Photo: Drentse Golfclub de Gelpenberg
- Holes
- 18
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 6,321 m
- Green fee
- From €85
- Type
- Heathland · Woodland
De Gelpenberg in Aalden, founded in 1970, is the oldest golf club in Drenthe. Frank Pennink laid out the first nine in 1972 in rolling country of woodland, heather and a drift sand; Donald Steel extended it to 18 holes in 1992 and Frank Pont led a major renovation in 2011. The drift sand at the 18th is the course's biggest natural bunker, and the course has hosted the Pro Golf Tour for four years.
De Gelpenberg in Aalden was founded in 1970 and is the oldest golf club in Drenthe. The course covers more than 60 hectares of Drenthe countryside, among wide heaths, water, rolling ground and centuries-old junipers, and sheep graze on the heather.
Three architects
The first nine holes were laid out in 1972 to a design by Frank Pennink, in rolling country of woodland, heather and a drift sand. Donald Steel extended the course to 18 holes in 1992, and Frank Pont led a major renovation in 2011. The drift sand at the 18th is the course's biggest natural bunker. The 18 holes play to par 72 and 6,321 metres from the back tees, and because the course sits on sand it plays well all year.
Recognition and visitors
De Gelpenberg ranks 13th in the Netherlands on Leading Courses and calls itself the best 18-hole course in the northern Netherlands. It has hosted the ProGolfTour for four years running. There is also a 9-hole par 3 course with holes of roughly 54 to 135 metres, open to visitors, and balls on the driving range are free. If you tee off before 1 pm you play in a three-ball with a combined handicap of 90 or less; after 1 pm the green fee is lower.
Practical information
- Location
- Aalden, DrentheGebbeveenweg 1, 7854 TD Aalden
- Architect
- Frank Pennink and Donald SteelOpened 1972
- Holes
- 18 holes, plus a 9-hole par 3 course
- Green fee
- €85 for 18 holes when starting before 1 pm, €60 after that (April to October 2026).
- Visitors
- Green fee players are welcome; book a tee time online. Before 1 pm you can only start in a three-ball with a combined handicap of 90 or less; after 1 pm four-balls under that limit may start too, and after 2 pm higher combined handicaps are allowed.
Facts last checked on October 6, 2026. Green fees and visitor rules change, so confirm with the club before you go.
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