Golf in Germany??? Ja!!! October 11, 2001
Before German professional Bernhard Langer's success, there wasn't much interest in golf in Germany. Now, however, the construction of over 100 new (5 -15 year old) courses is a strong indication that Germans have taken a liking to the sport. When we arrived in Munich we were unaware of this boom, and were therefore pleased to find a chunky guide to German golf courses in the airport bookstore. This handy source of information on greens fees, directions, telephone numbers, course ratings, etc. (our German-English dictionary passed its first test - although some words were too golf-oriented to be included) provided us with our first clues as to where we might want to live in the Munich area. Our plan was first to figure out where we'd play golf, then take up residence accordingly!
We ended up joining Golf Club München Riedhof, just 20 miles south of Munich. It's one of the best (and predictably) most expensive clubs in Germany. Riedhof, like many of the new clubs, is still seeking members. We were able to obtain a "trial" one-year membership, which is available to provide potential members an opportunity to try the club for a year without paying the high initiation fee. It's also perfect for folks like us who wanted to spend a summer living and golfing in Germany.
Almost all German courses are semi-private, meaning visitors are welcome, although usually only Monday through Thursday. Playing the superbly conditioned Riedhof costs a visitor 60 Euros (about $55). Most other clubs cost somewhat less to play. Golf fees assume you'll walk, which (thankfully) is how the game is still played most places outside the U.S. Sometimes a few motorized carts are available, but many clubs don't have them.
There are open tournaments at nearly all the golf clubs including the well-regarded and scenic courses at Feldafing and Eurach. Entering these tournaments is a good deal, particularly if you're ready to spend a whole day at the club. Entry fees are often the same or less than normal green fees and frequently include a meal, such as an awards dinner. (Be prepared, dinner attire tends NOT to be casual.)
A few observations on the game as approached by Germans (at least from our experience). Tournaments are generally organized such that lower handicap players tee off first - and gender is not considered. As mentioned earlier, tournaments can be all day affairs: tee off at 11 A.M. and leave for home at 11 P.M. In casual play, lots of folks play alone. We especially remember the day we were followed by four singles - each a woman playing by herself. This might be a result of a difference in the overall attitude to the game among nations. Americans see golf as a competitive, athletic sport. The Scots and Kiwis love the game, but more as a recreational opportunity, i.e. a good walk unspoiled. The Germans, as befits a country taking up a new pastime, seem to be focusing on the skill aspects of golf. They therefore spend a lot of time taking lessons and practicing, both on the range and on the course.
Our summer playing at Riedhof was a golf fantasy, apropos to Bavaria, land of King Ludwig II's fantasy castles. The clubhouse and restaurant are lovely; the grass driving range and the practice areas are adjacent to the clubhouse and first tee; the course is challenging and well-designed with high slopes and ratings; there are plenty of hazards and some hilly terrain, and it's well maintained by the 10 full-time greens keepers; and the holes are picturesque with glimpses of the Alps. Best of all, however, except for some tournament days, the course was usually deserted. And I do mean DESERTED. We'd show up at 8:30 and there'd be maybe two other cars in the parking lot. One Monday we had lunch on the patio after an early round and no one teed off between 11:15 and 12:30! Conditioned as we are to American golf, we couldn't seem to get over our worry that the course would be crowded and tended to tee off early anyway. Our rounds typically took just over 3 hours.
With such marvelous golf "at home", we didn't feel the need to play anywhere else. And never did get around to it....