Cage net and interactive driving range make golf course nearly redundant

ARTICLE

MARKET & CURRENT AFFAIRS

Jeroen Poldermans, Wednesday 16 July 2025

152 sec

Golfbaan Harderwold and Paaijmans Ball Protection create a unique concept

A few years ago, Golfbaan Harderwold leased nine of its holes to the operator of a solar park. As a result, the driving range was shortened to 80 meters. This spatial limitation led to a unique idea: an interactive driving range, enclosed by a cage net and accessible to a broad audience.

Cage net Harderwold

"The advantage of this concept is that it's easy to replicate. You don't even need an actual golf course. It offers great opportunities in urban and densely populated areas," says Robin Paaijmans, owner of Paaijmans Ball Sport Protection.

'bitterballen, beer, and a swing'

The Harderwold driving range is not only a practice space for golfers, but also a venue for entertainment. Because it's easy to participate, it's often compared to a bowling alley, says director Rob Stouthart: "We've already hosted lots of company parties, bachelor parties, and ladies' nights in a fun, playful setting. Players can choose from various interactive games. Each bay is equipped with a large screen where the physical driving range merges into virtual reality. There's a game for every skill level. Fanatic golfers can immerse themselves in several professional virtual environments, including our own course or various international ones. For the casual visitor, there are all kinds of fun games. It's a very accessible way to get acquainted with golf—whether or not accompanied by a beer and a bitterbal."

Rob Stouthart

Robin Paaijmans at the National Sports Facilities Trade Fair

"It's a very accessible way to get acquainted with golf—whether or not accompanied by a beer and a bitterbal."

Inrange radar technology

Thanks to Inrange radar technology, every ball is tracked. Three radar units are installed across the driving range, and each bay is connected to the system. As soon as a ball is hit, the radar knows which bay it came from. Every ball is individually tracked—even when multiple balls are hit simultaneously. The radar measures the speed, angle, spin, and direction of the ball and calculates the trajectory and final landing point. Stouthart: "The radar units are at a height of 17.5 meters, while the cage reaches 18 meters. That's no problem—if the ball exceeds the radar height, the flight is still precisely simulated."

cage net with damping net

"Just beyond lies the solar park," continues Stouthart. "To prevent balls from damaging the solar panels, a cage net was needed. That's why we partnered with Paaijmans Ball Sport Protection. First of all, because they deliver custom ball-catching systems, but also because we needed a partner who could think outside the box." The assignment resulted in a cage structure with an added damping net to reduce the impact of the golf balls.

winch system

The cage measures 70 by 70 meters, with a height of 18 meters. "What makes this structure special is that the 70-meter span was achieved without any intermediate poles. The nets are tightly tensioned, creating an open and clear space without obstacles. This is made possible by a winch system that allows the nets to be raised and lowered. It makes the structure wind-resistant and flexible in use. Lowering the entire cage takes about twenty minutes," explains owner Robin Paaijmans.

"What makes this structure special is that the 70-meter span was achieved without any intermediate poles."

snow protocol

When snowfall is expected, a special protocol is activated. Because the weight of accumulated snow could damage or even collapse the net, it must be lowered as a precaution. This is done using the winch system, which allows the entire cage to be brought down quickly. Responsibility for this lies with Paaijmans, who has clear agreements with the solar park owner—the formal owner of the structure. "Since the solar park has no on-site staff, we are the first point of contact and responsible for execution. We closely monitor the KNMI weather forecasts in winter, and when snow is expected—even in borderline cases—we give the signal to lower the net. Sometimes we do it ourselves, in other cases the Harderwold staff take care of it. We've provided training for that as well." This protocol ensures swift and effective action in threatening weather conditions, protecting both the structure and surrounding installations from damage.

from countryside to city center

"This concept offers great potential in urban and densely populated areas," says Stouthart. It provides an easy and playful introduction to golf, making the sport more accessible to a wide audience. Paaijmans concludes with a wink: "We could install a structure like this anywhere. Technically, you don't even need a golf course. Though I understand that might sound like heresy to a greenkeeper."

This article was previously published on 11 July 2025 on the website of Greenkeeper.

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