Statue in Spaarndam

T

he Kingdom of the Netherlands exists by the whim of the sea and the will of the Dutch who live there. Almost two-fifth of the country is below sea level, including all the main centres of population – that includes some golf courses.

Over the centuries the sea has sometimes taken from the land and sometimes given back. In 1421 the sea claimed a huge area of land at the mouth of the river Rhine, knows ever since as the Hollands Diep. In the 17th Century, drainage and dykes added 1.120 km2 to the land area but the 18th Century saw only 500 km2 of new land. Another 1.170 km2 was gained in the 19th Century but the sea has had its gains too – notably in 1953 – and only in the past sixty years has the balance between gain and loss tipped decisively towards man with modern machinery aiding great Dutch reclamation works which so far has added over 2.500 km to the nation.

Houtrak near Amsterdam, course and club house

Even so, on the golfing scene the Netherlands are little known but they are well worth discovering. With such an efficient motorway system travelling throughout the country makes easy access to courses for those on a golf holiday. Like everywhere else in Europe Holland is growing in popularity with the travelling golfers and businessmen and as the country’s tourist board becomes more aware of the fact they will no doubt be targeting this small but dedicated section of tourists.

Kennemer golf course in Zandvoort, the beach resort near Haarlem

Some of the finest golf in the Netherlands is found along its coast line and the evidence of this are the masterpieces at Kennemer (near Amsterdam), Noordwijk and the Koninklijke (Royal) Haagsche Golf Club, both near The Hague.

The first at Noordwijk

The club house at the Eindhovensche

Klompen, as clogs are called in Dutch

End