Before you can play on a course in Germany, you need a license. Erik Anders Lang takes the test to get his.
Welcome to PlatzreifeDüsseldorf, the site of Adventures in Golf’s first trip to Deutschland, presented by United Airlines.
Before the big day, Erik heads to Golf-Sport-Verein Düsseldorf e.V. where he meets up with golf journalist Michael Basche for a quick range session.
Now, it’s Erik’s time to put his skills to the test, literally, at the Golf Club of Oberhausen where he meets the head pro, Thilo Fassbender, and his instructor, pro golfer instructor and gnarly skateboarder, Kevin Kunze.
After Erik’s exam, he makes his way to what will likely become one of Düsseldorf’s favorite hang-out spots: Topgolf. Way before the targets and bays are finished, Erik visits with two of the guys responsible for this new location and understands why they specifically chose this German city.
To wrap up his trip, Erik tees it up with golf journalist Isabel Von Wilcke, where he gets an even better understanding golf life in Germany from her perspective.
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Slum golf in mumbai suresh
First by absolute luck
Love love love
At long last! Thank for you another gem EAL and the RGC team!
Well.. I guess I have to make another cup of coffee and put off getting to work this morning! Thanks EAL
I came up with a course on local pastures so I can play with my friends. We use tennis balls :p
We have that in Sweden aswell
not as extreme
Another extremely well produced episode!
Platzreife is literally soo easy
Music, booze and carts – 3 things I would like to eliminate from the game of golf. Germans do it right. Some sort of a crash-course is a good thing too. You wouldn’t hand out a rifle to anybody, right?
Not a great analogy, but I see your point that a crash course is a good thing.
Truly, a poor analogy.
I live in Germany. Have so for 30 years. Golf here is a really élite snobby expensive affair. There are hardly any public courses or driving ranges. The Germans love their licenses snd certificates – that’s why you need a Platzreife. When I arrived here i just said I had a 8 handicap and I didn’t do, b or more accurately, refused to do the Platzreife. They love their rules here .… the lady used a good word she said they like/need to be “guided”. For me the Platzreife is just a money-making racket. Most people here get the license quite quickly and when you see the level of some people who pass the test and are then allowed on to the course you wonder how they got it. All in all the idea fits to the mentality and from the stuffy point of view (because golf can be that way sometimes) it can make sense in the snobby world of golf. Clubs are private and members who pay lots of money for the privilege to play expect other golfers to be “qualified” to play on their course – no hackers and no riff-raff! Keep up the great work Erik. Love what you do!
I’d laugh if some clown told me I need a license for a game I play 3 times a week. It does absolutely favours for growing the game.
Thanks for watching I don’t know who need to hear this but stop replying on the government and savings. Invest some of your money if you want financial freedom Invest in bitcoins , gold , silver , buy stock , forex market. Anything ! Just Invest and save yourself
Lol what kind of bot is this
Show me your papers!
It’s like a retired James Bond: License to Golf
I think Platzreife is a Good thing because it introduce you into Golf and you Must Need to work on your move to get better and thats you become motivation
The impression that a tourist would need a Platzreife is not quite accurate. Any type of club card, handicap certificate will always suffice.
Also, the Platzreife is not a law, as is frequently said in the video, it is just a rule set up by the German Golf Federation that clubs adhere to, mostly. Nothing legally mandated.
Yeah. I got my handicap in Sweden and have had no problems playing golf in Germany.
As an American who golfs at public courses, I, and no one I know, have either of those things. It’s a game of whacking a ball with a stick. The concept of licensing is preposterous.
at last in 4k!
thanks guys!
I moved to Switzerland from America about 4 months ago. Imagine my surprise finding out I needed a license to play golf! It’s quite pricey but honestly I find it to be a beneficial thing for all golfers! But I caught the bug playing on courses in America, and most young people here in switzerland are students and have a hard time affording the prices of lessons and even green fees.
Pray tell, how on God’s green earth is something that is unnecessary and prohibitive, “beneficial for all golfers”?
@Diogenes’ Lantern it takes four hours to play a round here in California, having people learn how to play quickly would help.
@Axileus 4h/13 minutes a hole is hardly slow. But I do understand your sentiment.
Yesterday I played behind a fourball of geriatrics hole insisted on playing the honour and only advancing behind the furthest person to hit. Then one of the guys walked like he was Vijay Singh on a Sunday stroll.
Never in my life have I intentionally hit into a group but yesterday was the first time the thought legitimately crossed my mind. I was absolutely livid at the lackadaisical attitude
@Diogenes’ Lantern sometimes it takes 4 hours to play 9 holes
Ohh man, did you guys get a few new cameras? Crisp! Pic quality looks even more amazing!
The platzreife system is rubbish. It’s in Austria as well. They believe that it makes the golfers have a better understanding of the game however the members are the ones that leave the course in worse condition that the guests dud to their entitlement issues. It’s also rather expensive and time consuming leaving it as a sport for the élite. It’s a damn shame!!!
I agree with you that it can be to expensive to start this way. There has to be more cheap and accessible golf in the world. The license system can be good on the very big courses to make sure the people play know what they are doing and arent in other peoples way. I also very much agree with that guests usually take way better care of the course than the average member, which sucks very much.
You can play golf on all the courses in Germany when you have a registered handicap.
Not very inviting for new golfers
@Kurt S For sure! That’s why we don’t have a big golf community in Germany. Everyone who is not playing golf thinks it’s to complex to get into.
Not on all courses, but let’s say at the most courses. Some Courses are only for the members and you can‘t pay a fee and play.
We need this in America. Too many idiots play golf and crowd everything. We should be shrinking the game. Local public course here a round takes 5.5 hours at least
Sadly, I agree. Too many jabronis on public courses sometimes.
The need for “golf licenses” in Germany, the Netherlands and a handful of other northern European countries is a direct reason why they have a dearth of players on tour. It is SUCH a bs requirement – golf should be an accessible sport, not prohibitive.
Another awesome episode thank you guys
Some courses around the world have a minimum handicap for players which isn’t a bad thing. Especially if they are really busy and I like the idea of giving new golfers a base to play from but a licence must surely hinder the games growth.
