Golfbaan 't Zelle

Notable Observations

• Historic Estate Landscape Around 60% of the course is natural area, including heathland, woodland, wet meadows, pools and streams. Historic avenues, farm buildings and field patterns are retained within the golf landscape.
• Heathland and Orchid Habitats Species-rich heathland has been expanded, while orchids are encouraged by spreading seed capsules. Non-native trees are also gradually being replaced with native species.
• 218 Nest Boxes The course has 218 nest boxes for species including kestrel, barn owl and stock dove, with around 70% occupied in 2025. Other habitat features include bat boxes, bee hotels, deadwood and fish-free ponds.
• Chemical-Free Turf Ambition The club’s long-term aim is 100% chemical-free management. Mechanical weed control, hand-weeding and research with the NGF on biological control of dollar spot all support this direction.
• Golf-Ball Recovery System ’t Zelle has developed its own machine to recover golf balls from pond sludge, turf and grass clippings. The approach helps address the environmental issue of balls becoming embedded in course materials.
• Electric and Robotic Machinery Golf carts, three ride-on mowers and robotic mowers are electric, contributing to a reported 60% reduction in diesel use. More natural rough also reduces the area requiring regular mowing.
• 160-Member Volunteer Network Around 160 members volunteer at the club, including about 60 who contribute directly to course activities. Teams cover areas including birds, heathland, gardening, tees and bunkers.
• Pieterpad and Public Access Marked walking routes connect the course with the estate and the Pieterpad, welcoming non-golfers into the landscape. The restaurant, terrace and clubhouse spaces are also available to wider visitors.

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“The Golfclub ‘t Zelle course (opened in 1992) covers 92 hectares, comprising a quarter of the ‘t Zelle estate. The course is well integrated into the surrounding landscape. The ‘t Zelle estate and golf course is one of the jewels of the Achterhoek region, featuring many characteristic elements of the historic landscape. Within this gem, you will find numerous smaller gems, such as heathland areas with transitions from dry to wet, a stream, pools and water features with natural banks, wet meadows, old farmsteads, avenue-like structures and a rich variety of woodland types, typically with beautifully sloping forest edges. 60 per cent of the golf course consists of natural areas, which are home to a high level of biodiversity. Great care is taken to safeguard these high natural values and the environment. For example, orchid habitats are protected and further developed. What is unique is the way in which t Zelle purifies and reuses soil and grass clippings contaminated by golf balls. Mowing is carried out using electric equipment, including robotic mowers, which has reduced diesel consumption by 60 per cent. And then there is the precision weed control. ‘t Zelle is a frontrunner when it comes to modernising course management and environmental stewardship. Golf here is an experience in many ways, thanks to the dedication of a large number of members and the advice of professionals. The par-3 hole has been rated the most beautiful in the Netherlands. If you love both golf and nature, come to t Zelle and let yourself be surprised and inspired! But even if you’re not a golfer, you’re welcome here and can enjoy yourself to your heart’s content on paths that link up with the surrounding routes and the Pieterpad.”

Paul van Kan (GEO accredited independent verifier)