As the dust settles on the 2024 Solheim Cup at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia—where the Americans triumphed 15.5-12.5 over the Europeans—attention shifts to the Netherlands for the next chapter in this prestigious event. In 2026, the world’s best women golfers will head to Bernardus Golf Club in Cromvoirt, a venue that is rapidly earning a reputation as one of Europe’s premier public golf destinations.
This will be the first time the Solheim Cup is hosted in the Netherlands, highlighting the country’s growing appeal as a must-visit golf vacation spot. The Netherlands is positioning itself at the forefront of European golf travel with its meticulously designed courses, vibrant culture, and picturesque landscapes. Whether you’re drawn by the excitement of world-class tournaments or looking for a serene holiday on the links, Bernardus and the Netherlands offer an experience that blends competition with relaxation.
In this article, we want to shine a spotlight on Bernardus Golf Club as well as point out some of the other great things to see and enjoy while in the Netherlands on your golf trip of a lifetime!
Bernardus Golf Club Spotlight
Nestled in the tranquil countryside of Cromvoirt, Bernardus Golf Club is the brainchild of renowned American architect Kyle Phillips, whose design ethos focuses on creating courses that harmoniously integrate with their natural environment. Bernardus is a shining example of a heathland course, a style that emphasizes a natural, rugged landscape, typically found on sandy, well-drained soils with a mix of grasses, shrubs, and heath. The open, windswept terrain provides a true links-style experience, but with the inland beauty and strategic intricacies that make Heathland courses unique.
Much like iconic courses such as Pine Valley, Merion, and Sea Island’s Seaside Course, Bernardus is known for its seamless blend with its surroundings. The enchanting layout features wide, rolling fairways and expansive green surrounds that provide ample landing area for higher handicappers, while the strategic placement of bunkers and undulating swells ensures a challenging experience for more skilled players. In places, the natural, rugged finish around the edges echoes the famed aesthetics of Pinehurst No. 2, enhancing the course’s visual and tactical appeal.
With six separate tee boxes, ranging from 4,700 meters (5,139 yards) to 6,800 meters (7,436 yards), Bernardus offers a versatile experience suitable for golfers of all abilities. Players can also take advantage of the club’s state-of-the-art driving range, which includes a covered hitting area and a fully equipped coffee bar—perfect for practice and relaxation.
For a truly immersive experience, Bernardus provides a “member for the day” option, granting guests full access to all amenities for just 185 euros ($206.65). Whether you’re looking to enjoy a leisurely round or challenge yourself on a world-class course from a championship-level distance, Bernardus Golf Club delivers on all fronts and is a key part of any Netherlands Golf Trip.
Other Must Plays in the Netherlands
While Bernardus Golf Club will be the focal point of the 2026 Solheim Cup, the Netherlands boasts several other world-class courses that are well worth including in your itinerary.
Kennemer Golf Club is one of the country’s most storied venues, offering a classic links experience with undulating dunes and sea breezes, providing both beauty and challenge. Not far away, Noordwijkse Golf Club delivers a similar coastal charm, with rugged dunes and windswept fairways overlooking the North Sea.
For those seeking a more traditional inland experience, The Royal Hague Golf Club stands as a fine example of a historic Dutch course, blending strategic design with serene, tree-lined holes. Utrecht de Pan, often ranked among the best in the country, is a heathland gem where natural beauty and shot-making are the focus.
Hilversumsche Golf Club is another must-play, renowned for its rich history and parkland setting, while Hoge Kleij Golf Club offers a more contemporary feel with a challenging layout that complements the Dutch golfing landscape. Whether you’re chasing history or looking for new favorites, the Netherlands provides an impressive variety of golf experiences to explore.
Exploring the Netherlands Beyond the Fairways
While golf may be the main focus of your trip, the Netherlands offers a wealth of experiences off the course. Whether you’re a fan of history, culture, or natural beauty, there’s plenty to discover in every region.
Western Holland, home to vibrant cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague, is where culture and history come alive. In Amsterdam, you can explore world-renowned museums like the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, take a scenic canal tour, or visit the Anne Frank House. Rotterdam, known for its modern architecture and vibrant harbor, offers a more contemporary take on Dutch city life, while The Hague, the seat of government, is rich with history and culture. For beach lovers, the North Sea coast provides stunning stretches of sandy shores perfect for relaxation.
Moving inland, Central Holland is characterized by charming towns and picturesque landscapes. Utrecht, with its medieval architecture and bustling canals, is a highlight, offering a more laid-back atmosphere compared to Amsterdam. The region is also known for its iconic windmills and tulip fields, especially in the spring when the countryside bursts into color. The Keukenhof Gardens, one of the most famous flower displays in the world, is a must-see for any visitor during tulip season.
Southern Holland offers a blend of culture and tranquility. Cities like Breda and Maastricht are steeped in history, with centuries-old churches, fortifications, and charming cobbled streets. The region is also known for its culinary delights, particularly in Maastricht, where you can indulge in fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants. If you prefer the outdoors, the rolling hills of Limburg provide the perfect backdrop for hiking or cycling, offering a break from the typically flat Dutch landscape.
Lastly, Eastern Holland is a hidden gem for those seeking peace and nature. The Hoge Veluwe National Park, one of the largest in the country, offers miles of walking and biking trails through forests, heathlands, and sand dunes. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Kröller-Müller Museum located within the park, home to a vast collection of Van Gogh’s works. In this region, you’ll also find the charming Hanseatic towns like Zutphen and Deventer, where you can wander through medieval streets and explore historic marketplaces.
Whether you’re in search of history, art, or natural beauty, the Netherlands has something to offer every traveler—making it the perfect destination for both golf and exploration.
Key Takeaways
Bernardus Golf Club is set to host the 2026 Solheim Cup, marking the first time this prestigious event will be held in the Netherlands. Designed by Kyle Phillips, the heathland-style course seamlessly combines natural beauty with strategic playability. Open to the public with a unique “member for the day” experience, it’s a course built to challenge and delight golfers of all skill levels.
The Netherlands is fast becoming a premier golf travel destination, with world-class courses like Kennemer Golf Club, Noordwijkse Golf Club, The Hague Golf Club, Utrecht de Pan, Hilversumsche Golf Club, and Kleij Golf Club providing a diverse range of golfing experiences for enthusiasts to explore. Beyond golf, the Netherlands offers rich cultural and natural attractions across its regions. From the vibrant cities of Western Holland, to the historic towns of Central Holland, the culinary delights of Southern Holland, and the serene natural landscapes of Eastern Holland, there is something for every traveler to enjoy.
Let’s CHASEGOLF adventures together in the Netherlands. We’ll take you there 🇳🇱⛳️🏌️♀️
