Domburgsche Golf Club

Domburgsche Golfclub in Domburg, Zeeland, is a nine-hole, par-35 links course in the dunes by the sea, first opened in 1914.

The current course at Domburgsche Golfclub opened on 5 July 1914, to a design by golf professional E.C. Warren. In 1921 the Domburgsche hosted the Dutch Open. The club says the layout is almost the same as a century ago, which in its view makes the Domburgsche the oldest course in the Netherlands still played in its original form.

The Second World War left deep marks on the Domburgsche. In September 1941 the German occupiers seized the whole site, and the course became part of the Atlantic Wall, covered with bunkers. Allied bombing in 1944 caused so much damage that the Domburgsche did not reopen until 1955. Many of the bomb craters became grass bunkers, which still give the course its character. More recently, course architect Alan Rijks helped the club bring the Domburgsche up to modern standards.

Domburgsche Golfclub has nine holes with a par of 35. As at St Andrews, the holes run out from the clubhouse and back again: five go out and four come in. For an 18-hole round you play a first and a second nine, each a par 35, for a total par of 70.

The golf course in Domburg lies on the Schelpweg, on Walcheren, northwest of Middelburg, in the dunes with views of the sea. Wind and rough often make a round at the Domburgsche a demanding one. The club calls the Domburgsche “the only true links course in the Netherlands”.

Can visitors play the Domburgsche? Yes: green fee players are welcome at Domburgsche Golfclub. You book a tee time online up to seven days ahead and choose 9 or 18 holes. You need a valid golf card showing a handicap of 36 or lower, and the handicap limit is stricter in July and August. The earlier tee times are kept for members and club events.