[Tom_Doak]

The other thing you have to understand is that you are coming to the most densely populated countries in the world, 300,000 golfers and 100+ golf courses (others exist but I wouldn't really consider them golf courses) of which 10-15 are worth playing. 5 of these are outstanding. All of these 10 are highly private. They may allow guests but they won't allow you to reserve in advance. They will tell you to call the day before once they know what members are going to do and if there is space for you unless you know someone. This means the furthest in advance you will be able to arrange your own golf will likely be somewhere between a week and a day if you are lucky.

David:

This is a very good explanation, but it also explains why you'll have a difficult time with your goal of "making The Netherlands a major destination" for golf.

Wish I could join you, but my schedule is just too complicated this summer to commit to more events.  It's possible I will try to get there for a day or two if I don't have to be in China or New Zealand instead.

[David Davis]

Ok guys, as coincidence would have it, the golf god's are were in my favor today and I was called by my contact at The International. They are allowing me to bring the group there in the morning so we are in and it's etched in stone. I'm quite excited about it and I won't have to take any grief about not giving you attics enough golf to satisfy your needs.

They are charging us the same as the other courses which is really very generous considering it's a fraction of the normal members guest greenfee.

I'm feeling very proud of this one so please excuse myself while I pat myself on the back ha ha.....

0800 hours on Tuesday the 16th we are there, 1430 we are at Royal Hague.

I'm going to go out on a limb and promise this will be a BUDA not to be soon forgotten.

Ulrich: yes a Steensels course indeed, I'm a fan of this one for NL, I like the routing it's has a bit of everything but let's not forget it's a modern course and was created on a perfectly flat piece of property, so the sky was the limit. A completely different experience to the old courses.

Tom: of course if you can make it your welcome. I agree with your statement. NL will never been a major golf destination most likely but I still think it's has a hand full of great courses that are highly under rated and should be experience by the golf enthusiast. I'm excited to see what everyone else thinks as well.

[Mark Chaplin]

David - you are right the Durch scene should be experienced by visitors but only a serious nutter would visit somewhere based on calling the day before to see if they can get you on.

[Ulrich Mayring]

The International is the course near Schiphol airport, right? Since my home course is right next to Frankfurt airport, I'm fairly used to Jumbo Jets taking off in my backswing

Ulrich

[Frank Pont]

In addition to what David has mentioned for the program outside BUDA, I have arranged play on Sunday for 6 BUDA players so far on Swinkelsche in morning and Eindhovensche in the afternoon.  Let me know if more people want to join.

[Michael Whitaker]

In addition to what David has mentioned for the program outside BUDA, I have arranged play on Sunday for 6 BUDA players so far on Swinkelsche in morning and Eindhovensche in the afternoon.  Let me know if more people want to join.

Frank - please include Ward and me in this group. Thank you!!!

Mike Whitaker

[hhuffines]

Frank, I would love to play Sunday if there's room.  Thanks! Hart

[ward peyronnin]

Whitty and I will be arriving in greater Amsterdam friday night after staying in Ultrecht the previous two nights.

Is anyone else arriving early and would you be interested in establishing a GCA HQ somewhere before we hunker down on the coast?

Do any of our more worldly brethren have a suggestion regarding the above other than establishments in the red light district?

[Mark Pearce]

Wardo,

Conrad and I also arrive in Amsterdam on Friday night.  I think we're playing with you guys on Sunday, too.

Mark

[Adam Lawrence]

There's lots of good bars in Amsterdam. My favourite is the Arendsnest on the Heerengracht canal, about 15 minutes walk from Centraal station (there's a very good cheese shop nearby too). They specialise in Dutch beers - most of the serious beer cafes in Amsterdam focus on Belgian brews - so you'll find some unusual stuff there. I also really like In De Wildeman, which is on a little alley about half way between the station and Dam Square.

The ten-year refurb of the Rijksmuseum is almost finished - it reopens in late April. One of the world's great galleries imo.

[Ulrich Mayring]

I'll probably do the Rijksmuseum on Sunday, but if there is a game anywhere on Saturday, I'd be interested.

Ulrich

[ward peyronnin]

Excellent my yellow panted friend

But I was really seeking lodging not barsor galleries Adam

[Michael Whitaker]

Mark,

Looking forward to seeing you and Conrad in Amsterdam!

Any thoughts on accommodations for Friday and Sat evenings? Does anyone have any recommendations?

[David Davis]

Gentlemen,

Those of you arriving early and looking to stay in Amsterdam. Are you thinking right in the center? What's the budget? Really there are a lot of factors that make that kind of recommendation difficult.

This website is very useful for booking hotels in The Netherlands and you will find some of the best prices here:

www.booking.com

Here is a little idea of what you can except. There are 3 main squares, Rembrandplein, Leidseplein and the Dam. There are all about 10-15 min walk from each other so very close.

