Heemskerkse Golfclub

The Heemskerkse Golfclub lies in the heart of Kennemerland, 25 minutes from Amsterdam. The club has played here since 1988, in a nature area it describes as surprisingly peaceful. On the horizon the church of Assendelft rises above scattered farms, and in the distance you can make out the harbour cranes along the North Sea Canal.

The course

Gerard Jol designed the 18-hole Championship Course as a parkland course full of greenery, wildlife and water. The holes are arranged in an inner and an outer ring: the front nine run clockwise around the outside, and the walks from green to next tee are short. According to the club the holes are testing and natural but, for all the water, fair. You may be distracted by the waterfowl, and by the buzzards that reliably make themselves heard and seen on the 6th. Ready golf is played to keep the course moving.

Starting out

Besides the main course there is a testing par 3 course, which, like the practice facilities, is open without a course permit or handicap. The golf school guides beginners towards their course permit. Non-members can play the 18 holes for a green fee but cannot currently book that course online; for the par 3 course they can. In winter there are drop-in competitions on Sunday mornings.