Golf Course Review by: Billy Satterfield
Rankings:
The Takeaway: With top notch practice facilities and a high caliber course, Bernardus has become the premier tournament course in the Netherlands. The greens are outstanding as are the par threes. Grade A-
Quick Facts
Designer: Kyle Phillips 2018
Cost: Private
Phone Number: +31 (0)73 203 41 41
Course Website: Official Website - Visit Bernardus Golf's official website by clicking on the link provided.
Directions: Get here! - Deutersestraat 39D, Cromvoirt, North Brabant 5266 AW – NETHERLANDS
Photos: See additional photos of Bernardus Golf
What to Expect: Kyle Phillips was commissioned to design the golf course found at Bernardus which is located in the southern portion of the Netherlands. The club has adopted the "member for a day" concept where a flat fee gives players full access to dining, the golf course, practice facilities, tennis court, swimming pool, gym, sauna, and hammam. It is a luxurious setup and experience for all that enter Bernardus' doors. The course covers twice as much longitude as it does latitude with the property essentially being broken up into three sections that have been created due to heavy tree lines and canals that divide the land up. The opening section contains the clubhouse, practice area, 1st, 9th, 17th, and 18th holes. To the north of this section players will find holes 10-15 while the remaining holes are found on the west side of the canal that runs north and south through the course. The holes near the clubhouse do a good job of incorporating a water feature that guards three of the four greens in this area. The majority of the front nine occupying the land on the west features a great mix of sandy heathland and water hazards that work together to create interesting terrain to play on despite being relatively flat. The holes on the north side of the property are the least inspiring with several back and forth offerings that do little to engage the senses. Bernardus quickly became the premier destination for large golf tournaments in the area as it has hosted the Dutch Open multiple times and is slated to welcome the Solheim Cup in 2026. One major reason Bernardus has become the go-to place for major events is due to the top notch practice facilities that are by far the best in the country. In the end, Kyle Phillips did an excellent job of designing an engaging golf course on a relatively small amount of land without significant terrain features to work with. It certainly makes an argument to be considered among the Netherlands five best courses; and certainly one of the best to open this century.
By the Numbers
| Tees | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68 | 72 | 7445 | 77.3 | 153 |
| 64 | 72 | 7043 | 75.5 | 147 |
| 60 | 72 | 6557 | 72.9 | 139 |
| 56 | 72 | 6108 | 70.9 | 136 |
| 52 | 72 | 5641 | 68.6 | 132 |
| 47 (Ladies) | 72 | 5140 | 71.4 | 130 |
Individual Hole Analysis
Signature Hole: 17th Hole – 183 Yard Par 3 – The final one-shotter at Bernardus plays over a water hazard to an undulated green. The green is strategically positioned at the widest point of the hazard with any shot that comes up short or tails left finding the water and effectively taking par off the table. A trio of bunkers crescent around the back but your eyes should be dialed into the center of the green no matter where the flag is. It is a beautiful hole that sets up a strong finish.
Best Par 3: 8th Hole – 160 Yards – The penultimate hole of the front nine is this crescent par three that wraps around the edge of the water. From the back tees players will be required to carry more water and be at a more aggressive angle that doesn’t allow as much area to bail out to. From further up, players have more of the bank in front of them and can guide their ball up the dry left side, but you didn’t come to lay up did you? Players should have a club in their hand they are comfortable attacking a pin with and that is exactly what they should do unless the flag is found on the right third of the green.
Best Par 4: 9th Hole – 448 Yards – The final hole on the front nine brings players back across one of the canals to the southeast section of the course where the opening and closing holes are found. A heavy tree line frames the left side of the hole and will push players to subconsciously take their tee shots up the right where the driving zone connects to the 1st hole's fairway on the right. The real challenge comes on the approach shot where water cuts in front of the green while a pair of bunkers flank the right side and create one of most challenging greens in regulation on the course.
Best Par 5: 18th Hole – 574 Yards – The closing hole at Bernardus is a quality par five that features everything Kyle Phillips can throw at you; sand, water, and undulated terrain. A canal runs along the right side of the fairway before carving in front of the green to create a forced carry on the approach shot and bunkers are scattered on each side of the short grass, so leaving the fairway rarely results in a situation where going for the green in two will be an option. The fairway narrows up as it gets closer to the green, so players electing to layup will need to do so with some precision to set up a chance to wedge it close on their next shot. It is a great finisher for both stroke and match play.
Birdie Time: 3rd Hole – 375 Yard Par 4 – With the prevailing wind at your back, the 3rd presents a great opportunity to let the big dog eat as you cork a drive down by the green. While getting on the putting surface isn't a realistic scenario for the vast majority of players, having a score club in your hand for the second shot is and you should take dead aim as the flag when you do. The front of the green is wide open and is receptive to ground shots as long as they avoid the bunker off the right corner. This hole is a gift early in the round and a great opportunity to big up a bird to get things going in the right direction.
Bogey Beware: 7th Hole – 580 Yard Par 5 – At 580 yards the 7th already presents a formidable challenge, but with nothing but trouble along the way it makes bogies all too common. A canal runs the entire left side of the hole while a lengthy bunker gives way to a pond on the right side. With a waste hazard crossing through the fairway halfway through the hold, there truly is nowhere to hide except behind well executed shots. The short grass bends to the right around the pond with a 70 yard long bunker giving way to the green while the left side has a waste area protecting that side. While most par fives are opportunities to go low, this hole is one where you just want to minimize the damage.
