Golfcentrum De Batouwe (Zoelen)

Four orchards, one round

Golfcentrum De Batouwe lies in Zoelen, in the fruit heart of the Betuwe. The land here has grown pears, apples, cherries and plums for generations, and the course keeps that story alive. Its loops carry those names — Perengaard, Appelgaard and Kersengaard for the main 27 holes, and Pruimengaard, a friendly par 3/4 course, for gentler play. Old tree groups still stand between the fairways, so you walk your round with real orchard character around you.

The course was shaped by architect Alan Rijks in a parkland style, and it carries an A-status — a sign the layout meets a high standard. It is not flat like much of the Netherlands. There is about six metres of gentle elevation change, just enough to make your club choice interesting and your walk a little more alive. Water, trees and quiet corners give each loop its own mood. You can play nine holes when time is short, or link loops for a longer day.

What I love most for my students is the range of ground here. The main 27 holes reward you as your game grows, while Pruimengaard, the shorter par 3/4 course, is perfect when you are just starting or want to sharpen the scoring shots. Many beginners tell me the same thing — the short course is where their confidence really wakes up. You hit greens, you make pars, and suddenly golf feels possible. That is exactly how it should begin.

The practice side is strong too. There is a covered driving range, so rain never steals your session, plus a putting green, a short-game area and practice bunkers. A pro shop and a restaurant with a terrace round out the day. You come to hit balls and stay for coffee with the orchard view — this is my kind of afternoon.

Golfers rate it warmly. On LeadingCourses it sits around 7.9 out of 10 from hundreds of reviews, and on Hole19 it earns a friendly 4.3. Those numbers tell you what the trees already whisper: people enjoy their time here and come back.

For access, you play with a GVB or handicap up to 54 on the 27-hole course, and baanpermissie — a simple starting permission — is enough for the Pruimengaard par 3/4 course. Visitors are welcome, booking is easy online, and green fees are fair, around €44 for nine holes and €72 for eighteen. It is a lovely course for beginners, juniors and improving players alike.

Play it well, enjoy it more

A round through these orchards is a joy on its own. It becomes even better when your swing feels calm and your short game holds up around the greens — and that is where a few lessons change everything.

I teach at Chi Chi Golf in Utrecht and Golfschool Hoenderdaal in Driebergen, and I would love to help you get ready for days like this. We keep it simple. Grip, stance, balance, a soft putting stroke — small steps that make a big difference. I teach beginners, juniors, women and men, all ages, and I speak Dutch, English, Ukrainian and Russian, so you always feel at home in your lesson.

Wherever you choose to play, a little coaching lets you enjoy the game so much more. Book a lesson with me — online, WhatsApp, or call — and let’s build a golf swing you can trust. Then go walk those orchards and love every hole.