There are many ways to practise and play, even when you are new to golf.
See where you can play →You do not have to start with a full 18-hole round. Choose a place that suits your experience and what you want to practise.
What do you do here? Practise golf shots from a fixed hitting area. You are not playing a round on a golf course.
Who is it for? Ideal for your first introduction to golf, lessons and independent practice.
What do you need? Usually no course permission or handicap. Clubs can often be hired or borrowed. Check with the venue first.
What do you do here? Play real holes over shorter distances than on a full-length golf course.
Who is it for? Very suitable for beginners who want course experience. On most Dutch par-3 courses you can also play a qualifying score.
What do you need? It varies by course. Some short courses have no playing requirement; others require course permission or a handicap. Check before booking.
What do you do here? Play nine full holes. You get the experience of a full-length course, but the round takes less time than 18 holes.
Who is it for? A good next step once you have some course experience or do not want to play 18 holes yet.
What do you need? Each golf course sets its own playing requirements. This may be course permission, handicap 54 or a lower handicap.
What do you do here? Play a full round of 18 holes.
Who is it for? Golfers with enough playing and course experience to complete a full round safely and at a good pace.
What do you need? Each golf course decides who may play. Having a handicap therefore does not automatically give you access to every course.
That depends on more than the type of course. Each golf course sets its own playing requirements for members and visitors.
Some practice and short courses let you play without course permission or a handicap.
Course permission lets beginners gain experience on many courses, but it does not automatically give access to every golf course.
Many courses accept visiting golfers from handicap 54, but a course may require a lower handicap. The course decides this itself.