If you want to be by one of these squares you can pick a hotel there. Parking will be an issue at some so make sure you check it in advance.

Leidseplein: Marriott Hotel, Americain Hotel
Rembrandtplein: has an NH Hotel and a variety of others.
Dam: has a Swissotel, Kransnapolsky, the Grand, Sofitel (close by).

Tip: if the price is right, Pullitzer which I find quite unique since it's a modern hotel on the Prinsengracht (canal) that was built in 5 old canal houses (gentleman's houses).

There are tons of other as well, the site above does a great job of showing them off.

If you want something different or more specific, please ask.

[Ulrich Mayring]

I'm staying in the Huis ter Duin, because the special BUDA price is already available in advance. I don't think you'll get a better deal in Amsterdam and it shouldn't be too hard to get there from Nordwijk.

Ulrich

[Adam Lawrence]

The only problem with basing yourself in Noordwijk is that there's no train service. If you have a car you're fine, obviously, but if you're reliant on public transport you have to take a cab or a bus into Leiden, which is a bit of a pain, as I found out when I was there sans voiture a few years ago.

(Leiden's lovely, btw).

[David Davis]

Adam is right. With public transport it takes 1 hour to get to Amsterdam. It's not a bad trip though and it's easy enough to do. One bus straight to Leiden, a great little town, then a short train ride.

It takes you about 40 minutes with a car and then you have to make your way into town and figure out where/how to park.

Might be less stressful to actually use the public transport if you are not used to driving with trams, bikes and pedestrians, all of which who have the right away jumping at you from every corner....

You can also sample the local delicacies, beer, wine, jenever etc etc without having to worry about driving....just an option.

[David Davis]

Bump...

[Bill_McBride]

Gentlemen,

Those of you arriving early and looking to stay in Amsterdam. Are you thinking right in the center? What's the budget? Really there are a lot of factors that make that kind of recommendation difficult.

This website is very useful for booking hotels in The Netherlands and you will find some of the best prices here:

www.booking.com

Here is a little idea of what you can except. There are 3 main squares, Rembrandplein, Leidseplein and the Dam. There are all about 10-15 min walk from each other so very close.

If you want to be by one of these squares you can pick a hotel there. Parking will be an issue at some so make sure you check it in advance.

Leidseplein: Marriott Hotel, Americain Hotel
Rembrandtplein: has an NH Hotel and a variety of others.
Dam: has a Swissotel, Kransnapolsky, the Grand, Sofitel (close by).

Tip: if the price is right, Pullitzer which I find quite unique since it's a modern hotel on the Prinsengracht (canal) that was built in 5 old canal houses (gentleman's houses).

There are tons of other as well, the site above does a great job of showing them off.

If you want something different or more specific, please ask.

I can endorse the Pulitzer, spent a few days there on business a while ago.   Very cool place right on the canal.  Short walk to Ann Frank Museum.

[Chris Shaida]

it seems like the pre-buda sunday spots are taken but if you are keeping a waiting list would you put me on it?

[John Mayhugh]

In addition to what David has mentioned for the program outside BUDA, I have arranged play on Sunday for 6 BUDA players so far on Swinkelsche in morning and Eindhovensche in the afternoon.  Let me know if more people want to join.

Not sure if you have included David Kelly & me for the Sunday rounds.  Will there be enough room?

[Frank Pont]

Chris an John,

There should be no capacity problem with Swinkelsche and Eindhovensche on Sunday, so count yourself in.
I need to finalise the timings etc, and we will probably be joined by some members at Eindhoven, but will let you know the details when I know them.

[Steve Wilson]

Guys,

I'm booked for the hotel arriving Saturday pre-Buda and departing the Friday post-Buda, so that will have me available for golf Sunday through Thursday.  It's almost certain I'll be bringing my hickories and playing them exclusively.  This of course will mean a higher handicap by then, and perhaps arrangements should be made that I be partnered with some one who isn't hyper competitive during the BUDA.  When I'm on my own it doesn't matter.   

On that same note, how many of these courses have tees in the 6000 yard range?  Playing at that distance down to per   5700 would be ideal for my shafts.  Looking forward to this in a big way, and I'm wondering if anyone could provide a phonetic pronunciation of the hotel in which we are staying?  Somehow "House in the Dunes or however they say it, lacks elegance.
 

[Frank Pont]

On that same note, how many of these courses have tees in the 6000 yard range?  Playing at that distance down to per   5700 would be ideal for my shafts.  Looking forward to this in a big way, and I'm wondering if anyone could provide a phonetic pronunciation of the hotel in which we are staying?  Somehow "House in the Dunes or however they say it, lacks elegance.
 

Steve,  you should be OK playing from the Blue (Ladies Back) tees on most courses, which usually are between 5700-6000 yards.

[Ulrich Mayring]

I'd say that "Hoys ter Doyn" is how an English speaking person should pronounce Huis ter Duin.

Ulrich

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