The Growing Popularity of German Golf  

One of the first things you notice about golf courses in Germany is they seem to play a lot farther than the score card indicates – and there’s a reason for that. Courses in Germany, and for Europe in general, are measured in meters, not yards. Thus, that 522-meter first hole on the Arnold Palmer Platz just outside of Berlin was actually 571 yards. If you’re a low handicapper, that makes a world of difference.

This mathematical challenge while overseas can be easily overcome. Basically, just add about 10 percent to the distance on your shot and you’ll be fine. If deciding whether or not sun block is needed and you’re confused about Celsius temperature, you can easily convert to Fahrenheit by simply doubling the Celsius reading and adding 30; that puts you within a degree or two on the Fahrenheit scale.

Beer, Bratwurst and Golf?

With about 980 courses in Germany, there is good golfing to be had in this central European country that’s more famous for its bratwurst and beer than pitching and putting. However, the game is growing in popularity with many Germans, thanks in part to countrymen and PGA Tour professionals like Bernhard Langer and Martin Kaymer.

Sport & Spa Resort A-Rosa Scharmeutzelsee

For example, golf’s increased popularity can be seen first-hand at the magnificent Sporting Club Berlin, located at the Sport & Spa Resort A-Rosa Scharmeutzelsee, a first-class resort just outside Berlin, the German capital. A-Rosa features three outstanding 18-hole courses that are open year-round, including Europe’s only Nick Faldo design, another by Stan Eby, an Arnold Palmer track and a 9-hole course by Jake McEwan.

A-Rosa Scharmeutzelsee is spread out over 300 acres, offering a variety of other sporting activities in addition to golf, including an Equestrian center, the Axel Schmidt Yacht Academy and a tennis center. “The Sporting Club Berlin has been part of the Berlin golf landscape for a number of years,” says Wolf-Dieter Wolf, president of the Sporting Club. “We offer members and guests alike a myriad of sports possibilities in this very relaxing atmosphere.” Featuring a fabulous spa, A-Rosa was named the Spa Resort of the Year in 2005.

The Palmer and Faldo Courses

The Arnold Palmer course is a typical American course with wide fairways and large greens, surrounded by an Evergreen forest. The Nick Faldo course is one of the best in Europe, and one of the toughest. The Faldo course is a quintessential links-style course, like what you’d expect to find on the coasts of Scotland and England. The course features small fairways, high rough and 135 bunkers. One of the memorable holes is the par 5 11th , which is riddled with 14 bunkers. The Faldo course hosted the German Open in 1998 and 1999.

A Pleasant Suprise

The surprise of A-Rosa is the Stan Eby course. This delightful track has been open since 2001. Golfers will find the greens beautiful but tricky, with just the right amount of bunkers throughout the scenic course. Another interesting feature on the Eby course is the WWII bunker on the 16th hole.

Golf is growing by leaps and bounds in Germany, with no end in sight. Thanks to Bernhard Langer, Martin Kaymer, and Germany applying to host the 2018 Ryder Cup, the number of rounds played in Germany should continue to increase in the years to come.