TRAVEL: THE NETHERLANDS
The Netherlands boasts a vibrant golf scene for catering to players of all skill levels amidst its picturesque landscapes. With over 250 courses scattered across the country, enthusiasts have ample opportunities to indulge in their passion for the sport. From coastal links courses to inland gems, each venue offers its own unique challenges and charms. You’re sure to find course you’ll fall in love with. Here, we’ve highlighted a few that could be worth a try if you’re over in that part of the world.
Star Attraction – Bernardus Golf
Bernardus Golf, home to last year’s Dutch Open and future host of the 2026 Solheim Cup, promises an unforgettable experience for golf enthusiasts. Crafted by renowned American architect Kyle Phillips, whose portfolio includes iconic courses like Kingsbarns and Yas Links, Bernardus offers an 18-hole championship layout designed to challenge and inspire players of all levels.
Situated in the southern Netherlands, Bernardus Golf embodies the essence of heathland golf, seamlessly blending bunkers and water hazards amidst dunes and gorse. Its picturesque setting fosters tranquility, complemented by top-notch amenities including a driving range, short-game area, and putting greens.
Operated under the innovative “member for a day” concept, Bernardus grants visitors access to a luxurious array of facilities, from dining and tennis courts to swimming pools and saunas. The course’s layout, stretching across twice as much longitude as latitude, is divided into three distinct sections, each offering its own unique challenges and scenic beauty.
While the front nine captivates with sandy heathland and strategic water features, the back nine, though less inspiring, maintains the course’s overall allure. Despite its relatively modest terrain, Bernardus has earned acclaim as a premier tournament venue, hosting prestigious events like the Dutch Open and soon, the Solheim Cup.
Phillips’ masterful design maximizes the course’s potential, earning Bernardus a place among the Netherlands’ top golf destinations and marking it as one of the century’s finest additions to the golfing landscape. With its unparalleled blend of natural beauty, challenging play, and luxurious amenities, Bernardus Golf offers an unparalleled golfing experience for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Highly Recommended – The Dutch
The Dutch golf course, a Colin Montgomerie Signature Design in collaboration with European Golf Design, was conceived with a dual purpose: to create a premier members’ course while meeting the rigorous standards necessary for hosting major professional tournaments. This objective has undeniably been fulfilled, as evidenced by The Dutch playing host to the country’s national open between 2016 and 2018.
Since its inauguration in May 2011, The Dutch has consistently delivered world-class amenities, including its 18-hole inland links-style course, clubhouse, practice facilities, and unparalleled member services. Nestled in the rustic setting of Doornspijk within the municipality of Lingewaal, the course boasts links-style bunkers, intricately contoured greens, and numerous water features such as lakes and burns.
However, the development of The Dutch was not without its challenges. Situated on flat land several meters below sea level, with soil consisting of silt, clay, and peat, the site posed significant drainage and weight-bearing obstacles. Innovative solutions were employed, including a lightweight foundation of air-filled concrete beneath the greens and polystyrene blocks within mounds to alleviate pressure on the subsoil. Additional soil was imported to elevate low-lying areas, resulting in a meticulously crafted course that epitomizes the envisioned links-style layout.
Complementing the exceptional golfing experience is The Dutch’s charming clubhouse, featuring five elegantly appointed meeting rooms, locker facilities with bar and sauna services, a refined whisky and cigar room, a brasserie, and a restaurant. Conveniently located in the heart of the Netherlands, The Dutch offers easy access to the country’s major cities and airports, enhancing its allure as a premier destination for golf enthusiasts worldwide.
Other Gems
Utrecht Golf Club De Pan: Established in 1894 and redesigned by Harry S. Colt in 1929, this is another premier golf destination in the Netherlands. Nestled within a forested landscape, the course offers a quintessential Dutch experience with its thatch-roof clubhouse and picturesque scenery. Notable features include the meeting point of the 4th and 8th greens with the 5th and 9th tees, offering expansive views. The standout 6th hole elevates the course’s reputation, with the back nine particularly acclaimed, cementing Utrecht de Pan’s status as a top-ranked golf course, often regarded among the world’s best.
Hague Golf & Country Club: Some regard this as the most exciting links golfing destination on mainland Europe. The undulating layout challenges golfers with uneven lies, reminiscent of British links. This club is another to host the Dutch Open multiple times, and it reemerged in professional golf with the 2010 Van Lanschot Senior Open. Frank Pont’s extensive renovations since 2008, including new greens and bunkers, ensure its enduring allure.
