The Range combines technology and experience at Golfbaan de Herkenbosche |
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The new driving range at Golfbaan de Herkenbosche opened in October 2025 under its own name: The Range. This sustainably designed facility operates as an independent practice location alongside the existing course. The Range targets a broad audience, from young golfers to visitors who want to discover the sport or are simply looking for a leisure activity. Interactive technology such as Toptracer and Foresight, combined with indoor facilities, makes The Range accessible to both experienced players and recreational golfers.
| Armand Triepels in front of The Range |
'Construction started in May last year. We officially opened the facility on 25 October. The Range is an important step within our broader master plan for the entire site. We are also working on expanding the golf course, and a hotel will be built next to it. Ultimately, we want De Herkenbosche to grow into a true destination course for the entire Benelux.'
- Armand Triepels
Attracting a younger audience
'The main reason for developing The Range is to attract a younger audience,' says project manager Armand Triepels. 'Our members are getting older on average, and we want to prevent further ageing of the club. At the same time, we want to follow the trends and developments in driving ranges.' This shift is clear: ranges are evolving from simple practice areas into locations where training, recreation and gaming come together. They play an increasing role in attracting new golfers, as visitors can get acquainted with the sport in an accessible and relaxed way. Combined with entertainment concepts, they are also drawing more groups of friends, families and corporate outings. The Range follows this trend, while its foundation is based on a sustainable and future-proof design.
Reusing materials wherever possible
Golfbaan de Herkenbosche is located next to Nationaal Park De Meinweg, about a ten-minute drive from Roermond. 'We wanted to build a structure that fits into the surroundings,' says Triepels. The new tee building is largely made of wood, blending into the forested landscape. The roof is covered with solar panels and the building is gas-free. Materials from the old driving range have been reused as much as possible. According to Triepels, this was both a sustainable and practical choice: 'Why create something new if the existing materials are still suitable?'
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'A separate indoor area for chipping and putting, with different types of artificial turf and real holes in the floor.'
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Chipping, putting, coffee and beer
The facility consists of two levels with space for 34 bays. Part of these is indoor and supplemented with professional teaching bays. But The Range offers more than just golf. 'We also aim to create a pleasant place for meeting and entertainment,' says Triepels. With catering facilities and a spacious lounge area, the concept focuses on experience and social interaction. He adds that there is a separate indoor area for chipping and putting, with different types of artificial turf and real holes in the floor. 'This allows players to use the facility even in bad weather.' Experienced players can improve their skills year-round, both outdoors and indoors, while recreational visitors can enjoy a casual game with coffee and cake or beer and snacks.
Cameras and simulations
New is the interactive Toptracer. This camera system tracks the ball after each shot and provides insight into speed, distance and accuracy. It is particularly appealing for recreational players, as it enables interactive gaming. Advanced golfers and professionals can use the system for more detailed analysis. 'For our golf professionals, we use Foresight launch monitors. These provide not only ball data but also club data. Cameras, for example, record how the ball strikes the clubface. This data can be linked to the Toptracer data, creating a complete overview of the shot,' explains Triepels. 'That combination of fun and interactive training simulations is what makes our concept strong.'
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'In the design, we wanted to include a special opening for the ball picker.'
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Custom ball catchers
Robin Paaijmans was closely involved from the preparation phase in planning the required groundworks. This included tree removal, soil relocation and creating height differences. During construction, temporary ball catchers were installed so the driving range could remain open. Afterwards, the team from Paaijmans Balafschermingen installed three permanent ball catchers: 6 metres high at the front left, 12 metres at the rear left and back, and 17 metres on the right side. 'The right side is intentionally the highest, because shots from right-handed players often deviate to the right. At the same time, the design had to fit within the budget and the forested surroundings. That is why part of the old driving range ball catcher was reused.'
 | | Opening in the ball net for ball pickers |
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Special opening for the ball picker
'In the design, we wanted to include a special opening for the ball picker, a solution we had seen at other courses in the Netherlands. Paaijmans developed and implemented this technically,' says Triepels. The company also provided fall protection at the new tee building. Nets were installed to prevent players from falling from the elevated bays. Nets were also placed inside the building, allowing players to hit balls safely when the roller doors are closed.
 | | Younger audience discovers De Herkenbosche |
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New audience discovers The Range
The Range shows how a driving range can evolve with trends in the digital age. The underlying plan is not only to serve existing golfers but also to attract new players, and according to Triepels, this approach is working. 'Since the opening, we clearly see more inexperienced and younger visitors who have never played golf before. The driving range has become a playful introduction to the sport for future golfers.'
This article was previously published on 23 April 2026 on the Greenkeeper](https://www.greenkeeper.nl/article/53612/the-range-verbindt-technologie-en-beleving-op-golfbaan-de-herkenbosche]Greenkeeper) website.
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