How are peoples handicaps supposed to drop of courses in their area don’t allow them on the course due to high handicap. Literally what’s wrong with golf
@MitchyCPlays If you are a member at the club, or just pay a monthly fee for playing without a membership rules don’t apply. Its mostly for guest at harder and more busy course to keep pace of play. Same thing for St.Andrews or most of the high level courses in Europe.
I can understand that, even if I am not the biggest fan. Luckily more and more german course loosen the rule and often a hcp of 36 or 32 is only requiered during the high frequency tee times.
@nsoaring this is sort of a self fulfilling prophecy. if you have tons of golfers playing, a lot more courses would be built. when you have a lot of courses, peak frequency/crowded tee times becomes less of an issue
@Эдуард Вятчанин Fair point but membership cost at most german course is quite affordable and we have a 6 hole course playable without the Platzreife, but very few non golfers play it. As a university student I only pay 35bucks a month for a full membership. Its not like the dues in private clubs in the US.
@Эдуард Вятчанин And the issue with popular or nice courses presists. We have courses in our area nobod plays not even for a 10buck greenfee because they are not well maintained and boring where every hole feels the same just with a different yardage.
You can’t just build courses and expect people to play, its a process that is already going in Germany. You need golf to be more fun and casual, like RGC is meant to be but you won’t change traditions over night.
It’s not that uncommon. In the Netherlands (about 17.5 mln people, with around 400k golfers, so just over 2%), we have a GVB, “Golf Vaardigheids Bewijs”. Which roughly translates into Golf Skill Certificate. It’s a playing test and rules test. Rules include golf rules like dropping, penalty shots etc as well as etiquette. If you pass, your (now WHS) HCP is 54.
And of you go, you can play nearly all courses (even private ones, on invitation or early weekday’s).
Actually it is extremely uncommon to require a golf license. It’s not exactly like Germany or the Netherlands are golfing powerhouses either – and this plays a massive role in that dearth.
@Diogenes’ Lantern it’s very common in most of Europe actually…
Ahahaha that guy behind you at the red light was a proper German! We love to correct others if they break the law, no matter how small the “crime” was^^ next time you should try cutting the line in a shop;)
One of my playing partners is an 80yo German who immigrated here to South Africa 40 years ago. If one of his compatriots said he needs a golf licence he’d probably call them a “linkswichser”
14:06 I was like oh I’m like that, then I remembered that I’m half German…
Under that environment, I’d love to know how Bernhard Langer got started…after all, he’s German, right? If the first course was built in ’78, he was already on his way then.
Here in the Netherlands you also need a license at most courses. It includes passing a theory exam with rules about etiquette and general rules of golf. The german license seems easy in comparison!
@Adam Mortimer it’s not easy, and it is difficult to treat some of the little things people just do not know. It took me forever to even think about golfing because of that. I happened to have a friend who golfed and I got into it. If I had to get a license, probably would have stopped because it is an extra step and stress just to relax. To me, it’s more akin to skiing, you have beginners who do things wrong but people can guide them.
@theshovl3r Racism has nothing to do with it. Life outside the United States in civilized countries is so different that people can’t believe it. In countries where the distribution of wealth and income equality is at a decent level and access to education and health care is a right not a privilege the really isn’t an élite. Golf isn’t elitist and out of the reach of common people. We work 8 hours a day and have five weeks paid vacation every year. Countries where there is free education and multiparty coalition governments not every rule, law or permit is about oppression put in place by the wealthy élite.
@jooger69 That is inherently false, countries like Sweden create ghettos and continually restrict citizenship and over all rights to immigrants, get off your high horse and have some self reflection. Europe has a terrible history with racism and continues to do so and should be held to the same standard. Especially Germany, who continues to institute racist policies. Europe is no more civilized than any first world country though it continually moves to the second world, but never addresses their own issues but instead project their problems to America where they do not understand nor will they ever( hopefully)
@theshovl3r i thought this was about golf ⛳️ 😅
@Diego V it is, the use of licenses restricts the growth of the game, and generally has lopsided affect to minorities. European country like to act all high and mighty then do shit like this.
Same in Switzerland as other viewers mentioned. When I was about 20 I wanted to start playing golf but I simply could not afford any membership. Without being member in any club it was almost impossible to play golf. So the license and a membership can be quite an obstacle for young people. Now I‘m 40 and I finally picked up golf again and did my license. I’m a member now in a decent club, but I sometimes regret that I didn‘t play for such a long time.
It’s absolutely stupid and unnecessary, and it’s an indictment to perceived European elitism. In all golfing powerhouse countries the professional bodies support growing the game at grassroots level. You have initiatives like Little Kids Golf and Drive Chip & Putt to start people golfing at a young age – not to mention, a large number of golf clubs allow school teams to play golf in the afternoons for free.
ja ist bei mir genau so gewesen. 2 jahre driving range bis ich auf den verdammten platz konnte.😂😂
@mager quark 😂 genau
@Fred R das ist ja echt schade das du erst mit 40 anfangen konntest. ich spiel seit ich 16 bin und bereue es das ich nicht vorher damit angefangen habe.
The two golf clubs in this video are actually very inexpensive to be a member at. About the price of 2 greenfees a month. For that price, I don’t see having to be a member an obstacle.
Thank you firstly for this video. It sheds a lot of light on how the game is run throughout the world. Excellent work! I agree with your utter astonishment with how the game is run there. I’m from southeast England and I have an abundance of courses to play. I think that some of the best players come from having access to sport, be it Athletics, Football (Soccer), Rugby etc! To exclude the masses is to hinder progression. Just think that if all of Germany had as much access to golf as most of the world then the Ryder Cup would be a different tournament altogether.
For sure. The negatives far outweigh the positives of this silly requirement. It’s no mistake that the world’s best golfers come from countries where golf is both accessible and actively supported at grassroots level.
