Oosterhoutse

Course architecture snippets from around the world #2 In February, we published a comprehensive report from more than a dozen distinguished architects around the world about projects they were currently involved in. Specifically, they told us about a whole host of new ventures and restoration/renovation schemes that were due for completion this year. We arranged these items geographically last time around, beginning with Great Britain & Ireland and ending with Africa. The only regions left out of our global roundup were Continental Europe, the Middle East and the Caribbean & North Atlantic Islands and we’ve managed to address those omissions by including two of them in this edition. CONTINENTAL EUROPE Netherlands Frank Pont tells us he’s building a 9-hole reversible course at Ullerberg, in an old sand pit in the middle of the largest heathland area in the country. He’s also finishing off construction of a 9-hole par three course at Oosterhoutse (using land freed up last year by the acquisition of five new holes) which will complement the existing 18-hole course. Frank is rebuilding three holes at Amsterdam Old Course – a Colt, Alison and Morrison layout – which celebrated eighty years of operation in 2015. Situated less than one kilometre to the north of the Amsterdam ArenA, where the city encroaches on every side, it’s astonishing that this little 9-hole track still remains in existence. Germany Christoph Städler informs us the first stage of his 45-hole project in Donaueschingen, east of Freiburg, is due to open next month. It’s partly new build, partly renovation and redesign. The second phase will open in late summer with full completion scheduled for mid-2018. In June of this year, an additional nine holes of Christoph’s are due to open at Münster-Tinnen, north of Dortmund, extending the course to a 27-hole facility. His renovation and partial redesign of the 18-hole layout at Hamburg-Ahrensburg is set to come to an end in September. Frank Pont is building another 9-hole reversible course and a 9-hole small course near Chiemsee in Bavaria, close to the Austrian border, with spectacular views over the Alps. To the north of the country, the same architect is half way through a bunker renovation using Bunkermat at Köln and the remaining nine holes will be done this Autumn. Turkey Tim Lobb's third course in Turkey, near the popular resort town of Bodrum, is nearing completion. Grassing at Country Life Golf Club (rebranded Regnum Golf & Country Club) will be finished by early summer and the course is scheduled to open in October. It’s being developed by Fikret Öztürk, the owner of Carya Golf Club in Belek, which Tim designed under the banner of Thomson Perrett & Lobb. "The site is about two kilometres from the sea, and up in the mountains above Bodrum town," says Tim Lobb. "It's a big site - about 300 hectares - and runs through a working olive grove, which we have retained. The site has great topography, but it is extremely rocky, so it has been a challenging build. The bunkers, for example, have been placed and designed hole by hole during construction, depending on ground conditions - and there aren't many of them, less than thirty on the whole course. We have really built the course in the field, with lots of hand sketching and field notes, rather than predetermining the design in the office. That's a new process for me, and I've been fortunate to work with an excellent contractor, Naki Evandir of GolfTek - in fact it is the fourth course I have built with him over the past eighteen years." MIDDLE EAST United Arab Emirates Currently under construction, Peter Harradine’s Legends Golf Course will be a fun 9-hole course, with a driving range and practice green, set within the Living Legends real estate development in Dubailand. The course has five or six tees on each hole, creating a wide range of lengths and angles. It’s a player-friendly layout with reasonable hole lengths, wide fairways and wall to wall grassing that still provides a challenge to more accomplished golfers with strategically placed bunkering and water hazards. Irrigation and drainage lines have all been installed, floodlighting poles and fixtures have also been located on the course and driving range. Most of the layout should be ready for seeding by the end of June with a tentative opening date for the end of December. ASIA Vietnam IMG’s new Vinpearl Golf Hai Phong facility is located on the island of Vu Yen, just outside Vietnam’s most important seaport of Hai Phong in the northeast of the country. Officially opened this month, the golf facility consists of two 18-hole layouts (Lakeside and Marshland) which are grassed with paspalum fairways and bermuda greens inside a massive 2,200-acre Ecotourism Area. The Lakeside course is