The Netherlands is not the first country most people think of for golf.
Yet the flat, green landscape around Amsterdam holds a good number of courses and driving ranges, and the game has a loyal following among locals and expats alike.
Wind, water hazards and changeable weather make Dutch golf a real test of skill.
If you are new to the game, or new to the country, it helps to know how golf is organised here. With a few lessons and some smart cross-training, you can be on the course sooner than you think.
Key Takeaways
- Many Dutch courses ask for a proof of proficiency or handicap before you play
- Lessons with a qualified professional are the fastest way to start well
- Strength, mobility and balance training translate directly into a better swing
- Other sports, from wind-powered racing to weightlifting, can keep training fun
How Golf Works in the Netherlands
Golf in the Netherlands is organised largely through clubs affiliated with the national golf federation, the NGF.
Many courses ask players to show a golf proficiency certificate, the GVB, or a handicap before they can play a full eighteen holes.
The GVB involves a short course in rules and etiquette and a practical test, usually taken through lessons with a club professional.
Some public courses and pitch and putt layouts are open to beginners without a certificate, which makes them a good place to practise.
Always check a course’s own conditions before you book a tee time.
Taking Your First Lessons
A good teaching professional will start with the basics: grip, stance, posture and alignment.
Resist the urge to hit the driver on day one.
Short game work, chipping and putting, builds feel and confidence, and it is where most strokes are saved later.
When choosing a coach, look for:
- A qualified professional attached to a club or range
- Lessons that combine practice on the range with time on the course
- Clear feedback, ideally with video so you can see your own swing
- A plan that leads toward the proficiency test if you need it
Equipment for Beginners
You do not need a full set of new clubs to start.
Many ranges lend or rent clubs for lessons, and a half set, with a few irons, a hybrid, a wedge and a putter, is plenty for your first months.
Buy good golf shoes early, because Dutch courses are often damp and grip matters.
Once your swing settles, a club fitting with a professional will make sure any new clubs suit your height and speed, rather than buying on looks alone.
Strength Training for a Better Swing
Golf looks gentle, but a full swing is a fast, rotational movement that asks a lot of the hips, core and shoulders.
Strength training helps you generate more speed and protects your back.
Olympic-style weightlifting may seem far removed from golf, but the explosive hip drive in a clean or snatch is closely related to the power in a golf swing. Weightlifting Club Hoorn, based in Zwaag, is a sports club for weightlifting training.
Learning to lift with good technique under a coach’s eye builds the leg and hip power that helps a golfer hit the ball further.
If Olympic lifts feel like too big a step, start with simpler exercises:
- Squats and deadlifts for leg and hip strength
- Medicine ball rotational throws for speed
- Single-leg balance work for stability through the swing
- Thoracic spine mobility drills for a fuller turn
Keep It Fun With Other Sports
Variety keeps motivation high, especially in the windy months when the course is less appealing.
The Dutch coast offers some unusual sports that sharpen balance and coordination.
On the beach at Velsen-Noord, Blokartfun.nl offers blokarting, a form of wind-powered racing on land, and describes its stretch as the best blokarting beach in the Netherlands.
Golfers spend a lot of time reading the wind, so an afternoon racing with it is a fun way to see it from a different angle, and an outing that works well for groups.
For a wider look at clubs and lessons for sport of all kinds, see this Amsterdam sports clubs guide for expats and locals.
Playing in the Dutch Weather
Wind is the constant companion of Dutch golf.
Learn to keep the ball low with a shorter backswing, club up into the wind and swing smoothly rather than harder.
Waterproof clothing and a good umbrella are essential, and winter rules often apply on courses during the colder months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a GVB to play golf in the Netherlands?
Many courses require a GVB or a handicap for a full round.
Some public courses and pitch and putt facilities welcome beginners without one.
Check with each course.
How many lessons does a beginner need?
It varies, but a short series of lessons followed by regular practice is a common way to start.
Your professional can advise when you are ready for the course.
Can strength training hurt my golf swing?
Not when it is done well.
A balanced programme that includes mobility usually improves both speed and consistency.
Golf around Amsterdam rewards patience, practice and a sense of humour about the wind.
Take lessons, build strength, mix in other sports and enjoy the wide Dutch skies while you play.