Rosendaelsche
Founded in 1895, Rosendaelsche is one of the oldest golf clubs in the Netherlands, and its modern home is one of the finest heathland courses on the continent. Laid out by the British architect Frank Pennink and opened in 1977 on the wooded Delhuyzen estate outside Arnhem, it is a par 72 of about 6,451 yards where the trees, the heather and the firm turf do the defending.
Photo: Rosendaelsche Golfclub via Google.
The verdict
The Netherlands is better known for its links along the North Sea coast, yet inland, on the sandy ridges of Gelderland, sits a heathland course to rival anything in the country. Rosendaelsche traces its history to 1895, and after several moves it settled on the Delhuyzen estate near Arnhem, where Frank Pennink routed the present 18 holes through pine, birch and heather. The course opened in 1977 and has been a fixture near the top of the Dutch rankings ever since.
What makes it special is the quiet, classical feel. There is no water theatre or manufactured drama, just well shaped holes that thread between the trees, firm fairways that ask for the right angle, and greens that reward a thoughtful approach. It is the sort of course that rewards repeated play and a steady mind, a pure heathland test that pairs beautifully with a trip taking in the best of inland Dutch golf. Access is restricted, so plan a visit ahead.
Rosendaelsche at a glance
- Founded
- 1895
- Course opened
- 1977
- Designer
- Frank Pennink
- Type
- Wooded heathland
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- About 6,451 yds
Founding date, designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026 from Rosendaelsche Golf Club and leading course databases. The club was founded in 1895; the present Frank Pennink course opened in 1977, a par 72 of about 6,451 yards. Rosendaelsche is a private members club with limited visitor access, generally requiring a recognized handicap certificate and advance arrangement. There is no standard public green fee, so always confirm access and any visitor rate directly before planning.
The holes worth the trip
Rosendaelsche opens into an expanse of gently undulating wooded heathland, the fairways framed by pine and birch and the heather waiting just off line. It is a course of position rather than power, the trees dictating the shape you need from the tee and the firm turf running the ball toward trouble if you misjudge the angle.
The middle holes are the heart of the round, classic Pennink shaping that asks you to flight the ball and pick the safe side, with greens set into the landscape and defended by subtle contour more than by sand. The heather is glorious in late summer and quietly punishing all year, and recovery from it is rarely straightforward.
The closing stretch keeps the demands on accuracy right to the last, the par 72 finishing in the trees with a premium on a controlled tee shot. Rosendaelsche is a course that gives little away to the wild hitter and a great deal to the player who plots a route, the purest inland golf in the Netherlands.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Private members club; visitors at restricted times, usually with a recognized handicap certificate or as a member's guest |
| Green fee | No standard public fee; any visitor green fee is arranged through the secretary (indicative, 2026) |
| Booking | Contact the club office in advance; a letter of introduction or a Dutch golf specialist helps secure a tee time |
| Best months | May to September for the firmest heathland turf, with the heather at its best in late summer |
| Getting there | On the Delhuyzen estate near Arnhem in Gelderland, about 90 minutes from Amsterdam and close to the German border |
| On the day | Walking heathland; smart golf dress and etiquette expected at a traditional members club |
Access arrangements verified June 2026; Rosendaelsche is private and policies change, so always confirm directly before planning a visit with the club office or your trip planner.
Where to stay nearby
Arnhem is the obvious base, a handsome city on the Rhine with good hotels, restaurants and the Hoge Veluwe national park on its doorstep for a non golf day. From here Rosendaelsche is a short drive, and the wider Gelderland region puts several of the best inland Dutch courses within easy reach for a multi day trip.
For a broader Netherlands golf tour, pair Rosendaelsche with the great links of the North Sea coast and the heathland clubs near Utrecht and Hilversum. The whole country is compact and easy to drive, so a week can comfortably take in the finest courses from coast to inland sand.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Rosendaelsche.
Build a Netherlands golf trip
We arrange the Rosendaelsche access where the club allows, pair it with the best of Dutch heathland and links and book the lodging around them. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Rosendaelsche questions
Who designed Rosendaelsche and when did it open?
Rosendaelsche Golf Club was founded in 1895, and its present 18 hole heathland course, designed by British architect Frank Pennink, opened in 1977 near Arnhem in Gelderland, Netherlands.
What is the par and length of Rosendaelsche?
Rosendaelsche is a par 72 of about 6,451 yards, a classic wooded heathland layout that places a premium on accuracy off the tee.
Can visitors play Rosendaelsche?
Rosendaelsche is a private members club that welcomes visitors at restricted times, usually with a recognized handicap certificate and advance arrangement through the secretary or as a member's guest. Contact the club before travelling.
Is Rosendaelsche one of the best courses in the Netherlands?
Yes. Rosendaelsche is consistently ranked among the top courses in the Netherlands and is regarded as one of the finest heathland layouts in continental Europe.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Founding date, designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026; access guidance verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.