laid out as a scenic resort-style track where water comes into play on twelve holes and it features generous fairways and large, undulating greens. The Marshland course is routed around carefully preserved open wetlands and it’s been fashioned with grass-faced bunkers and medium to small sized greens which demand accurate approach play. “Out like a lamb, in like a lion,” is architect Brian Curley’s assessment of Schmidt & Curley’s new Mountain Course at FLC Quy Nhon, which has just debuted. He’s referring to the first four holes versus the same number of challenging holes at the end of the round on a terrific track which is routed across a sandy hillside location above the recently opened Ocean course from Nicklaus Design. Incredibly, the all-Platinum paspalum Mountain course opened less than six months after shaping first began on a sandy, pine scrub hillside with stunning elevation changes that offer ocean views on sixteen holes. Links course styling with swales and hollows around many of the greens helps to promote a bump and run ground game here. Fairways are generously proportioned to take account of the dramatic topography. The absence of large trees and water plus a limited number of bunkers might give the impression that this layout is less challenging than the Ocean course but there’s lots of movement in the greens with some pins not visible from either the fairway or the tee. AFRICA Egypt Situated to the west of El Alamein on the Mediterranean coast, Peter Harradine’s resort course at Marassi has been built around a series of man-made lagoons and streams connected directly to the sea. Part of an integrated residential development, the fairways are wide and accommodating though water comes into play on more than half the holes. The facility is due to open in the second half of 2017. Set within a series of rocky hilltops overlooking the capital, the new Harradine course at Uptown Cairo winds its way around and in between rocky outcrops in valley-like corridors with the real estate sitting high above, allowing residents expansive views across the course. As might be expected with such unique and challenging terrain, the elaboration of detailed plans and specifications, technical descriptions and bills of quantities was very intricate and sophisticated, ensuring the full potential of the site could be realised. The clubhouse, driving range, chipping area and putting greens have now been completed and the first nine holes of the course should be open by the end of 2017. After a three-year build, the NEWGIZA course in Egypt, which sits within a 500-hectare master planned development, will open later this year. Designed by Tim Lobb and Ross Perrett for Thomson Perrett & Lobb, the course occupies a stunning location only a short distance from the Giza pyramids. "It has been a long and difficult build due to the conditions on site, but we are getting there and the results are stunning," said Lobb. "I believe it will be a strong candidate for the title of Egypt's best course." Twelve holes are now grassed - the first one was started nearly two years ago - and the spectacular clubhouse is well into construction. Final landscaping is under way on much of the site. "We have now shaped the par three 4th hole, which we believe will be much photographed, as it plays directly at the pyramids," said Lobb. "The twelve holes on the main part of the property are finished; we're now working on the last six – holes 3 to 8 – and they occupy a different plot of land.” GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND England The Old course at the Royal Automobile Club has had all its bunkers replaced by Tom Mackenzie over a 15-month period, with the 13th hole completely redesigned. The upgrade work is due to be fully finished in June. The final phase of Tom’s bunker reconstruction work at Goodwood (Downs) is now finished and the course re-opens for play later this month. Mentioning sand hazards, Frank Pont is currently working on bunker projects at Blackwell, Camberley Heath, Ringway and Tyneside. He’s also trialling the installation of Blinder bunker liners on a couple of holes at Tandridge, with a view to renovating all greenside bunkers on the course if the trial is successful. The major renovation of the Buckinghamshire Golf Club to the north-west of London is now finished and the course has reopened. Course manager Andy Ewence, who managed the project, said: "This has been something of an epic, as we have virtually rebuilt large parts of the golf course, while still keeping it open for play. There were four separate contractors involved, with over forty contracting staff on site on a daily basis." The project has seen the overall area of bunkers on the course – originally designed by the late John Jacobs – shrink