De Gelpenberg

What De Gelpenberg does

Drentse Golfclub De Gelpenberg is a 27-hole golf facility established in 1970 in Aalden, Drenthe, Netherlands, operating as a member-owned association on more than 60 hectares of protected heath and woodland landscape. It comprises an 18-hole PAR 72 championship course originally designed by Frank Pennink (1972) and extended by Donald Steel (1992), renovated by Frank Pont in 2011, and a 9-hole Big Green Egg-sponsored PAR 3 course launched in 2016. The club serves approximately 800 members and a broader base of guest golfers, business-club members, youth players, and regional tourists, with a multi-language website (Dutch, English, German) and reciprocal play arrangements with around 20 partner clubs in the Netherlands and Germany.

The club operates a diversified revenue model combining recurring membership subscriptions, transactional greenfees (€47–€91 summer rates), multi-day golf packages through five regional hotel partners and a joint offering with Drentsche Golf & Country Club, on-site F&B (Gelpenberg Brasserie), retail (Golfshop Divas & Dandies), and instruction revenue from two PGA-certified professionals using Foresight GC Quad and Myswing 3D swing-analysis technology. Technology integrations include Golf Dashboard for member bookings, Teecontrol for guest bookings, Exact for financial administration, NGF data exchange, and a pilot AI-powered camera system for computer-vision monitoring of greens and bunkers.

The club is ranked #2 in the Netherlands on the Players 1st member survey, #13 on Leading Courses (8.5 average rating), #1 in Drenthe, and has hosted the Pro Golf Tour's MONO Gelpenberg Open for four consecutive years. It maintains active committees in youth, women's, and business golf, plus partnerships with the Joost Luiten Foundation, Dutch Scramble, NGF, and corporate sponsors including MONO and Big Green Egg. In June 2026, after 12.5 years Ellen Kroes retired as club manager and was succeeded by Fopke Drijfholt.

Name

De Gelpenberg

Legal name

Drentse Golfclub de Gelpenberg

Website

https://dgcdegelpenberg.nl

Company type

Private

Founded year

1970

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Drentse Golfclub De Gelpenberg operates a 27-hole golf facility in Aalden, Drenthe (Netherlands) for roughly 800 members, guest golfers, youth players, and regional tourists, combining memberships, greenfees, F&B, retail, instruction, and tournament hosting across a multi-channel distribution and partnership model.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Golf Club & Course Operations

NAICS

Golf Courses and Country Clubs (713910), Golf Courses and Country Clubs (71391)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997), Retail-Eating & Drinking Places (5810)

akta.pro primary industry

Golf Courses & Golf Facilities (MPAKAEAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Golf Clubs & Tournament-Host Clubs (Professional/Elite Golf Clubs) (MPAKABAE), Golf Tours & Professional Circuits (MPAKAAAK), Golf Equipment, Apparel & Pro Shop Retail (CRAMABAG)

Keywords

• Golf club services
• Golf course operations
• Golf instruction
• Golf memberships
• Sports hospitality services

Headquarters

HQ city

Aalden

HQ country

Netherlands

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Greenfee Revenue: Fees charged to non-member visitors for playing on the course. Summer rates (April-October): 18 holes €85 before 13:00, €71 after 13:00; 9 holes €60 before 13:00. Winter rates (November-March): 18 holes €55 all day, 9 holes €31. Additional fees for Par 3 course, youth, and hospitality packages.
2. Membership Fees: Annual membership fees with various categories including action memberships at discounted rates. Additional annual contributions include NGF fee (€26.50), ball contribution (€35), and bar credit (€70).
3. Pro Shop Sales: Golfshop Divas & Dandies operated by Heleen Kamphuis, selling golf fashion, accessories, trolleys, balls, gloves. Brands include Callaway, Daily Sports, TAIL, Alberto. Duca del Cosma ConceptStore for golf shoes.
4. Restaurant/Brasserie Revenue: Gelpenberg Brasserie operated by Robert Jan de Jong, serving meals, coffee, drinks. Hosts events, dinners, and catering for tournaments and business meetings.
5. Golf Packages/Arrangements: Pre-booked golf packages including Par (Golf&Snack) from €66-€91, Birdie (Golf&Lunch) from €61-€96, Eagle (Golf&Plate) from €67-€102, and Hole in One (Golf&Diner) from €82-€117.
6. Golf Lessons and Clinics: Private lessons, group lessons, clinics, and workshops by PGA professionals Sjoerd Pol and Paul Karreman. Golfstart beginner programs (Stap 1 from €100-€120 per person, Stap 2 from €299-€325 per person).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

