Challenging Courses, Stronger Bonds – A Season with Heren 1

With the NGF competition season wrapped up, we caught up with Carlo Schmitz, one of the seasoned players of Olympus’ Heren 1 team, to reflect on a year full of challenges, learning, and camaraderie.

A Tough Season, but Sunshine All the Way

“It was almost surreal,” Carlo begins, “We had perfect weather all season—just one light shower in Broekpolder, but beyond that, sunshine and blue skies.” Despite the bright skies, the season proved tough for Heren 1. The team faced some of the strongest opponents in the Topklasse and, as Carlo notes with a smile, “we lost again yesterday, but at least I secured my first singles point!”

Learning from the Best

Though the results didn’t go their way, Carlo reflects on the immense value of the experience. “We played against really strong players,” he says. “Even when they seemed out of position, they’d pull off impossible recoveries. Competing at that level teaches you a lot.”

Another highlight was the opportunity to play some of the Netherlands’ most exclusive courses. “Playing tracks like Haagsche, Noordwijk, Hilversum… these are historic courses not easily accessible to most amateurs. That was a privilege.”

Consistency in the Line-up

While the team didn’t make waves on the leaderboard, the squad remained largely unchanged. “Only Alex joined us this year, and he played twice,” Carlo recalls. “We’ve got a solid group, and even though we weren’t at the top, the spirit was always there.”

When asked whether their level has dropped compared to last season, Carlo reflects: “I think we played as well as last year, but the competition in de Hoofdklasse is simply much stronger. We propably played better, but the margins at this level are razor thin.”

Looking Ahead

With more than 30 years of golfing experience, Carlo still finds ways to improve. “I focused on decision-making this year and feel I made progress. My short game was solid, though I struggled off the tee, especially on the longer, tighter holes.”

Facing young power hitters brought reality into sharp focus. “Last weekend in Hilversum, I played against a 17-year-old who hit it 40 meters past my drive,” he laughs. “That’s the new generation, but it’s good to be challenged.”

With relegation now a fact, Heren 1 will return to the Eerste Klasse next season. “We joked about having to play slightly less glamorous courses,” Carlo says, “but the ambition is clear: we want to go back up.”

Advice for all players

To all the players across the NGF and within Olympus competitions, Carlo offers some perspective: “Be ambitious, but don’t forget to enjoy the game. Golf is about being outside, competing with friends, and embracing the beauty of the sport. Don’t let one bad round ruin that.”

With thanks to the sponsors of Men’s I:
Golflounge, Adidas and the members of Olympus.