from over 14,000 square metres to 6,400 square metres, with obvious consequences for the levels of maintenance required. Architect Tim Lobb said: "It was always obvious that we needed to reduce the area of sand at the Buckinghamshire, but what particularly pleases me is that we have done so while at the same time making the bunkers more thought provoking hazards – and more visible. Generally, the bunkers are tighter to the greens than they were before, and we have introduced central hazards on the 5th and 18th holes - while clearing trees on the right of 18 to create an alternative line to the green. The par fives were generally very wide and not very interesting before the project; now bunkers threaten the playing lines and create real strategic choices." Ireland Robert Trent Jones Jnr’s firm is delivering an original design at Hogs Head Golf Club in Waterville and this new course is due to be unveiled in August this year. Part of this headland layout is set out on land where the defunct Skellig Bay Golf Club once operated and holes 8 to 16 are now laid out along the coast with some of the inland fairways routed around the Finglas River. Playing surfaces are sand-capped, planted with three sorts of specially selected fescue grasses that are native to Ireland. The intention is to promote firm and fast playing conditions that will allow golfers to play the ground game if they so choose, especially when the wind gets up. Scotland Work carried out by Tom Mackenzie on the re-aligned 12th hole on the Championship course at Royal Dornoch (the 560-yard par five named “Sutherland”) has now ended, with the tees repositioned away from the 5th fairway and 11th green to produce a more challenging hole. NORTH AMERICA United States In 2016, Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw were appointed to carry out a 3-year renovation of the course at Seminole. Working with bunker specialist Jeff Bradley in phase 1 of the project, they overhauled almost thirty bunkers on holes 12, 13 and 14, restoring the natural sandy waste areas between the holes in manner similar to their recent Pinehurst No 2 upgrade. Phase 2 in the summer of 2017 will see around a hundred bunkers rebuilt, with the remaining eighty or so sand hazards to be completed the following year. Several Greg Norman Golf Course Design restoration projects are nearing completion and they include the Black course at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida, the 18-hole layout at Savannah Quarters in Georgia, the International course at Championsgate Golf Club in Davenport, Florida and the 45-hole golf facility at The Golf Club at Lansdowne, near Leesburg, Virginia. Canada Gary Browning tells us the first of his two 18-hole layouts at Serenity Golf Club, southeast of Calgary, will be opening for play this summer. Named Dancing Bull, it’s due to be followed by the Suncatcher course in the summer of 2019. Before then, the two totally renovated 18-hole layouts at Kananaskis Country Club are set for a grand reopening in the summer of 2018. Both courses were totally devastated by flooding in June of 2013, leading to their closure, and it’ll be an emotional occasion for many when they make their much-anticipated reappearance. OCEANIA Australia Greg Norman Golf Course Design recently celebrated the opening of its 100th course at Eastern Golf Club in Australia and it currently has forty-two others under contract and another twenty-two actively under development, including six redesign projects. The firm has just relaunched the Brookwater Golf & Country Club course in Springfield, to the southwest of Brisbane in Queensland. The layout is a Greg Norman design which debuted in 2002 and the course has just reopened after a progressive overhaul that included strategic design changes to greens, fairways and bunkers. Central to the project’s scope of work was the resurfacing and restoration of the green complexes to return them to their original size, look, and feel. Fairways were also widened and a vigorous vegetation management program removed overgrown foliage around the course and in waterways, opening playing corridors where the original design intent had been compromised. Drainage and irrigation systems were also significantly updated which now presents an overall improvement in course conditioning that enhances the playability experience for golfers. We’re also aware of Cathedral Lodge, another Greg Norman design which is being constructed for investment banker and former Essendon AFL club president David Evans on the Goulburn River, near Alexandra in Victoria. From what we hear, there’s every prospect of this new 18-hole layout rivalling the quality of the private track that the late Kerry Packer commissioned Norman and his design team to build in 2001.