De Gelpenberg operates a 27-hole golf facility on 60+ hectares of Drenthe landscape in Aalden, Netherlands, comprising an 18-hole PAR 72 championship course (originally designed by Frank Pennink and extended by Donald Steel) and a 9-hole Big Green Egg PAR 3 course. The club sells annual memberships, greenfees, multi-day golf packages (Par, Birdie, Eagle, Hole in One), PGA-certified lessons and beginner programs (GOLFSTART), and operates on-site hospitality (Gelpenberg Brasserie) and retail (Golfshop Divas & Dandies). It also hosts the annual MONO Gelpenberg Open on the Pro Golf Tour and supports a Business Club with meeting rooms, women's, youth and corporate programs.

Product overview

Drentse Golfclub De Gelpenberg operates as a golf club with 27 holes comprising an 18-hole PAR 72 championship course and a 9-hole Big Green Egg PAR 3 course. The club provides a comprehensive golf experience including the Gelpenberg Brasserie restaurant, a Golf Academy with PGA-certified professionals offering lessons using advanced swing analysis technology, the Divas & Dandies golfshop, and various membership packages including corporate options. The club hosts the annual MONO Gelpenberg Open professional tournament as part of the Pro Golf Tour, and offers multi-day golf packages through partner hotels. Amenities include five camper pitches, meeting rooms, and reciprocal arrangements with approximately 20 partner golf clubs through the Hospitality Chain.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• MONO Gelpenberg Open: Annual professional golf tournament on the Pro Golf Tour (third level of professional golf in Europe), hosted at De Gelpenberg.
• Golfacademy Gelpenberg
• Gelpenberg Brasserie
• Big Green Egg 9-hole Par 3 Course
• Golfshop Divas & Dandies

