Hilversumsche Golf Club
In the wooded heathland between Amsterdam and Utrecht, Hilversumsche is one of the Netherlands' finest and most historic courses. Golf has been played on its present site since 1917, with Harry Colt adding the celebrated second nine in 1928, and the par 72 has hosted 27 Dutch Opens through its long life, a Colt heathland classic on Dutch soil.
Photo: Hilversumsche Golf Club via Google.
The verdict
Hilversumsche is the Dutch heathland at its best, a par 72 winding through pine, birch and heather on sandy soil that drains fast and runs firm. Golf has been played here since 1917 and Harry Colt's 1928 second nine lifted it into the front rank, a quiet, classical course that has staged 27 Dutch Opens and rewards the player who shapes the ball and thinks his way around.
For the travelling golfer it is a comfortable day out from Amsterdam, an easy pairing with the great links and heathland of the Dutch coast at Kennemer and Noordwijkse. Tree lined and strategic rather than long, it suits the golfer who values pedigree and subtlety over raw yardage, and access for visitors is straightforward outside members' times.
Hilversumsche at a glance
- Opened
- 1917, Colt nine 1928
- Designer
- Harry Colt, Henry Burrows
- Type
- Heathland
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- About 6,300 yds
- Green fee
- Members and guests
Designer, history and par verified June 2026 from Hilversumsche Golf Club and leading course databases. The first nine at the present site was built by Henry Burrows in 1917 and Harry Colt added the celebrated second nine in 1928, a par 72 measuring around 6,300 yards on the medal card. The club has hosted 27 Dutch Opens. Visitor access is generally available outside members' times with a handicap certificate; green fees change by season, so always confirm current rates directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
Colt's hand is unmistakable in the way the holes use the rolling, sandy ground, fairways framed by heather and pine with greens set on natural plateaus and falls. The course is not long by modern standards, but the demand is for accuracy and shape, the tree lines and angled greens punishing a careless line off the tee.
The heathland turf runs firm and fast in summer, bringing the ground game into play and asking for control of trajectory and spin. The strongest holes blend a tempting drive with a green that only opens to the right angle, the classical strategy that has tested Dutch Open fields for the best part of a century.
It is a course of subtlety and pedigree rather than brute force, the kind of layout that grows on a player over eighteen holes and repays a second visit.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Members club; visitors generally welcome outside members' times with a recognized handicap |
| Green fee | Set by the club and varies by season; a premium Dutch heathland green fee (indicative, 2026) |
| Booking | Reserve through the club in advance, bring a handicap certificate, or book through your trip planner |
| On the day | Walkable heathland; caddies and carts limited; smart golf dress expected |
| Getting there | Hilversum, about 30 minutes from Amsterdam and Utrecht by road |
| Best months | May to September, when the heathland turf runs at its firmest and fastest |
Access and fees verified June 2026; policies change, so always confirm directly with the club or your trip planner before planning a visit.
Where to stay nearby
Most visiting golfers base themselves in Amsterdam, half an hour to the northwest, with its full range of hotels, canals and culture, or in nearby Utrecht for a quieter, central alternative. Either keeps Hilversumsche within an easy drive.
For a golf focused trip, the North Sea coast adds the links and heathland of Kennemer and Noordwijkse within an hour, making a strong three course Dutch itinerary. A coastal or Amsterdam base ties the courses together neatly.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Hilversumsche.
Build a Netherlands golf trip
We pair Hilversumsche with Kennemer, Noordwijkse and the best of the Dutch coast, then book the lodging around your tee times. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Hilversumsche questions
Who designed Hilversumsche and when did it open?
Golf has been played at the present site since 1917, when Henry Burrows built the first nine, and Harry Colt added the celebrated second nine in 1928, giving the heathland course its classical character.
What is the par and length of Hilversumsche?
Hilversumsche is a par 72 measuring around 6,300 yards on the medal card, a Colt heathland course of pine, birch and heather rather than great length.
Has Hilversumsche hosted professional golf?
Yes. The club has staged 27 Dutch Opens through its history, one of the most frequent hosts of the national championship in the Netherlands.
Can visitors play Hilversumsche?
Visitors are generally welcome outside members' times with a recognized handicap certificate. Book in advance and confirm green fees directly before booking.
Related
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.