You don't need a four-figure budget, a private-club connection or an invitation from a member to play a course in the World Top 100. Top100 has collated the 10 cheapest visitor-accessible courses on our current World Top 100 Ranking, based on standard green fees. From a world-class links in Tasmania to a U.S. Open and Ryder Cup venue in New York, these courses offer the chance to play some of the best golf on the planet without the eye-watering green fees attached to many of their World Top 100 counterparts. 1. St Andrews Beach Golf Course (Victoria, Australia) World Ranking: 89th | Australia ranking: 6th | Green fee: A$139 (£74) Tom Doak’s first Australian mainland design, St Andrews Beach opened in 2004 on the Mornington Peninsula and has since become one of the country’s best-value, ranked courses. The public-access layout occupies 175 hectares of former grazing land, with wide fairways, rolling terrain and sandy natural contours that give several holes a links-like feel. Measuring just over 6,000 metres from the back tees, it is playable for a broad range of golfers, though the subtle greens ensure there is still plenty to think about. In a region known for outstanding golf, St Andrews Beach stands out not only for its quality but also for its accessibility, offering everyday golfers the chance to experience a Tom Doak design without the premium price tag often attached to courses of this calibre. 2. Bethpage Black (New York, USA) World Ranking: 58th | USA ranking: 28th | Green fee: From US$140 (£106) Bethpage Black has the rare distinction of being a World Top 100 course, a major championship venue and a public golf course. Located within Bethpage State Park on Long Island, the A.W. Tillinghast design opened in 1936 and has since hosted two U.S. Opens and the 2025 Ryder Cup. The Black is renowned for its difficulty, with narrow fairways, deep rough, large sculpted bunkers and elevated greens making accuracy essential. It is a demanding test, but one that remains remarkably accessible to everyday golfers. That combination of championship pedigree and public access is what makes Bethpage Black so unusual. Few golfers get the chance to play a course of this stature without needing a private-club connection or resort stay. 3. Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club (Wellington, New Zealand) World Ranking: 91st | New Zealand ranking: 2nd | Green fee: NZ$275 (£118) Set on the Kapiti Coast, north of New Zealand's capital city Wellington, Paraparaumu Beach has been one of the country’s most celebrated golf courses since Alex Russell designed it in 1949. The links has hosted 12 New Zealand Opens and has long been regarded as one of the country’s finest layouts. It is a relatively short course by modern championship standards, but the coastal wind, firm fairways, deep bunkers and undulating greens provide plenty of challenge. The split-fairway 17th is a particular highlight, forcing golfers to choose between two very different routes to the green. For international golfers, Paraparaumu offers the chance to experience a genuine piece of New Zealand golfing history without needing access to a private resort. 4. Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Course (Alberta, Canada) World Ranking: 73rd | Canada ranking: 2nd | Green fee: C$280 (£149) Set among the Canadian Rockies in Jasper National Park, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is one of Stanley Thompson’s most celebrated designs. Opened in 1925, the course winds through the valley beside Lake Beauvert, with snow-capped peaks providing a backdrop to almost every hole. The course combines wide fairways, elevated tees and strategically placed bunkers with the natural contours of the landscape. Thompson’s design rewards thoughtful play rather than simply demanding power, making it a course that can be enjoyed by golfers of different abilities. The result is a rare combination of classic golf and Canadian wilderness, with the surrounding mountains and forest making the journey between shots almost as memorable as the golf itself. 5. Barnbougle - The Dunes Course (Tasmania, Australia) World Ranking: 25th | Australia ranking: 3rd | Green fee: A$285 (£151) Barnbougle Dunes is about as close as Australia gets to a traditional seaside links. Set on Tasmania’s northeast coast, the course was designed by Tom Doak and Australian Mike Clayton and opened in 2004, establishing Barnbougle as one of the country’s premier golf destinations. The layout runs through towering coastal dunes, with wide fairways, natural contours and greens that follow the movement of the land. The wind is an ever-present factor, while the strategic design rewards golfers who think their way around the course rather than simply relying on power. For golfers seeking a genuine links experience outside the British Isles, Barnbougle Dunes is about as compelling as it gets, combining world-class golf with the rugged coastline of Tasmania. 