Bernardus - venue of the Solheim Cup 2026

"Bernardus - Golf and Memories" is the credo of the course designed by starting architect Kyle Phillips in Cromvoirt in the east of the Netherlands. The Heideland course has quickly become one of the top courses in Europe. This is due not only to the very successful course - Phillips also designed the renowned courses at Kingsbarns, Yas Links and The Oaks Prague, among others - but also to the overall concept with world-class practice facilities, a very modern clubhouse and outstanding gastronomy from the Noble Kitchen, which has long been decorated with stars. Small groups, couples and individual travelers also have the option of staying overnight in the lodge directly on the course. The clear focus on the customer experience is already evident when booking a tee time. You don't just book a tee time, you become a member for the day. This also means that you can bring along non-golfing companions who can use the high-quality fitness room, for example. Bernardus is not just about golf, but has long since become a lifestyle brand: the portfolio also includes a luxury lodge in California and a winery near Carmel, whose excellent wines (there is now also a rosé from Provence) can be purchased in the pro store and, of course, enjoyed in the restaurant. The wines can also be enjoyed at the comfort stations on the course. The course has become known far beyond the Netherlands for hosting the KLM Open (DP World Tour) on several occasions and will also be the venue for the Solheim Cup from September 7 to 13, 2026.

The 18-hole championship course is flat throughout and can therefore be easily completed on foot, but carts are also available. The tees are not marked by color, but by the system widely used in Scandinavia, which indicates the total length. As the course plays between 4,700 and 6,808 meters, the tee boxes are marked from 47 to 68. How difficult the course is to play can be seen from the handicap: from the rearmost tees you have a handicap of 19 with a handicap of 10. With a handicap of 26, you have a handicap of between 31 and 41 strokes, depending on the tee - you shouldn't be overly ambitious here and at least go for tee box 60 or 64, especially on the first round.

Bernardus Golf - Balanced and outstanding

As is typical for Phillips, the courses are as varied as they are challenging. It is difficult to highlight individual holes here. After the challenging opening hole, plenty of water comes into play on hole 2, which crosses from left to right and extends behind the green. The maximum 146-metre short Par-3 on hole 8 is also great: from the Tee it goes over water towards the green, the large Bunker behind the green provides a bunker shot towards the water - and the clearly undulating green slopes significantly to the left, so that the ball likes to disappear in this depression. After all, the "Beat the Pro" competition was held on this hole at the KLM Open. The ninth hole is also memorable. The green is defended on the left by two tall trees and is also separated from the Fairway by a ditch - this long Par-4 often plays more like a Par-5, especially in headwinds. The back nine also offers world-class golf design. The long Par-3 on hole 13 is often underestimated with its huge waste area, the water on the right and the trees almost reaching the green on the left. The following Par-4 also brings water into play, first on the left, then on both sides and shortly before the green, the watercourse crosses from left to right and requires a precise high shot to the flag. The next two holes are particularly problematic in windy conditions, as they are two long par-4s. The last Par-3 comes into play on the 17th, which again requires a teeshot over water. The final hole towards the clubhouse is a Par-5, and the ditch on the right has been the undoing of many a professional. As the water crosses to the left before the green and the flag must therefore be played high, amateur golfers should aim for the green with their third shot.

Host of the Solheim Cup 2026

Bernardus is undoubtedly one of the best golf courses in Europe - and the upcoming Solheim Cup will ensure that the level of maintenance remains exceptionally high. Due to the sandy subsoil, the course is playable almost all year round. Golfers should take the slogan "Member for a day" literally, because with its great course, excellent practice facilities, outstanding gastronomy including its own Bernardus wines and other offerings, Bernardus simply invites you to spend the whole day here.