@Diogenes’ Lantern 100% I’m a man from a working class family. Just as an example we have Andrew (Beef) Johnson on the golf tour. A pure product of our easy access to the game in England. I can’t afford a full membership but get out and play when I can. Sport is a hobby and should be as you say, as accessible as possible.
dude, the entire video was a joke, couldn’t you tell from the way that he shows up at all these clubs and does these interviews looking like he just walked out of the Seattle woods?
Like he spends his time playing chess at the public parks in Manhattan?
Like he’s a refugee from St. Elizabeths Mental Hospital?
And the poor German schlubs all had to take him seriously. He shows up at any decent course in the US looking like that, they’d show him where the greenskeepers’ shed is.
@touristguy87 Is this the first of these videos you’ve seen?
Sie betreten ab hier den deutschen Kommentarbereich:
fit at 10:30 goes crazy
i have played golf in 14 countries and almost all have something similar, think its just the word license that trips people up. When i started playing as a kid in Sweden there actually WAS a written rules test(or oral if you are too young to write as i was) but now days its just a quick lesson, mainly basic rules and etiquette (in regards to safety) often combined with a swing lesson.
In most of the world you need to be a member of a club in order to play and or have a official HCP, basicly the same (the exception is ofc pay and play courses, that is getting more popular nowdays ) , i remember as i kid in 1990 we played in UK and many of the courses had HCP requirements , and 1 course even needed a written “letter of recommendation” from from the Swedish PGA in order to be allowed to play a course (carnoustie i think it was) . now that is taking it a bit far, just like my mom being allowed to play the course, but not allowed to step foot in the club house, ofc those kind of rules are luckily mostly gone now
Scratch Germany off the to play list
According to Forbes, 76% of the golf courses in the United States are open to the public.
Don’t mind the license, but the tee box assignment by sex makes no sense. With the license in place I’m surprised they don’t assign a tee box based on your average distance off the tee…
my job sucks
these videos are too good
Watching this as a German is really funny. I first became aware of our “Platzreife” when I did a high school year in Canada. They just laughed at me and I couldn’t really understand why. Playing golf was and still is so expansive in Germany that it just made sense to me that you need a playing license. I’m a big advocate of courses like Oberhausen. I know the club. The atmosphere is chilled and what you get with the membership is amazing (two clubs and three courses that are not your “typical” golf courses – build into an old horse racing track and on the grounds of an old coal mine). We definitely need more of these clubs to attract all different kinds of people. I’m also really looking forward to checking out the TopGolf in Oberhausen!
@Eric Schumak …so if someone says that it’s the same in their country, you just automatically assume that they’re right and quote them? Does this come out of your need to summarize the other comments?
And look. I can’t help it if you feel insulted by the truth. Maybe that’s your preference to feel that way. Maybe you avoid the truth often to avoid feeling insulted. I don’t know. But do you seriously expect me to lie to you to make you feel better about yourself?
Stop being a self-centered whingy bitch.
@ElCamino they were a big help for you, huh?
Ich hab in beiden ländern gelebt Deutschland und Kanada und find Ehrlich zu sagen diese Platzreife lächerlich. Das bringt nur dazu das weniger Leute interesse haben an Golf in Deutschland. Hier in Canada gibt es unendlich viele offene Golf kurse. Einfach unnötig dieses Gesetz.
here’s the thing. First…how expensive is golf in Germany? Is it the golf that is expensive or the people that can’t afford it or won“t pay for it?
I’m heading out this weekend to play a $75 course. It is going to be packed all day. They told me that 300 golfers had signed up. That is about a $27k haul for them for just obe day. Just in fees. Is it the green fees that are expensive or just a general lack of interest?
second in the movie thr host is told repeatedly that he needs a license which is untrue. He kept posing the question different ways and got the same answer every time. It is patently untrue that you need a license to play golf in Germany. He probably went along with it anyway as part of the story. He took the test, got a license and saw what was required. Now he can do a video aboit playing golf in Germany withoit getting a license first.
@Charlie Smithers no just a USGA handicap
A what?
yah the platzreife is so stupid. for me as a student it was such as strugle to get it for free.
You dont actually need a Platzreife in Germany as a Foreigner, your Handicap is the only thing required.
Some courses still require it. Some years back a former NHL Pro with a HCP of 16 was required by the club to atleast pass the theory exam.
The idea isn’t that bad, it all depends on the professional who coaches you/preps you for your license (I never heard of anyone failing it).
What a good professional basically tries to teach you is:
Proper way of fixing debits, pitchmarks or raking the bunker, and a good instructor teaches you, that even though you may need 10+ shots on a par 4, you can maintain a somewhat acceptable game flow.
Once you’ve played 18, or even 9 holes behind a 4some of beginners that always seems to walk 50 yards from their ball back to their bag you’ll understand.
Also I am German, played golf here for a 10+ years now and am a member in a club now. I never got my license “Platzreife”, there are always ways around it ;).
again the joke here is that most golfers in the US wouldn’t care about any of that in fact the more they pay for greens-fees the less course-maintenance they would do.
We have an entire class of golfers in the US who wouldn’t even listen when the need for a “golf license” was explained to them. Any of that shit, really.
Thx for coming to germany Eric. We have a growing enthusiastic golf scene, also in the crossgolf game.
In Austria you also need a playing license and later on a tournament license.
Playing license grants you access to only the course you took the course and you would need a tourney license to enrole or play in any other club in any club in Austria.
Furthermore you need to be a club member at one course to play at other courses since one needs to administer your Handicap.
Playing license has a small theory course and a few practice lessons, the tourney license has a bigger theory exam on etiquette and golf rules and you need to play 9 holes and atleast play within the WHI-54 Requirements so you have to score X‑Points on your official first round with the PGA Pro to achieve it.
And it makes playing so much more enjoyable since there are hardly people playing who destroy the flow of the course by not letting your through or doing something dangerous.