6. Cape Wickham Golf Links (Tasmania, Australia) World Ranking: 47th | Australia ranking: 4th | Green fee: A$315 (£167) Cape Wickham occupies a spectacular stretch of coastline on King Island, sitting in Bass Strait between Tasmania and mainland Australia. Designed by American architect Mike DeVries, the links opened in 2015 and quickly established itself as one of the country's standout modern courses. The course makes the most of its remote coastal setting, with the opening five holes winding around Cape Farewell before the layout moves through sand hills and limestone outcrops. Several holes hug the shoreline, while the closing stretch heads towards the imposing Cape Wickham Lighthouse. The 18th provides a fitting finale, with the fairway doglegging around a sandy bay before reaching the home green, making Cape Wickham a memorable links experience from start to finish. 7. St Enodoc Golf Club - Church Course (Cornwall, England) World Ranking: 49th | England ranking: 4th | Green fee: £175 Set among towering dunes overlooking the Camel Estuary in Cornwall, St Enodoc’s Church Course is one of James Braid’s most distinctive designs. Founded in 1891, the course was transformed by Braid in the early 20th century and remains a spectacularly natural links. It is a relatively short par 69 at 6,010 metres, but its undulating fairways, dramatic elevation changes and formidable dunes create a test that demands imagination. The famous 6th is the standout, with the enormous Himalaya dune obscuring the green and making club selection particularly difficult. The course also has an unusual piece of history, with the 13th hole running alongside the churchyard where poet laureate John Betjeman is buried. 8. South Cape Owners Club (Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea) World Ranking: 63rd | South Korea ranking: 2nd | Green fee: From KRW 350,000 (£195) Set on Namhae Island off the southeast coast of South Korea, South Cape Owners Club is a dramatic Kyle Phillips design where the ocean is visible from all 18 holes. The course opened in 2013 as part of a luxury resort development and has quickly established itself among Asia's most striking modern layouts. The course is framed by granite outcrops, coastal cliffs and rolling terrain, with bluegrass fairways contrasting against fine fescue rough. The standout stretch comes from the 11th onwards, culminating in two spectacular waterside par threes at the 14th and 16th. For golfers willing to make the journey to Namhae Island, South Cape offers a rare combination of world-class golf, dramatic coastal scenery and a luxury resort experience. 9. Utrecht De Pan Golf Club (Utrecht, Netherlands) World Ranking: 56th | Netherlands ranking: 1st | Green fee: From €235 (£198) Dating back to 1894, Utrecht De Pan is the second-oldest golf club in the Netherlands, with Harry Colt designing the current course in 1929. Set in secluded woodland near Utrecht, the layout is a classic heathland course, winding through pine, birch, oak and chestnut trees. De Pan has hosted the Dutch Open three times and is built around strategic rather than power golf. Several of its most memorable holes play over valleys of heather and sand, while the sixth and seventh demand particularly thoughtful tee shots and approaches. Recent restoration work by Frank Pont has helped return the course towards Colt’s original design, making De Pan a fascinating example of Golden Age heathland golf in the Netherlands. 10. Cruden Bay Golf Club - Championship Course (Aberdeenshire, Scotland) World Ranking: 70th | Scotland ranking: 10th | Green fee: From £205 Cruden Bay is one of Scotland’s most distinctive links, winding through towering dunes on the Aberdeenshire coast with the North Sea providing a constant backdrop. The course opened in 1899 after being laid out by Old Tom Morris and Archie Simpson, before Tom Simpson and Herbert Fowler remodelled it in 1926. Cruden Bay makes spectacular use of its natural terrain, with elevated tees, blind drives, punchbowl greens and fairways that rise and fall between the dunes. The 193-yard 4th, played from an elevated tee across a deep hollow, is one of several standout holes. There is plenty of character, too, from driveable par fours and back-to-back par threes to the feeling that every hole reveals something different. It is exactly the sort of course that rewards golfers willing to embrace its quirks. Green fees are based on standard 18-hole visitor rates, using international visitor rates where applicable. All prices are peak-season rates and do not take twilight, off-season or promotional rates into account. Prices are correct at the time of writing and are subject to change.