Products and services

• 18-Hole Championship Course An 18-hole PAR 72 championship golf course designed by Frank Pennink (first nine, 1972) and Donald Steel (extension, 1992), with a 2011 Frank Pont landscape/game technology renovation; features Drenthe woods, heath, water features and a natural sand bunker on hole 18 described as the largest in Western Europe. Available to members and greenfee guests and used for club championships and the Pro Golf Tour MONO Gelpenberg Open.
• Big Green Egg Par-3 Course 9-hole PAR 3 course sponsored by Big Green Egg with holes from 54 to 135 metres; functions as both an entry point for beginners and a short-game practice facility for experienced golfers. Available to members, GOLFSTART learners, and guests (incl. Landal Aelderholt voucher users).
• Gelpenberg Brasserie Clubhouse restaurant and hospitality facility led by Robert Jan de Jong, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner and event catering, with terrace overlooking the 18th hole and Par-3 course. Serves members, guests and tournament participants.
• Golf Academy Gelpenberg PGA-certified instruction facility with private lessons, group lessons, clinics, workshops and corporate events led by Sjoerd Pol and Paul Karreman, using Foresight GC Quad swing analysis and Myswing 3D motion capture, plus club-fitting services. Targets members, beginners, juniors and corporate groups.
• GOLFSTART Beginner Program Structured beginner learning program consisting of Stap 1 (6 lessons of 25 min plus 2 months unlimited practice to obtain NGF golf course permission) and Stap 2 (10 lessons of 25 min plus 3 months unlimited practice toward handicap 54 with theory exam). Includes free equipment and Par-3 course access; for individuals and groups of 3–8 people.
• MONO Gelpenberg Open (Pro Golf Tour Tournament) Annual professional golf tournament part of the Pro Golf Tour's third tier of European professional golf, hosted at De Gelpenberg for four consecutive years and attracting 150+ professionals from various countries, sponsored by MONO (MONO Drenthe). Open to the public as a spectator event and to volunteer registration.
• Golfshop Divas & Dandies On-site golf fashion and accessories retail shop operated by Heleen Kamphuis, carrying brands including Callaway, Daily Sports, TAIL, Alberto and hosting the Duca del Cosma ConceptStore. Targeted at members and visiting golfers.
• Golf Packages (Arrangementen) Multi-day golf packages bundling 18 or 9-hole greenfees with food and beverage inclusions in four named tiers: Par (Golf&Snack) from €66–€91, Birdie (Golf&Lunch) from €61–€96, Eagle (Golf&Plate) from €67–€102, and Hole in One (Golf&Diner) from €82–€117. Delivered jointly with partner hotels (Hotel ten Cate, Hotel Abdij de Westerburcht, Landal Aelderholt, Hotel & Restaurant Wesseling, Hotel Het Witte Veen) and the Drentsche Golf & Country Club 'Drenthe's Mooiste' combined product.
• Hospitality Chain (Reciprocal Green Fee Network) Reciprocal green-fee arrangement with approximately 20 partner golf clubs across the Netherlands and Germany (including NNGC Glimmen, DG&CC Assen, Rosendaelsche Golfclub, Golfclub Euregio Bad Bentheim) enabling members to play at reduced rates at partner venues.
• Business Club & Company Memberships Corporate membership packages including participation in business competitions (e.g., annual Businesscup, Greenkeepers Revenge), meeting-room rentals, and networking opportunities with partner companies. Targets regional SMEs and enterprise accounts.
• Camper Places for Golfers Five designated camper pitches exclusively for golfers with a valid greenfee reservation, located near the parking area with access to clubhouse showers and sanitation; includes €1.45 per person per night tourist tax. Sold as an overnight amenity to multi-day golf guests.

