Noordwijkse

Undoubtedly, de Jong shaped a classic course through this undulating linksland with each hole winding its way through the sandhills and (in a Formby-like style) through pine woods at holes 4 to 7 then 11 and 12.

In this edited extract from the book Golf Courses of the World author Geoffrey Giles writes: “Perched upon the ridge that acts as Holland’s protection against the North Sea, Noordwijkse is as hilly as any seaside course. An expanse of Leviathan dunes seems to continue north to the horizon, making this a far cry from the rest of Holland’s creaseless landscape.

The small clubhouse is modest for such a veritable club. It sits on the crest of the dunes, overlooking the green fairways winding through the folds of the land. From the 1st tee it becomes clear that Noordwijkse is a true links, with the elevated tee leaving the shot perilously exposed to the wind.

Noordwijkse’s location has a trick up its sleeve because the sandy soil of this important region is actually held together by trees. As a result, the opening links holes soon lead into dense woodland, while retaining the legendary tight lies of a links. It is an interesting and unusual mix (and the ) fusion of different styles creates a wonderfully original experience.”

The Dutch Open has been held here nine times and winners include Seve Ballesteros (1986), Bernhard Langer (1992 and 2001) and Colin Montgomerie (1993). Noordwijkse is a tough pure links test, which stretches to 6,317 metres from the back tees.

Noordwijk is one of three links courses situated on this stretch of Dutch coastline… Kennemer (Zandvoort) and Haagsche (The Hague) complete the triumvirate.