Course of the Month - Heerde, Netherlands.

Heerde is an Eastern Netherlands municipality of approximately 20,000 people. In June 2003, Pitch & Putt Heerde opened its gates. Beautifully situated on an exceptional site, the course lies adjacent to the famous tourist RGV Heerderstand Beach. It's a fine woodland setting. The changing colours of the leaves across the different seasons are breathtaking.

The truly wooded course of Heerde makes every hole challenging and practically every hole constitutes its own private arena. It's an optimal Pitch and Putt experience. Visitors contend that Heerde fits effortlessly into the top three best courses in the Netherlands.

Heerde lies a mere 80 kilometres from Amsterdam, just off the A50 motorway which links Zwolle and Eindhoven. Many visitors combine a round of Pitch and Putt with a day of beach volleyball or water polo and canoeing on the lake (beautiful bathing water). Summer may afford the opportunity to enjoy lazy sunbathing on the beach.



The spacious clubhouse sells Pitch and Putt equipment, and snacks and drinks are also available. The clubhouse terrace presents lovely views over the surrounding area.

Heerde maintains the charming tradition of naming individual holes. "Honouring Willie", the 40 metre 12th, pays tribute to the legacy of one of Pitch Putt's original international pioneers, Willie Parker (R.I.P.). Another 'Irish' style hole is the 2nd, the shortest hole on the course at just 36 metres. It's considered a birdie hole although it can be difficult to stop the ball on the green.

There's a sting in Heerde's tail. The 17th, dubbed "Dog Leg", is one of Heerde's longest at 66 metres. A nasty little bunker lies to the left of the green. Measuring 70 metres, the 18th is the longest hole on the course. A challenging bunker guards the front of the huge two tier green.

One of Holland's finest players, Lennart Swennenhuis won the recent ranking tournament at Heerde in April. His 143 for 54 holes (including a low 45) was good enough for an eight shot win. Local hero Ralph Grinwis holds the course record with a stunning 42.

Prices of play are:
9 holes EUR 10.00
18 holes EUR 14.00
3x card (1 person) EUR 35.00
10x Card (max 2 persons) EUR 110.00
Season ticket parking included ** * (from March 1 to December 1) EUR 285.00
Subscription * Youth (up to 17 years) EUR 100.00

Assuming the course is playable Pitch & Putt Heerde is open from March 1 to December 1.

Contact the course at at heerde@pitch-putt.nl

Card of the Heerde course