Bernardus

Bernardus, a relatively recent addition to top-level championship golf in the Netherlands, has quickly joined the ranks of the country's most venerated inland layouts. The likes of Eindhoven and Utrechtse "De Pan", which also permit outside visitor play, have ruled the roost for many years ... now there is a new kid on the block ... and one that's already made a big impact.

Accessible on a day ticket basis, the golf course is set in quiet rural countryside next to the village of Cromvoirt. The two out-and-back nine-hole loops flow seamlessly through three parcels of land ... where once corn grew, an open sandy heath has been created. Plenty of gorse, heather and Scots pine trees have been planted on low rippling mounds, which frame the always good-width fairways. Water hazards and rustic-edged bunkering combine to provide plenty of golfing challenge, while the large run-off areas around the greens and the "interwoven" teeing areas have been masterfully crafted by designer Kyle Phillips.

Around the often large and subtly sloping greens all manner of humps, hollows, run-offs and catchment areas will delight heathland (and links) golf aficionados. On the par-4 2nd and in front of the greens at the par-4 9th, par-4 14th and par-5 18th, water ditches come into play; be aware these ditches are wider and deeper than you might at first think.

With its excellent course and practice facilities, huge "elliptic" clubhouse, onsite lodging, full array of country club facilities and day-ticket access for non-members, Bernardus ticks all the boxes. The reputation and popularity of this modern, high-end, excellently presented facility has spread far beyond Netherland's borders ... as the literature says, a place where "great golf and memories" go hand-in-hand.

Pick of the holes: amongst a wonderfully varied collection of excellent par-3s, the 8th and 17th require tee-to-green carries over water. The par-3 13th, protected by a "river of sand" on its right side, is another memorable hole.

Stay&Play at Bernardus: luxury onsite accommodation available, see Where2Stay section below.