But it also makes the barrier to entry higher since such courses cost a few hundred euros
you need license in Norway aswell, you cant play if you dont have it. you need 2–3 days where 1 day is more about learning the rules, and 1 day you learn to hit diffrent shots, and last day is a day where you play 9 holes i think
Ok first I’m german, I started playing 2 years ago, and indeed i didnt want to go on the big course before i can get the balls where i want them to go 2 out of 3 times. In April i joined the local club for 2k p.a., which is a lot of money as a young father although it spares me the Greenfee. BUT what really pisses me off and whats also mentioned in the video is that the average golfer here takes the game waaaay too seriously, as a matter of fact i was in a round with a couple who broke up in that same round (that was hilarious though). I’m a fan of the Playa in Chief, Saguto, rgc and skratch and i try to keep this mentality and spirit and share it with the people i play, and most of time it feels like i am enlightening them, which is sad in a way .. but thats german: Jawoll i’m hcp 26! – fat! – Ahrggg Scheiße! Ty for the video though, great stuff!
Took the game wayyy too seriously to be shooting 115* 😉
Just come over to Austria. Beautiful courses that are basically all public as far as I know 🙂
1. the math is not accurate … about 0.8% germans play golf not 0.01%. quite a difference!
2. IMO a private club is one where ONLY members (and/or their guests) are allowed to play, isn‘t it!? my knowledge is, there is not one golfclub in germany, where guests (without member invitation) are prohibited to play. the greenfee might be higher in some cases or guests are only allowed to play from monday-friday, but as long as you have an official HCP or license you can play. yes there might be a HCP limitation (24 or 36), but mostly because the course has a difficult course/slope rating.
3. the tee box situation: only in tournaments you HAVE TO play from the designated herren (men) or damen (women) tees. BUT most players think they have to.
otherwise it’s your choice where to tee off, as long there are teemarkers.
I read this in my head in a German accent. Not sure why.
@Squiggly phrank 😄
Try playing Golfclub Wannsee in Berlin. They won’t even let you on the parking lot if you are not a member’s guest 😉 There are more clubs like that I am sure
@Totmarbz that’s just litteraly not true source: played there without knowing anyone. Actually a pretty good deal for youth/students.
@Totmarbz that’s true if you want to play there on weekends, yes! but thru monday-friday there is no problem as a guest (as long as you are willing to pay 180€ greenfee – which is by far the highest in germany).
11:14 EAL acts suprised about “if you are not a member of the club, you cannot play”, like that is something uneard of in US 🤣🤣🤣
I play golf in Germany and actually am in my first year of becoming a Fully Qualified PGA Professional. We learned the “Platzreife” a little different than shown in this video. It usually consists of 3 parts: First the golf pro goes and plays a couple of holes with the people who make the “Platzreife” to show them basic rules and etiquette. Then they have to take a test to see if they know these basic things. After that they have to play 9 holes in the stableford format and have to get at least 12 points playing at handicap 54. I think it’s a little unnecessary for people to go through that but at the same time I think it also has its pros since beginners know basic rules, can hit a ball (at least a little) and know the etiquette. And besides the written test I think it is ok.
Another fantastic video by this guy.
As Enzo pointed out something similar is needed in the Netherlands. Some proven skill and knowledge of rules makes it somewhat safer in certain cases. But it is for sure a hurdle. Luckily there are quite some par 3 to 4 courses where play is possible without the right paper. 🤘🏻😎🤘🏻
He needs to go to the golf resort in Germany that Peter French went too years ago second largest golf resort in the world
This was fascinating. Truly.
Incredible video. Thank you very much for exposing us to some incredible golf experiences. Now I have to add golfing in Germany to my bucket list of things to do in Germany.
Just ridiculous, this just make ad élite discriminatory game !
My man looking like Rick James
Norway has a somewhat similar thing. You need to do a short introductory online course, and then you have what is basically an introductory lesson with a pro at a course. There used to be a license where you had to pass a test, now you pretty much just need to finish the introductory course. While it does put a formal (and monetary) entry requirement on golf, it makes sure people go out on the course without the feeling that everything they are doing is wrong. The cost of about 200 USD felt pretty bad at first, but when I realised I got basically a 3 hour group lesson, hundreds of range balls and membership (with free play) for the entire season, it seemed like a pretty good deal.
You also need a club membership to play, but I think that is part insurance and part because government does support sporting organizations based on membership. As Erik has played in Norway before, he also knows that any club card or handicap certificate would suffice.
@touristguy87 The lesson is not to learn, the lesson is to understand a few rules how to behave on the course, including not to use the last green to tee-off for the next one and hitting the driver extra fat! 🤣 That’s not a course, I would want to play.
@Cyber Slim I’m sure that your comment sounds good to you but it literally makes no logical sense. Given that, I restrain myself from replying to you further.
$200 US in the US gets you a decent set of used clubs, two half hour lessons and a full 18 with a cart on a decent course. $300 you can get a set of new clubs and all the rest too.
Making you spend that much just to get permission to play the game is outrageous and unacceptable. It’s taxation disguised as enhancing a sport.
@The Indoor Outdoorsman I agree. I would get rid off it in a heart beat. I would let the clubs decide who they let play.
@The Indoor Outdoorsman …and it doesn’t guarantee that you’re either going to play well or respect the rules of golf, the course and other players. Any more than getting a drivers’ license means that you’re going to be a good driver.
For an example, there’s the “playing music in the cart” débâcle. Which has to go down in history as one of the greatest examples of passive-aggressiveness ever.
“gee I hope that you don’t mind if we play music in our cart during our round, I mean it just makes the round better..not to mention if we get drunk and loud.…”
I had to shoot a certain score on a 9‑hole-course and pass a test with questions about rules and Golf. A friend just bought his Platzreife online for a few Euros. I don‘t believe its a law. Every club makes its own rules.
Interesting to hear you speaking about Sweden having a lot of golfers, because we are required to undergo training and obtaining a license in order to play as well.
In Finland we have the exact same thing its called a “Green Card”. If you want to have a handicap (which is required on all golf courses excep most par 3s) the green card is the way to get it. Also a membership at some golf club is required which keeps your handicap up to date.
Great video, didn’t realise this was the story in Germany. I’ve wanted to play there for a few years, the quellness resort is on my bucket list. The drinking booze and playing isn’t a thing here in Ireland (where I live) or England (where I’m from). It seems to be an American thing. This also makes me want to play in the states as my two of my favourite things are golf and beer
Go to Thailand!
