled). A member of several clubs in Belgium since 25 years, he is now affiliated to The National in Sterrebeek.Peter tries to return to the sport a bit of the pleasure he has drawn from it for such a long time.

Since a few years, he follows referee training with the RBGF, is now an assistant referee in his 2nd year and is confident to become a full referee in 2022. Rules questions? Contact him. He’ll be happy trying to help you.

HONORARY PRESIDENTS

Michel Berryer


Michel Berryer was the founder and first President of the European Union Golf Club until his untimely death in 2008.

Born into Belgian nobility and educated as a lawyer, Michel was a European Commission official. His favourite pastimes were golf and bridge.

One of life's gentlemen, he was a member of Ravenstein GC and in 1983 was inspired to establish what was then called the “European Community Golf Club” to unite colleagues in the EU institutions who shared his love of and passion for this great game.

André Mambourg


Playing with the EUGC has always been a pleasure, giving me the possibility not only to discover most of the Belgian clubs but also to challenge my golf on various courses. The variety of courses played during these years gave me experience but also confidence and I continuously improved my handicap.

I'm sure that all of you will take advantage of and pleasure in playing golf in such a pleasant atmosphere.   

I wish you all the best. Enjoy the game and the Club.