As Bernardus enters the final stages of preparation for the 2026 Solheim Cup, the focus is not on reinventing the course for a single week, but on presenting the strongest expression of an identity developed carefully since opening in 2018.
From 11-13 September 2026, Bernardus will welcome the leading players from Europe and the United States for the first Solheim Cup to be staged in the Netherlands. The event follows three consecutive editions of the country’s national open on the DP World Tour between 2021 and 2023 – experience that has helped the Bernardus team understand how the Kyle Phillips-designed course performs under the demands of elite competition.
Over the past eight years, the turf has matured, the playing surfaces have become more consistent, and the heather, native areas, and surrounding landscape have grown into the course. At the same time, the team has developed a deeper understanding of how Bernardus responds throughout the seasons.
At the centre of the final preparations is Golf Course Superintendent, Niall Richardson (pictured), and a greenkeeping team whose approach has always begun below the surface. Bernardus has prioritised soil structure, drainage, water management and the development of healthy, resilient turf, ensuring that championship presentation is supported by the long-term wellbeing of the course.
Richardson shared: “For me, everything starts with understanding the soil and working with the natural characteristics of the site, rather than trying to force the golf course to do something it does not naturally want to do. That philosophy has been particularly important at Bernardus because we are working with fine fescues in a predominantly natural heathland environment.”
The fine fescue grasses used across Bernardus support the firm and fast conditions central to the course’s identity while requiring less water and nutrition. Moisture monitoring and targeted irrigation help the team maintain consistent surfaces without compromising long-term turf health.
Bernardus will close for three weeks ahead of the Solheim Cup, with up to 100 people involved in the final course preparation and a particular focus on firmness, green speed and surface uniformity.
The course’s playing strategy remains unchanged, with recent work focused on improving spectator movement and protecting its natural areas. During the Solheim Cup, changing wind conditions, water hazards, strategic bunkering and contoured greens will create different options for players, while the compact routing will provide strong spectator sightlines.
“For the Solheim Cup, we want Bernardus to play as Bernardus: firm, fast and strategic,” Richardson concluded. “It should be a fair test where good shots are rewarded and the players decide the matches.”
To find out more, visit: www.bernardusgolf.com and https://bernardusgolf.com/solheim-cup/