No license required, plenty of really good courses, most of them public, good weather (maybe a bit hot sometimes but nice during the shitty months in the northern hemisphere) AND just about every course has a bar every third hole… And you can usually have an excellent and inexpensive meal at the clubhouse.
@Martin Mann Canadian here…you had my interest during the shitty months and we have about 7
Unfortunately it is an American thing.Just golf would be just fine🙂
It’s the same in Denmark where I played for many years. They don’t want you to hack up the courses and have some knowledge of etiquette and playing ability. So basically everywhere in Europe, excluding GB & I, where golf and par 3/pitch and put are as common as muck 🙂
I am college student studying abroad in Frankfurt and this could not be a more perfect video. Only wish it came out a couple months ago
I’ve only been able to play courses on US military bases
The Problem is not the Platzreife itself but the cost at wich it comes. In Germany you pay around 400–500€ for a Platzreife!!
This and the general cost of a membership for a Golfclub (around 2000–4000€ per year)makes it really hard to access for the average Person and keeps up the stereotype of the old posh white Golfer in Germany.
old posh white Golfer in Germany –> Yep. Retired lawyers and denists’ wives (Zahnartzfrauen) who give you the “do you belong here?” look. I hate it. Thank god my golf club isn’t like that (at least not that much).
You must see Hamburgo its the most beatiful city in germany!
Nice one this! I’m not a german…I’m dutch… but I can relate to their culture… a typical fot a ducthman 😉
This reminds me of a Top Gear episode where one of the guys was talking about a German fellow who lost his driver’s license somehow. He asked the German guy “But if you wanted to just maybe jump into your car and drive to the store, you’d be OK probably, right?” “No, it is impossible to drive in Germany without a license.” “But if you just did that, and drove to the store…” “No, it’s impossible!” LOL
I am German and I can tell you its, obviously, possible
Wow it’s almost as if Germans are, dare I say, nazis about golf…
I didn’t know ether that you need a platzreife for playing a course as a guest when you have a handicap.
And I’m German
It’s not a goverment-issued license. It’s a two-stage test, one part is a written test, the other one playing on the course. The German Golf Association put that in place, not the Government. And it’s not a law, it’s a requirement by the governing body. As a tourist, you just need a Handicap to play. You pay your green fee and off you go.
No front aber 54 -> 15? Hut ab.
For young people, students, etc. it is very cheap to became a member in germany…
show up at the first tee, show me your papers please
In Finland you also need what we call a “green card” and be a member somewhere to play on most courses
It’s similar to golf here in Italy. There are only about 250 golf courses here in a country of 60 million people. And only about 100,000 golfers. You have to have a card from the Italian Golf Federation that costs 100 euros a year. And getting the card is not easy. It seems they do everything to put hurdles up to getting new golfers. There are virtually no public courses here. And very few driving ranges or practice facilities. The only “good” news is that at the two clubs I have belonged to, you never need a tee time. You just show up and play as there are very few if any other golfers on the course. I played today (Tuesday). A beautiful day after several weeks of rain and my partner and I were only 2 of 6 people on the course.
Here in Sweden golf is big, as said in the video. We have pretty much the same licence requrement as Germany and that doesen’t seem to stop us from playing.
I heard about this license on the r/golf Reddit just a few days ago, and I was baffled about this new weird thing that the Germans decided to do. Great video Erik
Great episode Skratch team!
What ever happened to just playing golf for fun?? What a way to suck the life out of the game.
I played in Germany and The Netherlands many years ago and don’t remember having to take a test. But I do remember having to have a official handicap.
Times have changed…
Hasn’t changed, the video is slightly hyperbolic. If you’re foreign and have proof of handicap you’ll be fine.
Over 72 locations? Like, 73?
Great vid! Probably my favorite!
This annoys the hell out of me. I was in Dusseldorf probably around the time you filmed this!
there’s no wonder they start so many wars
Quite sad this I think. I understand the rules and wanting a bit of knowledge before going on a course, I think everyone should have a basic idea, but at the end of the day it’s only a game, the paycheck is always going to be the same, so anybody whether there just starting or have been playing for awhile should have the opportunity to improve, spend time with friends and play from whatever tees allows them to enjoy the game they’ve spent a lot of money to play.
Erik, it sounds like you’d be into economics.
Great episode, and yes I’ve heard of these in Germany. However I’ve also heard that if you have a US Handicap it exempts you from this, meaning from a club. From what I’ve heard is that basically if you have a US Handicap or from somewhere else basically someone will follow you for a hole or two to make sure that you know what you are doing. Is this true or am I wrong?
As an American, I never needed to take the platzreife course. I showed proof of my handicap in the US and was allowed to play. You might be able to talk your way on to some courses without having a handicap, but it might be a problem.
You’re not wrong, if you have any kind of handicap you can play in Germany, i’ve played all over presenting my HKGA card and it’s fine. To be honest, we’ve played many times without even that, if you show up as a foreigner with clubs and a booking, well, we’ve never been turned away.
We’ve not been followed either, no-one we have come across in 5 year or so playing there has ever been anything other than very welcoming and super nice.
There are alot of Par 3 courses (usually called excutive courses in the US) that will allow you to play without a license as practise.
Here in Belgium you have to take a written multiple choice test (open book). After that you have to do your first practical test which is on the practice short course, 3 holes par 3’s with a maximum of 15 strokes. Once you’ve past that you get a 54 handicap, then you have to do the real exam on the course to get your actual handicap. Basically you can’t do it in one day….. and this is why it puts off a lot of people. I went to Spain to go play on the lovely courses, and I asked do you need to see my golf federation card and they were looking at me like what are you on about? Just pay and have fun 🤷🏼 if they would do it like this every where most clubs would see a big increase in income for sure
I always wish the states required a set handicap before play but then I realized every public course would go under
Very cool to see Erik here in Germany!! I play here with an older handicap card from the US. But I am not a member anywhere though!! I can only play by paying greenfees no membership.
