The new law has four main headings. The "rst is above discussion as accepted by all right-minded people as it requires that each new development must respect nature and the environment. Of course, how different people interpret the word "respect" is where the devil lies in that one.

The second requirement could produce major headaches, especially on small sites, as it requires multi-functional use with walking paths, cycling roads and other silent recreation possible on or around the golf courses. Just how this can be made fit with safety issues, the golf ball being a lethal weapon, will produce problems.

The third requirement will have a major negative impact on the creation and maintenance of good golf courses as it calls for what is described as democratic use. Fifty per cent of any new development must be open to all with a maximum annual fee of 1,000 and no entrance fee and no entrance procedure!

The fourth requirement imposes the concept of private-public co-operation which is a sort of contradiction in terms as "imposed co-operation" is a concept that demands thought.

It seems a pity that they stopped just short of the concept of compulsory golf for all. As one writes on Friday 13 this seems to be an idea worthy of promotion.

With their golfing population set to grow from 30,000 to over 50,000 by 2015 one can only wish the people of Flanders the best of luck and happy golfing but feel sorry for their lovely land being hampered in the production of international quality golf courses onwards.