We’ve all seen it before, especially living here in the country of what seems like perpetual precipitation – some poor brave souls out facing mother nature in a rain-soaked round of golf. While we may commend them for their bravado, most of us long for warm summer days basking in the sun and cursing a slice drive or a missed putt and then knocking back an Arnold Palmer on the clubhouse terrace. Thanks to some ingenuity, we don’t have to wait anymore for the weather gods to play through to enjoy the game.
Some of you may have seen purpose-built golf temples in America known as TopGolf. If you had ventured inside one of these three-story golf arcades, you would know those Damn Yankees have turned the staid and storied game of golf into – horror of horrors – family entertainment! Yes, that’s right, complete with climate control, wings and beer and plush seating TopGolf has taken the land of Disney by storm. At any given moment, these places are teaming with scratch golfers, duffers, business meetings, date nights and families with rambunctious kids in tow. What they have done is turn golf into bowling and made it all-inclusive game that entertains whether your handicap is 0 or having more than your fair share of the bucket of beer.
We may be a way off from our first Topgolf center here but we are seeing some clever initiatives that make the game more accessible, more entertaining and at the very least – weatherproof!
In a refreshing twist of sports technology and entertainment, the Netherlands is witnessing an innovative transformation of its driving ranges into high-tech hubs, marrying the age-old game of golf with a digital dimension that adds a layer of excitement and interactivity to every swing. This revolution may not have reached the scales TopGolf, but the gamification of golf is vividly alive in the form of ‘Topgolf Light’ experiences scattered across Dutch driving ranges.
Let’s delve into these dynamic installations injecting fresh life into golf’s traditional practice range gatherings.
A standout in this technological tee-off is Toptracer Range, now a feature of several Dutch driving ranges such as Golfbaan Prise d’Eau near Tilburg. Housing an impressive 24 bay installations, Toptracer melds serious training with an entertaining twist, tracking each stroke and projecting metrics like distance and accuracy onto screens. It’s an innovative approach that allows golfers to engage in competitive games like longest drive or nearest the pin challenges or to virtually transport themselves to iconic courses, including Pebble Beach.
The magic of Toptracer doesn’t end there. It extends to the convenience of a free accompanying app that collects your stroke statistics and offers the gratifying option to flaunt or compare them with friends. It doubles down as a ‘launch monitor’, capturing comprehensive swing data for even nuanced reflection or professional review.
What’s enticing for amateurs and pros alike is that use of the Toptracer at Prise d’eau comes without additional cost beyond the balls. Non-members are equally welcome to join in the fun, with future plans including Protracer competitions complemented by rhythmic beats and drinks, possibly enriching the scene with bars. Additionally, Golfcentrum Roosendaal, Golfcentrum Amsteldijk, Golfcentrum Noordwijk, and the Noord Nederlandse are also bringing Toptracer technology to their facilities.
Further traversing into tech-infused golf realms, the Seve Golfcenter Rotterdam stands proud as the Netherlands’ first TrackMan Range. Like Toptracer Range, TrackMan Range gives golfers self-service access but with a twist; it offers radar tracking, showing not only the swing path but providing comprehensive feedback on ball trajectory and flight.
With options that include ‘Shot Analysis’ for dissecting swing nuances and ‘Compare Clubs’ to gain club distance awareness, Seve’s facility elevates the golfing experience. These also pair with gaming features for groups desiring more than conventional range practice. Since October 2022, Golfbaan Bentwoud has also joined the ranks of courses offering ultra-accurate TrackMan range facilities.
Perhaps the closest thing to full-blown TopGolf center is Chi Chi, just a stone’s throw from Utrecht. With a cutting-edge driving range boasting 75 tee slots equipped with the Inrange ball-tracking system, cozy heated entertainment bays for up to 6 people, a stellar golf academy, a challenging 9-hole PAR 3 course, superb short game areas, and interactive golf games, Chi Chi offers a true golf entertainment experience. Add to that a sociable bar, a delightful restaurant, spacious terraces, and versatile training and meeting spaces for a golf venue that radiates a real game changer. It’s the perfect destination for a day out with friends, team-building with coworkers, family fun, and a haven for golf enthusiasts keen to practice with state-of-the-art facilities.
Adding to the allure of technologically advanced golf experiences in the Netherlands, Ruff Golf, will be soon opening its first franchise based on a successful Swedish indoor golf concept combing the ambiance of a top golf clubhouse with state of the art
Three Dutch entrepreneurs / golf mates Johan van der Lijcke and partners Johan Hus and Pieter Gabes have plans to open some ten venues nationwide. Ruff Golf aims to cater not just to dedicated golfers but also to those seeking a convivial environment paired with quality dining.
The Netherlands’ denseness of golfers per course and the social allure of its horeca (restaurants and cafes) position it as a fertile ground for Ruff Golf’s plans. The concept encompasses not just virtual renditions of world-famous courses and fun-focused training modules but also a commitment to the atmosphere, expressed through thoughtful interior design, a lively environment, and of course, food and drink excellence.
Ruff Golf’s first Dutch franchises are already in the making, with a team from Sweden poised to ensure that each new establishment genuinely mirrors the patented Ruff Golf style, ambience, and operational systems. It’s a full-service franchise that extends from scratch to success under comprehensive guidance, offering a welcome addition to the nation’s leisurely and sporting landscapes.
Golf in the Netherlands is undeniably stepping into a bright, modern era. With these advanced offerings, the future of the sport looks both interactive and inclusive, promising a continuation of tradition while simultaneously embracing the digital realm. The seamless blend of technology and the tactile experience of golf is proof that even one of the oldest games in the world can adapt and thrive amidst an ever-evolving backdrop.