As a relatively new golfer, I never would have taken up the sport if there were barriers like this. I golfed my first 18 when my buddies needed a 4th and just told be to come have fun. I got the bug and have taken up the sport and golf all the time now. If I needed to get a license just to hit a ball with a stick I never would have gotten into it. Seems preposterous and snooty, it’s just a game
@Ruben Lievens thats exactly something a gatekeeper wouldve said lmao. if you have issues with beginner golfers, there are always exclusive private clubs for you to play in. public muni courses shd be devoid of these snobbery
@Ruben Lievens That it was the course staff are there for. Report problem players and let them handle it. A license won’t do a damn thing to stop an asshole from being an asshole.
@The Indoor Outdoorsman the thing is because we have a license we don’t need staff for that, we have a marshal who will intervene if necessary. If for example people are playing without green fee.
@Ruben Lievens Just like a drivers license, it doesn’t mean a fucking thing. If someone is going to be shitty, they’ll be shitty with or without the license.
I’ve only ever once, in my seven years of golfing, seen an issue on the course. It was a group of 5 being slow and not letting others play through. I caught up to them on the 6th hole and after the 9th was done and I could safely get by I went to the pro shop and said something.
Manager went out and talked to them and resolved the issue.
@Ruben Lievens these are all pamphlet material. As far as slowing people down because you’re bad, everyone is bad when they start golfing. If you can’t play you can’t get better.
I am from Germany and as a kid i always wanted to play golf, but my parents could not really afford it and they are not poor just middle class. I played and still play soccer and played table tennis and tennis, but golf were always some weird élite group that were not open for normal people and today after playing tone of golf some of the weirdest and unfriendly golfers are actually pretty bad at it. My parents even gave me the opportunity to play on holidays and i played like 10 times a year swing golf. Now since 5 years i play regularly and since corona i play each weekend and have my license and I love golf. Its a shame that its still like this in germany. Some friends even make fun of me for playing golf as the stigma is huge in germany and a lot of it is actually true. It kinda of change and i hope it will further change
Man you couldn’t have chosen partners for this series that are more German than those introduced. 😂 Jokes aside. There is no rule for any course to have the Platzreife as a requirement. It also doesn’t have to do with insurance as the DGV is cancelling the insurance thing in 2022. The way Golf is organized in the german speaking countries has a lot to do with tradition and we have difficulties with letting go of them. Next time you visit Germany you have to come to Hamburg and say hi to the guys from GC St. Pauli or take part in their annual Pro/Am. That should be more your cup of tea.
Same here. I am German and I play golf for four years now, and it never occurred to me that Platzreife is a thing in Germany (and Austria) only. Dang 🙂
Great Documentary, and a brilliant swing in the story. Bravo!
That’s right girl, in Arizona we’re all about having fun while playing golf!!!
Would like to see TopGolf coming to the Netherlands soon
I’m surprised at the lack of comments on that Frauleins golf balls.
8:55 why do all German people talk like that when they speak english?
I was always curious.
Unfortunately, what they are saying is not true. 600.000 out out of 80 million is roughly 1% and not 0.01%.
And besides that, I know well over 20 „real public“ golf courses in Germany where you don’t even need a Platzreife. And that’s only in a small part of Germany. Most of the time a private club also has one of these for everybody. That’s how I started.
I learned to sail in the UK. Moving back to Germany I quit sailing. Need a licence to sail in Germany. The Platzreife made me take up golf a couple of years later.
Hey i am also from germany and in my opinion is the license a good thing. Well it depends what trainer you have. I had a nice one that showed me how to do a propper swing and what the rules are of the game. After 4 or 5 training sessions i had the license and was good to go. Also at my club we have the 18 hole course you can only play with a license and a short course everybody can play, you can also rent golf clubs.
The situation is the same here in in Italy and I think in most of continental europe. Most of the courses are for members but beeing also tourist destinations once you are registered to the national golf association you can play everywhere paying a green free. Golf here wants to stay élite and attract rich locals or cash in on tourists.
While it would not be conclusive, given the low percentages of players vs population; it would be interesting to know what the average pace of play is in Germany? Does prohibiting unqualified players equate to faster rounds with less back up at tee boxes?
Congrats to your Platzreife. Defenitely chose the right Club. Great Guys at Oberhausen.
I’d like to see a block of time set aside for beginners only at public courses in the USA. People that can play would gladly avoid at those times to avoid running up behind them on the course all of the other times. Of course that would be impossible so maybe just set aside 1 course for high handicappers, or 2 depending on how many courses are available in an area that are city funded if enough of those exist.
Clearly Germans still like to sport people lol
This is a way to ensure the game doesn’t grow. Push the elitist image and keep culturing that. Gender specific tees are also something that must stop globally .
lol
Sweden has the same thing. There is a very specific culture in golf where you have an official hcp. You have to have a green card to be allowed to play and some nice courses you even have to have a specific handicap (15 or 36, u start on 54 with your greencard) to be able to play.
To get your green card you have to do a online course (rules etc) AND a play test. You have to play 9 holes of golf in under a specific amount of strokes with a member of the club and then get your scorecard validated with a club. Then to get your greencard you also have to be a member in a swedish golfclub to get your Golf id ( your golf social security number) so that you can book tee times and such.
There is also ALOT of unwritten rules when you play golf in Sweden. Some official and some ethical rules. If you dont follow them alot of people will look at you funny or you might get an email or a call from your own club becuase you represent them even when you play at other courses 🙂
Really liked this episode. Very interesting !
Another great video Erik. I love learning about different cultures. I think anybody that has played behind a group that doesn’t know or ignores golf etiquette would favour a license requirement. I also like how the Scots will kick you off the golf course if you can’t get around in 3 hours.
Exactly! And with limited land in Europe and how dangerous a golf ball can truly be, I absolutely believe in this concept.
Forgot to add-and that is walking, no carts. Explains why you don’t seen any obese Scottish golfers.