The Low Countries offer some of Continental Europe's finest golf, where Golden Age masterpieces from Harry Colt and Tom Simpson showcase world-class architecture across remarkably compact geography. From the towering dunes of Dutch links courses to Belgium's tree-lined royal estates, the Benelux region delivers diverse golfing experiences within easy reach of major airports. The Netherlands leads with 40 exceptional courses headlined by Utrecht De Pan's heathland masterpiece. Belgium counters with 30 superb layouts dominated by royal courses carrying century-old heritage. Luxembourg rounds out the trio with three quality courses in one of Europe's smallest nations. 🇳🇱 Best Golf Courses in The Netherlands The Elite Five 🏆 The Netherlands' premier golf courses showcase the finest Golden Age architecture in Continental Europe. These five courses represent the absolute pinnacle of Dutch golf: 1. Utrecht De Pan – Harry Colt carved this heathland masterpiece through magnificent pine, birch and oak forests in the late 1920s. Ranked 56th in the world, the course presents strategic golf where holes flow naturally across gently rolling terrain. Frank Pont's recent restoration work has returned the layout to its original glory, removing decades of vegetation to reveal Colt's intended playing corridors. 2. Koninklijke Haagsche (Royal Hague) – This links layout weaves through towering sand dunes along the North Sea coast. Originally redesigned by Harry Colt's partner Hugh Alison just before World War II, the course ranks 86th globally and second in Continental Europe. Recent reviews compare its rolling duneland to Shinnecock Hills, high praise for any course outside traditional links strongholds. 3. Kennemer – Harry Colt's 1927 design near Amsterdam offers another links experience, later expanded by Frank Pennink in the 1980s with an additional nine holes. The sandy-soiled fairways and firm conditions provide authentic seaside golf just minutes from Schiphol Airport. 4. Eindhovensche – Another Harry Colt masterpiece from the Golden Age, this woodland course winds through dense forest south of Eindhoven. Recent tree removal has reclaimed lost width and improved turf conditions, showcasing Colt's original strategic intent. 5. Noordwijkse – Coastal links golf at its finest, this layout offers firm turf and natural movement between The Hague and Haarlem. The course held the Netherlands' top ranking in 2014 before being overtaken by the resurgent courses above it. Modern Excellence ⬆️ Beyond the Golden Age classics, exceptional modern courses prove great architecture continues: 🏖️ Links Valley – Modern links-style layout emphasising firm, fast conditions and strategic ground game 🏆 Bernardus – Kyle Phillips masterpiece hosting multiple KLM Open championships ✈️ The International Amsterdam – Bruno Steensels championship venue near Schiphol Airport Regional Character 🗺️ The Hague Coastal Zone 🌊 – Koninklijke Haagsche and Noordwijkse provide the Netherlands' finest links golf with towering dunes and firm conditions. Utrecht Heathland 🌲 – Utrecht De Pan anchors the region where courses thread through pine forests with year-round firm playing conditions. Amsterdam Gateway 🏙️ – Kennemer and The International offer championship golf within 30 minutes of Schiphol Airport. 🇧🇪 Best Golf Courses in Belgium The Royal Elite 👑 Belgium's finest courses carry impressive royal pedigrees, most earning the "Royal" designation automatically after fifty years of operation. The top courses showcase British Golden Age architecture adapted to Belgian terrain: 1. Royal Antwerp – Belgium's oldest club (founded 1888) now holds the nation's top ranking. Tom Simpson redesigned Willie Park Jr's original routing in 1930, creating a wooded heathland classic. Recent intensive tree management has restored the course to Simpson's vision, opening vistas and improving playing conditions dramatically. 2. Royal Zoute – Harry Colt's 1907 links layout near the North Sea coast held Belgium's #1 ranking for years. Eight Belgian Open championships have been contested here, with Lee Westwood capturing the last edition in 2000. 3. Royal Limburg – Fred Hawtree designed this heathland course in the mid-1960s, with son Martin later refining the layout. Recent bunker renovation by Bruno Steensels has enhanced both aesthetics and playability. The course extends to over 6,000 metres with strategic demands throughout. 4. Royal Belgium (Old) – Originally laid out by Seymour Dunn over a century ago, Tom Simpson redesigned this tree-lined layout in 1928. Martin Hawtree's 1990s renovation modernised the course whilst respecting Simpson's strategic architecture. The 27-hole facility near Brussels includes a complementary nine-hole short course. 