Golf in Netherlands

This country profile highlights some of the key aspects of golfing in Netherlands.

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About the Country
Only two of the 13 provinces in the Netherlands contain the word Holland - so Netherlands is the more accurate country name, and the people are definately Dutch. Generally the Netherlands is a flat country, perhaps explaining why cycling is such a popular pastime. Ask a Dutch person what they miss most when outside the Netherlands, the reply is often "water" - in the Netherlands there is a lot of it.

About the Golf
The Netherlands lays some claim to being the true home of golf, or "colf" or "kolf" as the ancient game was called. Things clearly went into a significant lull, until in 1894 Utrecht "De Pan" led the revival, with other great courses such as Hilversum, Kennemer and Noordwijk following a few years later. Golf is now very popular in the Netherlands and a sport played by all sections of society.

Golf Good Points
Much of the terraine in the Netherlands is flat, so not so many courses with arduous climbs.

Less Good Points
Early tee-times at the weekend (unlike neighbouring Belgium) are hard to come by - the courses are busy and play starts early. There are some good recent additions to the stock of golf courses in the Netherlands, but some have decided to charge a visitor green fee that is at the very top end of the scale (e.g. Lage Vuursche, Goyer); it puts them in the same green-fee bracket as the very best courses in the country (e.g. Noordwijke, Kennemer and Haagsche). Unavoidably in the Netherlands, water makes frequent appearances on many of the courses - but not all !

Golf - Booking
Always phone in advance to make a tee time booking. When you arrive to play, it is very likely you will be asked to show a handicap certificate or Golf Federation card.

Weather
Similar to much of northern Europe - a maritime climate with coldish winters and warmish summers. Nothing too extreme, so year-round golf is just about possible, unless it snows, or rain creates water-logged courses.

Getting around
Very good roads, but also a lot of people in a small space, so motorways can get faily congested. Many people get around by bicycle (but not so easy with a golf bag !).

Accomodation
There is always a city nearby with the usual array of international hotels. .

Currency
Euro

Language


Visit our Netherlands Golf Course Guide for ratings, reviews and contact information for Netherlands?s main golf courses.

Useful Links

Accommodation
HotelNet On-line accommodation finder service for the Netherlands
Van der Valk Hotels Excellently located chain of Dutch hotels