This was the first Buda Cup without the Buda Cup, so it should go down in the annals as the Buda Experience. I played 135 holes out of a total of 207 holes that were available. Many thanks to David Davies for making it a reality - to see all great golf courses of the Netherlands in one go.
For me Kennemer was the surprise hit, I expected a much flatter and less interesting course. I cannot give my final ranking yet, as I've a system that I meticulously follow with points allocated for Shot Values, Quirk, Scenery and Flow. But off the top of my head I'd say that Royal Hague is a grand course in every respect and I do not know how it could be improved. Maybe returning to the club house after two holes is a bit awkward. Kennemer is the ultimate member's course with three interesting loops, two of which form an authentic Colt links course and are the clear choice for playing 18. Noordwijkse has some of the best links holes in Europe, but also some unfortunate pine forest holes and green to tee walks. De Pan is a great example of how to create good holes in a pine forest. However, there is a slight sense of sameness to it on the front 9. The back 9 are a stupendous stretch of holes.
I would be thrilled to be a member at any of those world class courses. Again, many thanks to David Davies for organising it and to all participants for showing up and being a great bunch of guys to play golf with. Whoever made the weather should also get a nod of approval.
Ulrich