Quantifiable outcome

• Ranked #2 in Netherlands on Players 1st member survey - measures satisfaction with course, hospitality, facilities, and overall club experience
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers22 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• MONO (MONO Drenthe)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Main sponsor of the MONO Gelpenberg Open professional golf tournament. The tournament runs from August 17-21, 2026 and is part of the Pro Golf Tour (third level of professional golf in Europe), attracting 150+ professionals from various countries.
• Vos Golf & SportcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGreenkeeping team responsible for course maintenance. They maintain the course to highest quality standards, scoring highly in all rankings. Also involved in Greenkeepers Revenge event for business cup.
• Joost Luiten FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCharitable foundation for youth golf development. The Family Tournament is organized together with NGF and Joost Luiten Foundation, with proceeds benefiting the youth committee of De Gelpenberg.
• Dutch ScramblecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFast-growing golf community targeting younger, active golfers with fresh, social, contemporary approach. Dutch Scramble members welcome at De Gelpenberg with 20% discount after 13:00. Gelpenberg included in their year program with events.
• Hotel ten CateminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorColorful and artistic hotel in heart of Emmen. Partner for multi-day golf packages where hotel books tee times on behalf of guests.
• Hotel Abdij de WesterburchtminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocated in center of tourist village Westerbork, surrounded by beautiful nature ideal for cycling, hiking, and mountain biking. Partner for multi-day golf packages.
• Landal AelderholtminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHoliday park in wooded southeast of Drenthe. Provides 20% discount on greenfee when presenting voucher from reception. Also usable on Par-3 course. Exception to hotel booking rule - guests can book directly.
• Hotel & Restaurant WesselingminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLocated in Dwingeloo, heart of Drenthe. Oldest family hotel in Netherlands (1662) situated between two national parks. Partner for multi-day golf packages.
• Hotel Het Witte VeenminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSustainable hotel in heart of mid-Drenthe, surrounded by countryside. Partner for multi-day golf packages with nearby cities Emmen, Assen, and Hoogeveen.
• Drentsche Golf & Country ClubminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJoint 'Drenthe's Mooiste' package: 1x 18 holes greenfee Gelpenberg, 1x 18 holes DG&CC, 1x 3-course dinner, 1x overnight stay Golf Lodge, 1x breakfast buffet.
• Golfclub ExloominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorYouth golf cooperation partners. Youth members from these clubs can participate in Gelpenberg tournaments free of charge. Free participation for youth under 18 on January 1, 2026.
• Golfclub HavelteminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorYouth golf cooperation partner. Youth members can participate in Gelpenberg tournaments free of charge.
• Parc SandurminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorYouth golf cooperation partner. Youth members can participate in Gelpenberg tournaments free of charge.
• Big Green EggcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMain sponsor and namesake of the PAR-3 course (Big Green Egg 9-hole Par 3). The course has holes ranging from 54 to 135 meters and is perfect for beginners and improving short game.
• GolfdashboardcoreTechnology or IntegrationPrimary system for member data, guest player data, tee time management, tournament results, and NGF data exchange. All members have user access to view data, book tee times, and manage tournament participation.
• ExactcoreTechnology or IntegrationFinancial administration system for member data and invoicing. Data retained for minimum 7 years per regulatory requirements. Cloud-stored with accountant access.
• NGF (Nederlandse Golf Federatie)coreTechnology or IntegrationNational Golf Federation. Data exchanged via Golfdashboard for individual contributions and annual pass creation. NGF competitions hosted at Gelpenberg. Family tournament organized in collaboration with NGF.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Drentsche Golf & Country Club: Full 18-hole championship course in Assen, also in Drenthe province and a direct partner on the joint 'Drenthe's Mooiste' two-course golf package. Operates similar membership/greenfee model, hospitality facilities, and NGF competition calendar.
• Kennemer Golf & Country Club: Highly ranked Dutch championship golf club with a strong membership model, international tournament hosting pedigree (Dutch Open history), and similar diversified revenue across greenfees, hospitality, and instruction.
• Hilversumsche Golf Club: One of the oldest and most traditional Dutch golf clubs with a championship course, similar in heritage (over 100 years old) and in operating a member-led association structure with restaurant and academy services.
• Golfclub Amelisweerd: Utrecht-area Dutch golf club operating a championship 18-hole course within a nature reserve, comparable in landscape-integrated course philosophy and active member-tournament programme.
• Eindhovensche Golf Club: Established southern Netherlands golf club with championship course and active member-tournament calendar, comparable in scale of facilities (course, clubhouse, academy) and member-base operation.
• Rosendaelsche Golfclub: Historic Dutch parkland golf club near Arnhem with similar championship-course positioning, classic Dutch landscape setting, and membership-led commercial model comparable to De Gelpenberg.
• Golfclub Euregio Bad Bentheim: German golf club near the Dutch border that participates in De Gelpenberg's Hospitality Chain partner network, serving overlapping cross-border golfers with comparable greenfee and reciprocal-play business model.
• NNGC Glimmen (Noord-Nederlandse Golf & Country Club Glimmen): Northern Netherlands golf club and Hospitality Chain partner that serves overlapping Drenthe/regional golfers with similar 18-hole championship positioning, comparable to De Gelpenberg's north-Netherlands catchment.
• Noordwijkse Golfclub: Top-ranked traditional Dutch golf club with a championship links-style course, comparable in scale (18 holes), member-base prestige, and history of hosting high-profile amateur/professional tournaments in the Netherlands.

Regional players

• The International (Bad Bentheim): Cross-border German/Dutch golf facility near Bad Bentheim operating in the Euregio market where De Gelpenberg also attracts golfers, serving comparable regional tourism golfers with similar greenfee/package offerings.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses1 record

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/de-gelpenberg

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about De Gelpenberg