About
In 2011, Michiel van der Vaart’s design for Stippelberg Golf Course won the ‘Development of the Year Award,’ competing alongside legendary architects such as Gary Player, Ben Crenshaw, and Nick Faldo.
Michiel van der Vaart is a Dutch golf course architect renowned for his naturalistic approach and integration of ecology into course design. Beginning his professional journey as a landscape architect, he transitioned into golf architecture in 2002 after joining Gerard Jol’s esteemed Dutch golf design firm. Michiel has since completed the EIGCA’s Diploma programme and contributed to the design and renovation of numerous courses across Europe, notably including Stippelberg Golf Course in Gemert-Bakel, which earned him the ‘Development of the Year Award’ in 2011 in competition with international icons. In 2008, he co-founded Spogárd&VanderVaart Golf Course Architects with Philip Spogárd, establishing a leading international practice. His projects, such as Golfbaan de Kroonprins and De Dommel Golf Club, are praised for robust ecological zones and visually stunning layouts. Michiel’s deep passion for golf is evident both in his creative design style and from his years playing since childhood.
