Golf: The fascination par excellence
Few other sports combine so many positive qualities as golf. Once you dip your toe in, you’ll often quickly be bitten by the “golf bug.” We’d like to make getting started as easy as possible for you, and we’ll be reporting regularly on the world of golf — from the personal angle to the relevance for your (hairdressing) business.
Today we start with the basics. Don’t worry — at the end of the article you’ll find a box with the most important golf terms, so you don’t get lost in the “golf jargon.”
The golf landscape in Germany
In Germany (as of end of 2023) there are 821 golf clubs, organised under the umbrella of the German Golf Association (DGV). These clubs count approximately 682,126 players in total. Compared with countries such as Denmark, Germany still has room to grow in terms of course and membership density. But don’t worry: it is becoming ever easier here too to play golf on reasonable terms.
First steps: tips for beginners
If you follow these tips, you can avoid disappointments and unnecessary expenditure:
- Golf instructor: Book a beginner’s course or a private teacher (pro). They will help you avoid basic mistakes and often provide loan clubs. A lesson every fortnight is a good start — and in between: practise, practise, practise!
- Buy starter equipment: A beginner’s set with clubs, golf bag and trolley is available from €350. Spiked shoes, which are mandatory on most courses, cost around €100. Good deals can be found at, for example, www.golfundguenstig.de.
- Dynamic Fitting System: Once you’re sure you want to stick with golf, invest in clubs tailored to your needs. The Dynamic Fitting System helps you find custom-fitted clubs that can save you two to three strokes per round.
The golf handicap certificate (Platzreife)
The Platzreife is proof that you have mastered the basic rules of golf and its etiquette. Most golf clubs offer Platzreife courses that combine theory and practice. Once you have passed the test, you are permitted to play on most courses.
Membership and club selection
In Germany you need membership of the German Golf Association to play golf (except on a few public courses). There are various membership models, from full to remote membership. The latter is ideal for golfers who travel a lot or play infrequently. Some clubs offer special starter deals, such as the Golfclub Play for Life e.V., which is closely connected to the hairdressing industry and offers remote membership from €159 per year (https://golfclub-playforlife.de/fernmitgliedschaft).
Note that memberships come with additional playing fees (green fees) of €40 to €120, unless you always play on the same course.
Keeping the fun in golf
The legendary saying “Drive for show, putt for money” comes from golf professional Bobby Locke and still holds true today. Beginners often tend to spend all their time on the driving range, which can lead to frustration. It is more effective to also learn the game on the putting green, because the short game is decisive for long-term success. Those who master putting often have greater success with the longer shots too.
Conclusion
Golf offers the perfect combination of sport, nature experience and social interaction — often an ideal foundation for business contacts. With the right tips and the right approach, nothing stands in the way of your entry into the fascinating world of golf.
Enjoy your time on the course!
