De Dorpswaard *** 7.3

MY HOME COURSE

Yes I know, some of my friends already told me my view on this course is a bit colored because it is my home course. Well that is exactly the reason why I want to tell you a bit more about it and tell you why I am a member there! The Dorpswaard is located on the border of the provinces of North Brabant and Gelderland in the village of Kerkdriel. The beautiful course for both the novice and the experienced players offers different challenges. For sure it is one of the best 9-holes courses in the Netherlands.

The Dorpswaard is almost synonym for water, water and water… Tee off at the first hole but don’t do the same as many tens of thousands of players have done, driving the ball in the lake on the right hand. Stay on the left, an easy shot to the front of another (2) lakes and you are in a good position to hit the green in 3. This par 5 is challenging, but course management will improve your chance on a par. The same is the case for holes 8 and 9, lots of water. Holes 3, 4 and 5 are in a forest style area. Very narrow, especial the 5th hole. Only few play a par on this hole. The 6th hole is the stroke one, not because of water this time but it is over 400 meters and ranked as a par 4.

The clubhouse was built in the floodplains of the river Meuse. The unique shaped complex is built on poles because of the flooding of the river (typical a few weeks per year in the February-March period). As you can see from one of the pictures, it can get very high…. if you look close, you see a deer (!!) swimming to the other side.

The 19th... enjoying a cold drink after you done your 18 holes on the terras provides you with some amazing views. The restaurant is limited in its choice but offers reasonable value for money.

KERKDRIEL, GELDERLAND, NETHERLANDS