Teeing Off Through Germany: All Square’s Top 10 Golf Courses
All Square 6min read •
6 Sep
Germany’s golf scene may not always steal headlines like the legends of Scotland or Ireland — but dig a little deeper, and you’ll discover a spectacular array of courses that marry design brilliance, regional charm, and pure playability. All Square’s ranking of the Top 10 Golf Courses in Germany offers a curated portal into the country’s finest fairways. Let’s embark on a virtual tour of the best ten — and what makes each one a standout destination.
1. Hamburger Golf Club Falkenstein (Hamburg)
Ranked number one, Falkenstein is considered Germany’s crown jewel. Designed in 1928 by Colt, Alison & Morrison, it has long been regarded as one of the most elegant courses in Continental Europe. The routing weaves through rolling heathland and towering pine forests, offering a classic feel reminiscent of England’s Surrey courses. Subtle elevation changes, strategic bunkering, and firm, fast fairways make it a true shot-maker’s course. Located just 20 minutes from Hamburg’s city center, Falkenstein perfectly combines a historic championship pedigree with easy accessibility.
2. Golf Club Budersand Sylt (Hornum, Sylt)
Perched on the windswept island of Sylt in the North Sea, Budersand is often described as Germany’s only true links course. Built on the site of a former military base, it has been sculpted into a rugged landscape of dunes, native grasses, and exposed sand, evoking the raw beauty of Scottish and Irish seaside golf. Constant coastal winds play a major role in shaping strategy, and the course’s natural contours create a fresh challenge with every round. Budersand has quickly become a bucket-list destination for golfers visiting northern Germany.
3. Golf Club Bad Saarow – Faldo Course (Bad Saarow)
The Faldo Course at Bad Saarow, near Berlin, is Sir Nick Faldo’s only design in Central Europe. Known for its bold bunkering and clever green complexes, the course is as demanding as it is rewarding. Large lakes and sandy waste areas add to its visual drama, while wide fairways invite aggressive play — if you’re willing to take on the risk. As part of the renowned Sporting Club Berlin, Bad Saarow offers not just golf, but a full resort experience with spa, dining, and lakeside relaxation, making it one of the most complete golf destinations in Germany.
4. Golf Club Hubbelrath – East Course (Düsseldorf)
Hubbelrath’s East Course is a long-time favourite among Germany’s elite players and has hosted multiple European Tour events. Set in gently rolling countryside just outside Düsseldorf, the course blends wooded parkland with open holes framed by sweeping views. Precision is key here, with tight fairways and strategically placed bunkers forcing smart shot selection. The club’s reputation as a breeding ground for German golf talent adds to its prestige, making it not only a top playing experience but also a course steeped in national golf history.
5. Winston Golf – WINSTONopen (Gneven-Vorbeck)
Near Schwerin in northern Germany, WINSTONopen is an imaginative creation that transforms flat farmland into a links-inspired landscape of towering dunes and dramatic contours. Built in 2000, it stands out for its bold land shaping and sweeping sightlines, offering players a sense of wide-open space that feels unlike most courses in Germany. The course is part of the Winston Golf resort, which also includes the equally spectacular WINSTONlinks. Together, they create one of the country’s premier golf destinations, blending design innovation with first-class hospitality.
6. Föhr Golf Club (Nieblum, Insel Föhr)
Föhr Golf Club is an island treasure located in the North Frisian Islands. With three loops of nine holes — Red, Yellow, and Blue — it offers variety and flexibility for visiting golfers. The Red and Yellow courses are the most celebrated, featuring tree-lined fairways, water hazards, and a peaceful setting that makes every round feel like a true getaway. Its perfect All Square rating is a testament to the quality of both the course and the hospitality. Few places in Germany combine seaside charm, island atmosphere, and top-class golf as effortlessly as Föhr.
7. Golf Club St. Dionys (St. Dionys)
Set in a tranquil pine forest south of Hamburg, St. Dionys is a course that emphasises subtlety and tradition. Its tree-lined fairways and gently undulating terrain create an intimate and classic golfing experience. Though less internationally known than Falkenstein or Budersand, it has long been cherished by German golfers for its atmosphere and playability. The course demands accuracy over power, rewarding those who can control their ball flight and navigate its narrow corridors. For purists, St. Dionys is a timeless test of golf in a serene natural setting.
8. Golf-und Land-Club Köln (Bergisch Gladbach)
One of Germany’s oldest clubs, Köln carries a proud history dating back to its foundation in 1906. The current course, redesigned after World War II, is a traditional woodland layout set in the scenic Bergisches Land near Cologne. Mature trees line nearly every hole, creating a parkland course with a distinctly old-world feel. Its long history of hosting major amateur and professional events has cemented its status as a cornerstone of German golf. Playing Köln is as much about stepping into history as it is about testing your game.
9. Golf Club Gut Larchenhof (Pulheim-Stommeln)
Gut Larchenhof is a Jack Nicklaus signature course and one of the most polished layouts in Germany. Opened in 1996, it has hosted numerous DP World Tour events, including the BMW International Open, where top players like Henrik Stenson and Sergio García have triumphed. True to Nicklaus’s design philosophy, the course combines wide landing areas with heavily guarded greens, demanding both strategic thinking and precise execution. Its manicured fairways and world-class conditioning make it a must-play for golfers seeking a modern championship experience in Germany.
10. Club zur Vahr e.V. Bremen (Garlstedt / Osterholz-Scharmbeck)
The Bremen club, founded in 1905, offers two courses, with the Garlstedt layout being its most famous. Redesigned in the 2000s by architect Christoph Staedler, it features renovated greens, tees, and bunkers that have modernised the course while preserving its traditional feel. Surrounded by woodland, the layout is both challenging and scenic, with holes that demand accuracy and thoughtful course management. Its blend of history, modernisation, and regional charm makes it a deserving member of Germany’s top ten.
Why These Courses Shine
Geographic diversity: From the windswept links-like terrain of Sylt to the forested calm near Hamburg, there’s a rich variety in backdrop and feel.
Historic and contemporary blends: Whether it’s the heritage of Golf-und Land-Club Köln or the modern sculptural daring of Budersand, these courses span eras in design.
Design variety: From Faldo’s classic touches in Bad Saarow to the bold landcraft of WINSTONopen, each layout offers a unique playing experience.
Visitor appeal: Island gems like Föhr and Sylt combine tourism with premier golf, lightening the journey with natural beauty and coastal charm.
Putting It All Together
If Germany’s golf reputation seems understated, this top-ten compilation quietly disputes that notion. These courses offer more than well-kept fairways — they deliver immersive landscapes, thoughtful routing, and storied or futuristic design philosophies. Whether you prefer sweeping coastal dunes, forested sophistication, or tranquil spa-side greens, All Square’s rankings invite you to explore Germany’s hidden golfing brilliance.
