Golfclub Toxandria

Golfclub Toxandria (also known as Noord Brabantsche Golfclub Toxandria): Set in rural countryside, but with a distinctly wooded heathland feel, Toxandria is the oldest golf club in the Dutch province of Noord Brabant. Older still is the origin of the club's name (see our Did You Know section below).

Most of John Morrison's layout is now characterised by pleasantly tree-lined and generously proportioned fairways, with many excellent longer par-4s on the back-nine, counter-balancing several shorter ones on the front. The terrain is relatively flat, although one or two holes require approach shots to nicely elevated greens, as at the short par-4 7th and par-3 9th.

Many excellent holes are contained within this well-designed layout. Water plays a very limited part in proceedings, but large saucer-shaped bunkering does feature strongly throughout. Staying alert to what's going-on around you is generally a good idea on a golf course, but most especially on two occasions at Toxandria. Be aware that players going-off the back-tee at the par-5 2nd actually drive over the 1st green, and the par-3 9th requires a shot over the par-5 8th fairway.

There's a wonderful array of woodland birdlife here, some of our feathered friends making good use of the blue bird boxes located on either side of the fairways - exactly 150 metres out from the excellent quality greens.

Pick of the holes: the closing hole is a great short par-4, a very gentle left-to-right doglegging fairway plays past the clubhouse on your left, as it heads to a green attractively defended by an imposing trio of bunkers.