5. Royal Ostend – Belgium's only true links course offers seaside golf along the North Sea. The relatively flat terrain creates different challenges than the rolling dunes found in the Netherlands, but the coastal wind and firm conditions deliver authentic links golf. Championship Tests 🏆 Royal Waterloo (La Marache) – This championship layout consistently ranks among Belgium's finest courses. Strong conditioning and strategic design create a proper tournament test that has hosted numerous professional events. National Golf Brussels (Championship) – Opening in 2017, this modern facility immediately gained recognition for its championship-quality design and extensive practice facilities. Belgian professional stars Nicolas Colsaerts, Thomas Detry and Thomas Pieters endorsed the course at its launch. Tom Simpson's Belgian Legacy 🏛️ Tom Simpson's influence on Belgian golf towers above all other architects. Three top courses bear his design signature: Royal Antwerp – 1930 redesign now fully restored to original intent Royal Fagnes – 1930 partnership with Philip Mackenzie Ross in Spa Royal Sart Tilman – 1939 design through dramatic topography near Liège Simpson's work across varied Belgian terrain, from dense forest to open parkland, created courses that have stood the test of time. His understanding of strategic golf and natural land movement produced layouts that remain relevant nearly a century later. Regional Distribution 🗺️ Belgium's top courses cluster in four regions: Antwerp (Royal Antwerp in the north), Coastal Strip (Royal Zoute and Royal Ostend along the North Sea), Brussels Area (Royal Belgium, Royal Waterloo, National Brussels around the capital), and Ardennes Mountains (Royal Fagnes and Royal Sart Tilman in the southeast). 🇱🇺 Best Golf Courses in Luxembourg Luxembourg's compact size means just three courses dominate the national scene: 1. Golf de Luxembourg – Located within a 400-acre estate in the hilly, forested Grevenmachar district, the course routes around the beautiful 18th-century Belenhaff château. The layout provides a pleasant golf experience that mirrors Luxembourg itself – quality in compact scale. 2. Grand Ducal de Luxembourg – Golf in Luxembourg started here in 1935, making this the nation's oldest course. Originally designed by Major J.C. Symonds with inspiration from Tom Simpson (who was working nearby in Belgium), the venerable layout maintains historic significance. 3. Kikuoka – Japanese architect Iwao Uematsu designed this course in 1991 within the 250-acre Scheierhaff Estate for the Kikuoka family. The club added a unique six-hole short course in 2008 featuring synthetic sand-filled greens, rare in Continental European golf. Planning Your Benelux Golf Trip ✈️ Coastal Links Tour (2 days) 🌊 Experience Dutch seaside golf across Koninklijke Haagsche, Noordwijkse and Kennemer – all within 80 kilometres along the North Sea coast. Base in The Hague or Haarlem. Heathland Heritage Tour (2 days) 🌲 Play Utrecht De Pan, Hilversumsche and Lage Vuursche through pine forests and sandy heathland. This 40-kilometre triangle uses Utrecht as its base. Belgium's Royal Circuit (2 days) 👑 Experience Royal Antwerp, Royal Zoute, Royal Limburg and Royal Belgium across Belgium's finest courses, all within two hours' drive. Brussels makes an excellent base. Complete Benelux Experience (7+ days) 🗓️ Fly into Amsterdam Schiphol. Play two days of Dutch coastal links (Koninklijke Haagsche, Noordwijkse, Kennemer), two days of heathland classics (Utrecht De Pan, Hilversumsche), one day of modern championship golf (Bernardus or The International), then cross into Belgium for Royal Antwerp and Royal Zoute. Why These Courses Matter 🎯 The Low Countries preserve Golden Age architecture from Harry Colt and Tom Simpson that has stood the test of time. The Netherlands maintains two courses in the World Top 100, whilst several Belgian courses rank within Continental Europe's elite. Major international airports at Amsterdam and Brussels provide easy access, with excellent motorways making multi-course trips efficient. Most top courses sit within two hours of major airports. Year-round play is possible thanks to sandy soil and modern drainage, with late spring through early autumn offering peak conditions. What Makes These Courses Special 🎓 Links Golf 🌊 – True links courses remain rare on the continent. The Netherlands offers the finest examples at Koninklijke Haagsche, Noordwijkse and Kennemer, featuring firm turf and natural dune movement. Heathland Golf 🌲 – Dutch heathland courses through pine forests like Utrecht De Pan showcase sandy soil, heather-lined fairways and strategic bunkering that create year-round firm conditions. Restoration Success 🌳 – Recent tree removal at courses like Royal Antwerp demonstrates how returning to original design intent elevates golf courses dramatically. The Best Golf Courses: A Summary 📝 The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg deliver world-class golf architecture across compact geography. Utrecht De Pan's heathland excellence, Royal Antwerp's restored Simpson masterpiece and Belgium's royal courses offer layouts worth crossing an ocean to experience. The region succeeds through architectural heritage preservation and recognition that Golden Age designs remain relevant a century later. For international visitors, the Benelux region provides efficient multi-course itineraries with minimal travel between world-class courses. The best golf courses in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg await.