Do I need my own golf clubs for my first lesson?

No. For the first lessons you simply borrow clubs from Golfcenter Seve. Only once you're sure golf suits you is it smart to buy your own set. I'll help you with that then.

How long is a lesson?

The intro lesson is 25 minutes. Sessions in the Handicap 54 Path are 50 minutes. Enough to warm up calmly, work on one thing, and close with clear exercises to practise at home.

How many lessons do I need to reach Handicap 54?

Eight sessions is enough for most people, provided you also practise between lessons. Some progress faster, others need a bit more time. We see how it's going along the way and adjust the plan if needed.

What if I need to reschedule a session?

No problem. Let me know at least 24 hours in advance and we'll book a new date. The whole path stays valid for 12 months from your first session, so you won't lose any lessons you haven't had yet.

What if I have doubts after one or two lessons?

Then we just talk about it honestly. I won't push you into anything. Sometimes golf isn't the right sport at this moment, and that's fine. I want you to have an honest picture, not to sit out a package.

Do I need to be a member of a golf club?

No. You can take all lessons at Golfcenter Seve without being a member. Once you have Handicap 54, you choose for yourself: join a club somewhere, or keep paying green fees on public courses.

On the course today · Play with Youri

Beginner golf lessons in Rotterdam.

You start calmly, with me alongside you. I'm a PGA Teaching Professional at Golfcenter Seve. In 8 sessions I take you from your first swing to playing the course on your own. No rush, one clear step at a time.

Intro lesson €40, or the full path €450 for 8 sessions.

Book an intro session See the 8-session path

Golfcenter Seve, Kleiweg 480

PGA Teaching Professional

TrackMan 4

Is this for me?

Three things almost every beginner thinks.

And why none of them is a reason not to begin.

Never held a club before?

Completely normal. The first lesson is about feel, not performing. We start calmly, and I won't load you up with technique.

Afraid you can't do it?

You don't need any skill yet. I start with you from zero, at your pace. No audience, no judgment, and not ten tips at once.

Wondering if golf is for you?

Start with a €40 intro lesson. Short session, just you and me on the range, and afterwards you decide for yourself whether you want to continue.

The path

From first swing to Handicap 54.

Eight fifty-minute sessions across four phases. You always know where you stand and what the next step is. That way we build up calmly, without you losing the overview.

Sessions 1–2

First swings

Grip, stance and ball position
Your first clean contact with the ball
Getting a feel for it, not perfection right away

Sessions 3–4

Control

Distance and direction per club
A swing that repeats more often
TrackMan shows your progress in black and white

Sessions 5–6

The short game

Chipping around the green
Putting with feel for speed
Getting out of the bunker without the stress

Sessions 7–8

Onto the course

Rules and etiquette on the course
Smart choices for your first round
Getting you ready for your Handicap 54 test

Handicap 54 Path

€450/ 8 sessions × 50 min

Valid for 12 months Reschedule up to 24h in advance

See the path Or try an intro lesson first for €40

Still in doubt? Start with the €40 intro lesson and then see whether the path is right for you. After the first or second session we look together at whether the direction fits.

Why I do it this way

"I don't believe in a hundred tips per lesson. We build up calmly and focus on the one thing that matters right now. After every session you know exactly what to practise at home."

Youri van Koppen, PGA Teaching Professional

From a beginning player

"Despite my doubts beforehand about my own athletic ability, my swing has improved significantly in a very short time. Youri is great with beginners — his lessons have a light but goal-oriented tone, with genuine interest in the person behind the club."

Tyra M.

HCP 50

Experiences

Lower handicap. More fun on the course.

"A year ago I was HCP 27.0 — now 21.3. Analysis, rounds together on-course and online, and coaching: each one pushes my limit further. Five pars over 9 holes isn't unusual anymore. Good to work with too."

Pim S.

HCP 21.3

"I've been taking lessons with Youri for about 4 years now and I'm still extremely happy with them. Youri is very enthusiastic and creative in his coaching, which keeps me motivated to keep improving :)"

Felipe R.

HCP 9.7

"After earning my HCP 54 I took several lessons with Youri and eventually bought a package. Calm, constructive and relaxed, and I've seen real improvement across my game — from putting and chipping to the driver."

Richard F.

HCP 43.2

"Despite my doubts beforehand about my own athletic ability, my swing has improved significantly in a very short time. Youri is great with beginners — his lessons have a light but goal-oriented tone. He also makes sure everyone gets enough personal attention in group lessons, with genuine interest in the person behind the club. For authenticity, Rotterdam no-nonsense, and real depth of knowledge: Youri is the one to go to."

Tyra M.

HCP 50

"Youri always works with a lot of enthusiasm and genuinely wants to make you better. He thinks carefully about what you need and which clubs suit you. Thanks to his own playing experience you learn a lot — not just technique, but tactics too. The result: big leaps forward, all in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere."

Anouk T.

HCP 32.7

"Thanks to Youri I've built a stable foundation in my swing that took away a lot of uncertainty. Friendly guy who really knows the game!"

Joop B.

HCP 8

"I've played golf for over 20 years, and a handful of lessons noticeably lifted my short game — bunker shots especially. His mental tips help me swing calmer too. A solid pro who doesn't bury you in a hundred and one tips."

Ron B.

HCP 16.9

"Youri coached me multiple times to identify the root cause of a flaw in my swing and to fine-tune the rest of my game. He taught me that you can approach ball lies in different ways, as long as you have the techniques in your golf arsenal. And of course I've expanded mine through his lessons!"

Tjard L.

HCP 16.8

"When I have a lesson with Youri he always asks the right questions and explains things well. He checks whether I understand, and if I don't he goes over it again. That's why I picked him as my coach. When we have a new lesson we sometimes revisit things from the previous one, which really helps."

Caesar S.

HCP 7.6

"Coach Youri has made it really fun to learn golf. He is very active during the lesson, but in a way that doesn't overwhelm you. Every drill has a purpose and his advice can be applied straight away. I really enjoy how much energy and enthusiasm he brings, and after 2 months of lessons I already see a huge difference in my swing. Excited to keep it going."

Radu P.

HCP 25

"Focused, effective coaching with room for the occasional birdwatching detour 🐦. Youri comes highly recommended — my swing and game are steadily improving, and above all, the lessons are genuinely enjoyable."

Anna W.

HCP 50

"Youri is a fun golf trainer and coach. He adapts to what the group needs and spots where help is required (essential 🤪). The focus is on improving skills, but there's definitely room for enjoyment too."

Brechtje B.

HCP 51.8

Already have course permission, but feeling stuck?

This page is for starters. Already have a handicap and want to make real progress? Then take a look at my private lessons and coaching for more advanced players.

See what I offer

Frequently asked questions

Handicap 54 is the starting point for every golfer in the Netherlands. You get it once you show you've mastered the basics and can navigate the course on your own. This used to be called the GVB, the Golf Proficiency Certificate. With Handicap 54 you're welcome on almost every Dutch golf course. You'll find the official explanation on the NGF website.

Official information about Handicap 54 and course permission is on the Dutch Golf Federation (NGF) website.

Ready to start calmly?

The first step is a short intro lesson, €40. No obligation, no pressure. If it clicks, we move into the Handicap 54 Path together.

Book an intro session