De Noordhollandse GolfClub (Alkmaar)

Parkland between Bergen and the dunes

De Noordhollandse GolfClub sits just outside Alkmaar, on the strip of land between the town of Bergen and the coastal dunes. It has grown here since 1982 into a full parkland course — 18 holes, par 72. The club describes a layout where water hazards and the sea breeze come into play across the round, so the wind is part of the challenge on most days.

Golfers on Hole19 rate the club 4.4 out of 5 from 84 ratings — a warm, consistent score for a course of this size. On the same NGF scale it plays as a moderate parkland test: enough to keep an experienced player interested, still fair enough for someone building confidence.

Suits: the club has a real family heart. There is an active junior programme, a golf academy and lessons on site, so young players and newer golfers are genuinely welcome — not an afterthought. Steadier players will enjoy the water and the breeze, which ask for thought rather than raw power.

What a visitor needs

You play here as a member’s guest, so this is an introduction-access club. Bring a valid handicap (GVB) and arrange your visit with the club in advance — tee times can be booked online. A round is €52.50 for 18 holes and €32.50 for 9. To warm up and finish well there is a driving range, a putting green, a short-game area, a pro shop and a restaurant.

Wind is the real test

The water and that steady coastal breeze mean a straight, controlled ball beats a big one here. Before a round like this I like to work on a lower, repeatable flight and clean contact from the fairway — small, solid strikes that hold their line when the wind pushes. That is the part of the game I most enjoy teaching.