Extensive grasslands invite you to play golf in the Netherlands. With a total of over 200 golf courses, the country is a true paradise for golfers. The green fairways surrounded by the beautiful Dutch landscape are a real dream for an eventful day on the course. The Dutch Golf Association is the umbrella organisation for the affiliated golf clubs. It promotes social management, sustainable marketing of golf courses and improvements to facilities. The club also focuses on trends and developments in golf and provides support for necessary changes so that nothing gets in the way of the golfing experience in the Netherlands.

Tips for a carefree golf holiday

In the Netherlands, golfers need a valid golf card. This proves that the golfer has sufficient knowledge of the most important rules of golf as well as his or her golfing skills. If golfers do not have such a golf card, a golf card with a registered handicap is required instead. Admission to the various golf clubs varies. It is advisable to contact the club directly for information on conditions, prices and playing possibilities. 

Golf courses - playing golf in Holland

Many golf courses in the Netherlands are also open to golf tourists. The following selection presents some of the beautiful courses.

De Herkenbosche

De Herkenbosche golf course is located in the immediate vicinity of Germany. The 18-hole forest course merges seamlessly into the nature reserve "De Meinweg", is particularly hilly and thus untypical for the Netherlands. Thanks to the many trees, you get the impression of being alone on the course, as they block the view of surrounding holes. The holes are located on dunes and the differences in altitude in particular make for a special golfing experience. Whether going up to higher holes or down to lower ones, golfers have a lot of variety in their game here.

Hotel tip

The Romantik Hotel Kasteel Daelenbroeck in Middle Limburg is located near the golf course. The estate was built in Herkenbosch as early as 1311 and today offers plenty of space for a stylish rural lifestyle. Entering the estate via the stone bridge of the outer castle, one enters the castle courtyard and from there the spacious, charmingly furnished rooms with their own terrace. Guests will find culinary delights in the cosy brasserie as well as in the elegant restaurant after a varied day on the course.

Het Rijk van Margraten

The Het Rijk van Margraten golf course is located east of Maastricht and offers golfers a real golfing experience with an 18-hole course and 9-hole short course. The breathtaking location in the middle of the hilly landscape between Maastricht and Cadier en Keer, surrounded by fields, trees and vineyards, makes golfing at Het Rijk van Margraten an experience. Golfers can improve their technique on the course's driving range. Due to differences in altitude of about 50 metres, the golf course is suitable for demanding golfers.

Hotel Tip

Not far from the golf course, the Romantik Parkhotel Het Gulpdal in the idyllic village of Slenaken in Mergelland invites you to relax. Here, guests find peace from city life and enjoy culinary delights from the renowned cuisine. The luxurious rooms make for a pleasant stay after an eventful day on the golf course.

Golf Course de Texelse

Golf de Texelse is one of the six Dutch links courses and is a real dune golf course. Dunes, beach grass, water hazards and large greens make for a special golfing experience. Experienced golfers as well as beginners are very welcome here. Situated on the North Sea island of Texel, only about one kilometre from the sea, the course requires a skilful and tactical game due to the wind. On this course, natural elements provide excitement. Golfers can also improve their technique on the driving range and the putting and chipping greens.

Important golfing terms

Driving Range: The driving range is the practice area used to learn the long shots and also to warm up before a round of golf. 

Flights: Flights are groups of players of a maximum of four. They usually start every nine minutes from the first tee. 
Green fee: A green fee is the fee that golfers pay in order to be allowed to play on someone else's course.

Handicap: The handicap is a very important indicator in golf. It indicates the golfer's approximate playing strength and is calculated from the difference in the number of strokes a golfer needs to finish a course.