What a great episode. I think it is a very good idea. During COVID lockdown, here in Australia, golf was one of the few sports we could play. The course was packed with exceptionally slow players with no idea of etiquette. Upside? Found heaps of brand new balls every round😜
Yeh , but the were Top Flites!!
Here in the states we couldn’t even go outside and play golf during lockdown! Not even by yourself!!!
It was mad, they would leave a new pro v sitting just off the fairway, they weren’t watching where their balls went. You would find up to 4 a round.
Bravo Eric, never seen a man try keep his eyes above 90 degrees so hard in my life. You even did the eye rub.
@DannyBoy i know right i felt obligated after searching for it. Felt like he needed the support. she should get fore tatted on those swinging them around like that.
Absolute artwork!!
@Mark Buckley Bruh ?😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Yea she’s got some cannons!
LOL. I came just for this comment.
I would fail my driver test…
I like the idea. There would be lots of people around my area that would fail.
As an Arizona native, I can say that golf cart, booze, music, and more booze is exactly how I learned to play golf.
@Beaulande Xavier ur sad
@Owen BuchananJust because I’m not into trashy behaviors I’m sad? Ok buddy, whatever.
@Work Less Play Harder Good thing I’m never going to play in Arizona. Have fun with your bros.
@Beaulande Xavier trashy behavior?? just have a little fun. What a sad funless life you must live 😂
@Owen Buchanan Yep, trashy and classless. Trashing a golf course playing shitty music and drunk is neither class nor fun.
Keep your bro behaviors forthe frat house.
There are some good and bad takeaways from the German system. I know, I taught golf there for 10 years. The fun of the game is really hard to capture because you’re under pressure to play 3 over par per hole for 9 holes from day one! After they’ve ponied up your membership fee! You’ll also need to fork out the money for lessons, a set of clubs and all the accessories. However! The Platzreife also incorporates a rules and etiquette exam. This is the part I really like, and it’s something that we can learn from in America. The German’s know the rules of golf (inside & out) and more importantly, they really understand golf etiquette. For example, there are no “Mulligans” or 5 hour rounds! Oh! And you can’t play fivesomes! BTW – There’s also an exam to get your fishing or boating license, among other hobbies.
@Winn Winn …people gotta regulate…
@touristguy87 I’m not sure how my comment was self centered. I litterally said do what you want in your group as long as you don’t impact the enjoyment of other golfers. enjoy your next round touristguy.
@Nick Dulavitz no, you literally did not say that
@touristguy87 I did though.
@Nick Dulavitz I’m pretty sure that you didn’t, but I’m not going to go look through your post history to prove it. The point is that anyone who has played enough golf knows that there are many ways that people can “have fun” playing golf. Many of which are not good.
As an USA Army soldier, we either didn’t need one or just played anyway. Never heard of such a thing.
Another banger. Great video, EAL!
Erik trying to wrap his head around how crazy it is to need a golf license in Germany is like most people trying to wrap their minds around gun laws in the US
A golf license isn’t an integral part of the german constitution, unlike the second amendment in the US.
@SilkyJohnson Hahaha. Americans are so quick to bring up their constitution… My point is, a Golf License is a standard thing in Germany, yet the rest of the world thinks it’s crazy. And US gun laws seem pretty normal to American citizens, although most first world countries find them absolutely ridiculous. It was a metaphor.
damm, how did they get away with that camera-angle? That bra is straining! er, struggling to keep up with the load…
I couldn’t take my eyes off the protruding dimples on those oversized golf balls around the 19:00 mark 😅
Played golf in 1985 at Baden Baden Golf Club in Baveria, Germany. Course opened in 1927. I was informed in advance about restrictions to play. Told them I was a member of Cherry Hills and a 18 handicap, both of which were far fetched! Paid fees, rented clubs, and played as a single. They were not overly friendly, but sent me on my way. Difficult course for a beginner, but playing golf in Europe was on my list of things I will probably never have a chance to do again. Looks like I was correct in my thinking!
Hate to dissapoint you, but Baden Baden is in Baden-Würtenberg, not Bayern… 😉
I should have said Black Forest, Not Bavaria. It does border the Bavarian region but not in Bavaria. Why would I be disappointed?
@William Newcomb just kidding…
sounds like Germany could use some pitch and putt courses in there country
This episode gave me chills at the end. Bravo!
I wonder how much the licensing costs and what the record is for times attempted and failed before getting completing the test? I wish I had a little lesson as a kid learning the game, but we just went to the local muni and the 9 hole course and hacked away til we got the hang of it.
i payed 250€ (around $290) for it.. including 3 months of playing on the course without membership and 4 hours of lessons
now, as a student for example, at my local course it is only 89€
BUT.. now it is owned by a millionaire who bought the club out of bankrupcy
so.. yeah..
tell your dad you want to play golf, and he tells you to win the lottery first
I just know he smashed
Thank you for this video, I’m from Germany and I got my Platzreife in October. It’s strange for a beginner golfer, that you have to do this. I would’ve loved just to go out on a course and try everything by myself, but somehow I’m happy for this system, cause you’re getting instructions right from the beginning. But I have to say, that there are way more courses here in Germany, that you can play without the Platzreife. Just go there, pay your Greenfee and head to the tee box.
And to make that sure, when you’ve reach an official handicap, nobody is interested in the Platzreife certificate anymore.
“But I have to say, that there are way more courses here in Germany, that you can play without the Platzreife. Just go there, pay your Greenfee and head to the tee box.”
Yeah well unfortunately the guy in this video kept getting told that he had to have a Platzreife to play golf in Germany and he kept believing them.
Either that or he just wanted to take the test to see what it was like.
Fun video. Nerve racking test.
Same system in Sweden and a lot of other European countries. When I started playing 18 years ago I had to take one written test on etiquette, a test on golf rules and a playing test. During the last couple years the rules have been relaxed quite a bit to get the license and I cannot say I am a fan of it. If people have no idea how to act on the course it could potentially be dangerous, but the real problem I see is slow play. I much prefer the German system over the American. Not the rule about the tee though, as that is just dumb. In Sweden they changed the name from ladies and men’s tee to just call it by the length of course. So tee 59 would be 5900 meter length. And you can choose whichever one you want and there is a slope rating for all the tees for both men and woman.
