177 - Golfbaan Bentwoud

Location: Zoetermeer, Netherlands

Rating: 7.5

Bentwoud is about a 40 minute drive South West from Amsterdam in the direction of The Hague. The complex has 4 9 hole loops with one of those being a par 3 course. The B-C routing is supposedly the best one and it is quite a nice course to play. It feels quite similar to Liemeer or Wilnis in layout and type of play required on the course but not quite of the same quality as those two.

I played here during around the beginning of Spring time and like most Dutch courses it was pretty soggy underfoot but in decent condition all things considered, I’ve played other courses recently in a worse state. The greens were very firm and receptive which was nice to see.

You start on the B loop with a pretty daunting first tee shot with trees and water on the left and a big body of water on the right, plenty a lost ball from that tee. Overall the design of the course is okay, I think it lacks a real signature hole, maybe 9 or 18 come close but there’s a few that aren’t great.

It is quite a tight, tricky course and with the wind can actually be fairly difficult, lost quite a few balls on the day. The B is quite a bit longer than the C loop and has more water, playing the C loop second is quite a nice respite from the 9th which can be a brutal hole with wind and water. 

Pace of play can be pretty slow despite only having 3 balls on the day, groupings are too close together and even had 4 flights on one par 5 at one point.

The practice facilities were very good, there’s a nice big putting green as well as chipping area and a range with trackman screens on most bays.

They have a lovely clubhouse, restaurant and pro shop and value for money isn’t too bad considering prices of other Dutch courses.