Noordwijkse: 2026 Access and Booking Update
In the dunes north of Noordwijk on the Dutch North Sea coast, Noordwijkse Golfclub is a Frank Pennink design that moves between true links and pine woodland, long one of the most exclusive courses in the Netherlands and a former home of the Dutch Open. Here is where it stands in 2026, and how to play it.
The news: a Pennink links on the Dutch coast
Noordwijkse Golfclub was founded in 1915, with the modern course on its current dunes site designed by Frank Pennink and opened in 1972. Into 2026 it remains one of the most highly regarded and exclusive courses in the Netherlands, a par 72 of around 6,400 metres that splits its character between open, wind exposed links holes in the dunes and a quieter set of holes running through pine and birch woodland.
The headline for 2026 is that the Pennink layout endures as the country's benchmark links experience. The course hosted the Dutch Open on several occasions and remains a regular host of leading Dutch amateur and professional events, valued for the way it asks two distinct questions, the exposed dune holes where the North Sea wind dominates and the sheltered woodland holes that demand position and patience.
The course, and the access reality
What sets Noordwijkse apart is that contrast within a single round. The dune holes are genuine links, firm and rippling with the wind off the sea as the defining hazard, while the woodland holes change the rhythm entirely, tighter and more sheltered, so the test shifts from controlling ball flight in the wind to finding fairways through the trees. It is a layout that rewards a complete game rather than one strength.
The access reality is the main 2026 planning point. Noordwijkse is a private members' club, so visitor play is generally possible by prior arrangement, usually with a handicap certificate required and tee times easier midweek and outside the peak summer season. For the full design and access detail see the Noordwijkse course profile and the Netherlands destination guide.
How to play it in 2026
The Dutch coast plays best from late spring to early autumn, roughly May to September, when the weather is most settled and the links turf firmest, though the well drained dunes give a longer playable season either side. For 2026 the practical approach for visitors is to arrange the round in advance, favour a midweek tee time, and have a handicap certificate to hand, building the day around the wider coast.
Noordwijkse pairs naturally with the other dunes courses of the Dutch and nearby North Sea coast for a links focused short break, with Amsterdam and the bulb fields within easy reach for a wider trip. Green fees sit at the upper end for the Netherlands and move with season, so treat any quoted figure as indicative for 2026 and always confirm directly before booking.
Our take
Our take is that Noordwijkse is the standout links experience in the Netherlands and one of the best courses on the southern North Sea coast, a Frank Pennink design whose split personality of open dune holes and sheltered woodland gives it a variety that few pure links can match. It is a course for golfers who value subtlety and a complete test.
For 2026 the advice is about access and timing. Arrange the round in advance, aim for a midweek date in the late spring to early autumn window, and pair it with the other coast courses, and you experience the best of Dutch golf at its most admired club.
Plan your Noordwijkse and Dutch coast golf trip
From Noordwijkse to the other links of the Dutch coast, tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge arranges access and builds the trip, with no obligation.
Questions
Who designed Noordwijkse and when?
The modern Noordwijkse course was designed by Frank Pennink and opened on its current dunes site in 1972, with the club itself founded in 1915 and an earlier layout associated with Harry Colt. It plays as a par 72 of around 6,400 metres.
What is Noordwijkse like to play?
Noordwijkse is a course of two halves, with open, wind exposed links holes through the dunes where the North Sea breeze is the main defence, and a contrasting set of sheltered holes running through pine and birch woodland. It has hosted the Dutch Open and remains a regular host of leading national events.
Can visitors play Noordwijkse in 2026?
Noordwijkse is a private members' club, so green fee play is generally possible by prior arrangement, often with a handicap certificate required and tee times easier midweek and outside the busy summer season. The coast plays best from late spring to early autumn, and you should confirm access and green fees directly before booking.
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Course facts, design history and access verified June 2026 from club, ranking panel and golf travel sources; conditions, access and green fees change, so always confirm directly before booking. Last reviewed June 2026.