The first course we visited on our Golf Holiday in Germany was; Hamburger Golf Club, Falkenstein, situated about 10 miles east of the city centre in the area of Blankenese is one of the finest that I have ever played. This golf course designed by Harry.S.Colt and built in 1906 is a true Championship Golf Course that has stood the test of time. It hosted the European Amateur Ladies Championship in 2006.
The unpretentious but attractive low level club house with front terrace overlooks a huge practice putting green. To its left hand side is a chipping area where shots can be played to an elevated green. Running alongside the first fairway is an extensive practice ground staffed by several Teaching Professionals who teach all day long. German golfers are dedicated to improve their golf and clubs such as Falkenstein certainly provide their members with wonderful facilities to practice by.
The course itself is situated in a most tranquil area of country side and measures some 6,400 yards. The tight, sandy based, rolling fairways have been brilliantly carved through a delightful mixture of heather, wiry grass and trees. Devoid of any water hazard, this course offers enough of a challenge to the very best of golfers. The greens are a delight. Whilst not large in area, the gentle slopes have a true, smooth surface, as is usually found on all very well drained greens and present the golfer with many a problem by their subtle borrows.
Each hole on the course has its own individual shape and fresh challenge. The short holes in particular are beautifully designed. But the most memorable was the 485 yard, 17th hole. The drive on this par 5 hole is uphill with a gentle dog leg left along a tree lined fairway. Once you reach the top of the incline with a good tee shot the second shot, played slightly downhill, has to carry a solid expanse of heather 85 yards long covering the whole of the fairway finishing some 60 yards before the green. Any thing other than a perfect carry to clear the hazard and the ball will finish in the heather from which it is a devil of a job to play out from to try and secure a par.