As the founder and longtime Holland resident, Blake DenBoer has deep roots in golf, dating back to his childhood experiences at the original Holland Country Club. “I remember getting my first set of clubs and being dropped off at the 100-yard marker,” he recalled. “I caddied for about nine years and grew up around golf. It’s been a big part of my life, and now I want to give back to the community in the same way that golf shaped me.”
The new Holland Country Club is a reinvention of the original golf course which closed about sixteen years ago due to a gradual decline in membership. But it isn’t a direct replica of the original course. While it holds the same aesthetic and nostalgic feel, it’s actually the opposite of stepping foot onto the green grass.
It embodies a new era of golf—simulators.
These state-of-the-art golf simulators will allow players to fast-forward through each of the eighteen holes. The average time on a golf course would take around 4 hours, while on a simulator it can take as little as 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the size of your group.
While indoor simulators offer a faster pace, Blake noted that they complement —rather than replace—traditional golf on the course. He said, “The only part that doesn’t fully translate is putting, but everything else can help improve your regular game.”
Those of us who share the love of the game can now play all-year-round, most importantly during the winter months when the greens are covered by feet of fluffy snow.
The Original Holland Country Club Reimagined
The club’s design emphasizes a warm, welcoming atmosphere rather than the industrial feel of some other indoor golf facilities. I’m sure many of you can attest to sitting in a plastic, uncomfy chair while your buddy swings for the fences in a dimly lit cubicle. But not here.
With an open-concept style, the club will feature a lively, yet classy blend of colors to embody the exclusive mood of the sport.
From a custom, locally made, live-edge wood bar top to traditional furniture pieces, the space will combine the comfort of a traditional country club with the convenience of modern amenities.
Growing up, some of us can probably attest to slouching in the lounge area of our local club while our father or grandpa checked in for our tee time. It’s a comfortable, yet luxurious place to linger.
A Place Where Serendipity Thrives
Beyond the golf aspect, The Holland Country Club hopes to be a place where social connection can thrive. It all starts with the sport but continues with simple serendipity.
Blake explained, “I’m creating a country club atmosphere where if you come in off the street, you’re likely going to see another member. You’re going to see people that you know.”
The bar and lounge area are effortlessly connected, where you could be enjoying a drink with a friend while watching others swing their clubs. The layout is designed to encourage interaction amongst visitors. “It’s about creating a community atmosphere,” said Annie DenBoer. “We want people to come in, see familiar faces, and build relationships—just like the old country club did.”
For Members
At The Holland Country Club, memberships will be offered to those looking to have greater and easier access to its amenities. As a member of the club, you’ll benefit from the ability to schedule simulator sessions in advance, a welcome advantage in a town where other golf options tend to fill up quickly. Non-members will be able to drop in, though access will be subject to availability.
“Membership gives you the luxury of spontaneity,” Blake said. “You can come in on a Saturday and play without worrying about being fully booked.”
Members will also have access to private club storage. This is extremely convenient, especially during the winter months when it’s a burden to drag your bag through the snow when you know you’ll be a frequent visitor.
For everyone, the pro-shop will be stocked with exclusive Holland Country Club apparel (featuring the classic logo) and the Detroit-based Grayson brand.
A Quickly Approaching Addition to Downtown Holland
The club is still under construction, with an expected completion date by the end of this year.
If you’re looking for more information, please visit The Holland Country Club Website.
Sierra Ozolins is a West Michigan native, currently a student at Hope College. As an athlete, she is passionate about fitness—from running to weightlifting. With a interest for politics and lifestyle, she is intrigued how local culture, community, and everyday events shape the world around her—often with an iced coffee in hand and her dog by her side.
Copyright © 2025 Hollander Media. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without written authorization. By providing your email or phone number, you are consenting to receive emails, calls, and SMS/MMS messages from The Hollander and affiliates. Msg & data rates may apply.
.jpg)
