The Netherlands is home to some of Europe’s most beautiful and strategically compelling golf courses. From historic links carved through coastal dunes to modern masterpieces set in serene forests, these ten courses represent the very best of Dutch golf. This is where tradition, design, and natural beauty come together in perfect harmony.
1. Utrechtse Golf Club ‘De Pan’
Consistently ranked as the best course in the Netherlands, Utrechtse Golfclub “De Pan” is a true masterpiece of heathland golf. Designed by legendary architect Harry Colt in the 1920s, the course is nestled in a secluded forest near Utrecht. Its narrow, tree-lined fairways wind gracefully through pines and blooming heather, offering a peaceful yet demanding test of golf. The routing flows naturally through the terrain, and the course requires strategic shot placement rather than power. Each hole feels isolated, enhancing the sense of tranquillity and focus. Subtle elevation changes, intelligent bunkering, and fast, sloping greens make De Pan a course that reveals its depth the more you play it.
2. Royal Hague Golf & Country Club (Koninklijke Haagsche)
Royal Hague is a magnificent links course set among the coastal dunes of Wassenaar. Often considered one of Europe’s finest inland links, the layout is both rugged and elegant. The dunes here are large and dramatic, creating rolling fairways, blind shots, and a variety of lies that demand creativity. The elevated greens and undulating approaches call for precise short-game play, especially in the wind. With a long and prestigious history dating back to 1893, Royal Hague is one of the oldest clubs in the Netherlands, and the challenging terrain makes every round a memorable adventure. This is pure, traditional golf at its finest — raw, natural, and timeless.
3. Noordwijkse Golf Club
Ranked number three in the Netherlands and second in Continental Europe, Noordwijkse is a pure links gem nestled in the dunes of South Holland. This course stretches across the North Sea coast, where ever-shifting winds, tight fairways, and natural bunkering challenge even the most skilled players. Its rugged charm, combined with sea views and pine-clad holes, delivers a thrilling and scenic round. With a history of hosting nine Dutch Opens and legends like Seve Ballesteros walking its fairways, Noordwijkse stands as the pinnacle of Dutch golf tradition.
4. Kennemer Golf & Country Club
Kennemer, situated near the seaside town of Zandvoort, is a classic links-style course with a rich history and a strikingly beautiful setting. Originally designed by Harry Colt and later expanded, it is laid out in three loops of nine holes that weave through rolling dunes and grassy hollows. The fairways are undulating and well-contoured, and the wind off the nearby North Sea ensures no two rounds are ever the same. The course has a natural feel, with subtle design features that test strategy rather than brute strength. Kennemer has hosted the Dutch Open more than 20 times and remains a favorite among both professionals and amateurs for its timeless design and atmosphere.
5. Hilversumsche Golf Club
Set amid thick forests near the town of Hilversum, this historic course combines classical parkland beauty with the technical demands of tight fairways and undulating greens. Originally laid out in 1910 and redesigned multiple times, including by Harry Colt, Hilversumsche has hosted over 25 Dutch Opens. Its mature trees, well-placed hazards, and subtle elevation changes require precision and course management. The experience here is steeped in tradition and tranquillity, offering a refined test for golfers who appreciate classic design.
6. Rosendaelsche Golf Club
Rosendaelsche, located near Arnhem, is set on undulating, wooded terrain that gives the course a rhythmic flow and plenty of character. Founded in 1895, it’s one of the oldest clubs in the Netherlands. The layout blends heathland and forest, with wide fairways bordered by tall trees and blooming heather during the summer months. The natural elevation adds a dimension rarely found in Dutch courses. With its relaxed atmosphere and strategic complexity, Rosendaelsche offers a delightful balance of beauty and challenge.
7. Eindhovensche Golf
Located in the southern part of the Netherlands, Eindhovensche is a standout example of a traditional inland course built on sandy soil, offering excellent year-round playability. The layout was developed by Harry Colt and Charles Hugh Alison in the early 20th century and has retained much of its original character. It features generous fairways, mature forest surroundings, and natural hazards that require careful strategy. The green complexes are varied and often elevated, demanding precise approach shots and confident putting. The course is quiet and unassuming, but its subtle challenges and excellent maintenance have earned it a devoted following among Dutch golfers.
8. Bernardus Golf
A relative newcomer compared to its traditional counterparts, Bernardus Golf opened in 2018 and quickly established itself as one of the premier golf destinations in the Netherlands. Designed by Kyle Phillips, the course blends elements of heathland and links golf, with wide fairways, dramatic bunkering, and vast, undisturbed natural surroundings. The greens are large, fast, and full of movement, challenging even elite players. Bernardus is more than just a course — it’s a luxury golf resort with world-class facilities, fine dining, and attention to detail at every turn. It has already hosted the Dutch Open and is set to host the Solheim Cup in 2026, marking its rise to international prominence.
9. Golfclub Broekpolder
Tucked away near Rotterdam, Golfclub Broekpolder is a course that many consider a hidden gem. Opened in the 1950s, it offers a unique blend of parkland and heathland elements. The terrain is open and gently undulating, with long, sweeping fairways bordered by native grasses and occasional water hazards. Though less well-known internationally than some of the others on this list, Broekpolder delivers a quality golf experience with strong strategic variety and consistent course conditions. It’s an accessible yet challenging layout that quietly impresses those who visit.
10. Lage Vuursche Golf Club
Set in the peaceful forests of Utrecht province, this private club offers a secluded golfing escape with a layout that flows through dense woodland and over subtle elevation changes. Designed by Kyle Phillips, the course features modern green complexes, plenty of risk-reward opportunities, and a strong emphasis on accuracy. While it’s members-only, the course is known for its elite maintenance standards and calm, exclusive ambience. It’s a place where nature and golf meet in elegant harmony.
The Netherlands’ Finest Fairways
From the historic charm of De Pan and Royal Hague to the contemporary excellence of Bernardus, the Netherlands offers a golf experience that rivals any in Europe. These ten courses showcase the country’s architectural variety, natural beauty, and rich golf culture. Whether you’re chasing the wind through the dunes or navigating tight forest corridors, Dutch golf rewards both the strategist and the shotmaker. For anyone planning a golf trip to the Netherlands, this list is the perfect place to start.
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