He formerly played for FC Emmen, Heracles Almelo, Go Ahead Eagles and ADO Den Haag.

Houtkoop began his career as a bencher at SC Heerenveen in the Eredivisie, failing to register an appearance.

[1] On 25 January 2017, Houtkoop was one of two Cambuur players to miss a penalty, after a 2016–17 KNVB Cup game against FC Utrecht ended 2–2.

[2] His first game for HamKam was a 2–1 victory at home against Åsane on 2 September, where Houtkoop came on as a substitute for Abubakar Ibrahim in the second half.

[6] Houtkoop was recruited to Jubbenga by its head coach Inne Schotanus, who was his trainer in the SC Heerenveen youth.