My golf course here in Germany has ratings for all tee boxes. So it’s not a rule. What we lack here is tee boxes for children. My question to you is: can also choose the tee box in a tournament in Sweden?
Thx Chewiechu i was just about to comment about we have the same system in Sweden but you beat me to it.
It precisely the same in Denmark. The ‘intro classes’ gives you a nice introduction to the game, other players, rules and basic training. Pretty much to avoid tom dick and joe to run around swinging away, destroying the course ect. running around a golf course stupid drunk, well, properly the american way
Why do you think it should be the law? Why not just a rule of each course, then people can go to the course with the rules they like.
Might be my favorite episode yet
Well! having license to play golf seems understandable for German. As she said Germans liked to be guided in every-way. I was surprised to find a golf shop near Beethoven’s house when I can’t seems to find golf course near by. I’m 51 and I remember reading golf instruction book where young Bernard langer was featured as showing all the swings when I was 15yrs old at my friend’s house in S. Korea who came from Germany 🇩🇪. They are too much into soccers thus Martin and Bernard are among two well known golfers from Germany 😉
How funny – I really thought that the “Platzreife” was a worldwide golf concept and not a typical German invention! Interestingly, I have played in different countries around Germany and was occasionally asked what my handicap is – but nobody asked about my “Platzreife”. I guess that makes me a stereotypical German. At least I can laugh heartily at my simplicity!!! Cheers from Cologne, NRW
Quite interesting to get an outsider view to German Golf culture.
However, first, there is no law in Germany that demands any golf club to insist on a “Platzreife” certificate. This is just coming from the club themselves. But on nearly all German golf courses you need this “Platzreife” but also a membership in a golf club. I personally know only a single club running a 9 hole course not requesting both. Then there are some very few not requesting a membership. And some golf clubs own a Par 3 course with 3 or 6 holes you can use without this “Platzreife”.
For foreigners, like tourists, most German clubs will not insist on a membership but perhaps some kind of handicap proof. Especially in touristic regions which are dependent of green fee players.
And a final comment: There was a short discussion about public and private golf courses. Public courses in the sense of being run by a community do (nearly) not exist in Germany. So all courses are private. But all courses accept green fee players, some perhaps not on weekends, but all private clubs are open to guests (as long as these guests can proof their handicap and, as long as they live in Germany, can proof a membership in a German golf club 🙂)
It’s interesting, I get where the idea comes from. I think of getting my hunting license here in the US, obviously their very different. Gun safety is much more important than golf safety but overall it felt like a small hurdle just to discourage people from dicking around in the woods with a gun trying to claim their “hunting”. Germanys doing the same thing, discouraging people from trying to golf if they aren’t going to take it seriously. It’s ridiculous, but I can understand where the thought process came from
I don’t think that it is a question of why they are doing this, or even if it’s the state of Germany itself or just the golf courses that require a license.
but please don’t mix gun safety and “golf safety” in the same sentence.
@touristguy87 Bro don’t get hung up on one sentences especially when I said their Very different. The only reason I said it was to Segway into my point.
Obviously golf safety isn’t a thing… what I was trying to say is that getting my hunting license when I did and getting your golf license in Germany are similar in the facts that most of the training has to do with etiquette. So disregard me saying “gun safety” I was more focused on the silly etiquette training. Cause if your not aware, about two days of my classes for my hunting license we’re just silly rules and tips about the etiquette of hunting. Only one day was actually spent using a gun
@Captain Jack a) not your bro b) don’t be a douche and try to tell others what not to care about c) you just made no sensr and you clearly realize that after the fact
Great video again! As a German golfer I really like your p.o.v. and your open mind.…
Loved to see Germany featured in your videos! Just a few thoughts on the ups and downs of the golf licence from my side: In general, I think it is a good idea that you have to take some lessons when starting as this is the time where you are the most “formable” and learn the swing right from the beginning. Also, at least knowing the basics gives you more fun on the course when you start actually playing on the course as your mishits get not annoyingly much. When I did my license, my home club allowed me on the course after like a week and after like a month you have realistic chances to play 6 out of nine holes at three over par.
That you have to be a member of a club I think is not only an insurance issue but rather that most clubs are not companies but non profits and the members are the ones sustaining the course. So if you aren’t in a club it is kind of cheating in my opinion.
But as long as you are a member of a club and have the platzreife you can play (almost) anywhere in Germany.
Internationals do not need a platzreife as far as I know as it is nothin else than a ‑54 handicap and as long as your official handicap is better than that (lol) you’re good to go.
On the downside, I think it actually hinders people to start golf as you need to make that initial commitment (but don’t you have that in most sports anyways?) and it makes the golfers appear more élite than they actually are.
What wasn’t mentioned here, is that this strict system has caused for what I would consider rip-offs. There is one official test from the German golf society that is actually quite hard but there are other clubs that offer weekend platzreife courses and we all know that you don’t learn golf in two days :D. Those are of course accepted at the club that offers them but if you participate in a course like this as an easy way out in you actual home club, chances are good they won’t accept it (which I think sheds a bad light in golf for people who are just starting).
A last remarks on the tees you have to play: almost every course I know has course ratings for all the tips so men can play the red if they want to and women the yellow, nonetheless it can be a bit socially awkward. In tournaments , however, tees are fixed.
After all, i like that golf is changing in Germany and I think it is to the better and not as stiff as it used to be.
Cheers from Frankfurt !
Contrary to popular belief, there are some “open” golf courses in Germany that will let you play without a license.
And: There is no law that forces golf clubs to check your “Platzreife”, that is just plain bs. The “Platzreife” (and the concept of having a “proper” handicap, thus explaining the need for a membership in a club or the “VCG”) is a purely private matter, agreed on by the clubs and the german golf association, the “DGV”. Insurance is generally aquired by paying greenfee.
Many german courses also accept a handicap from another country, but often want you to be a member somewhere. The insurance however is actually provided by the DGV, better was, starting 2022 the insurance from the DGV will be optional and cost some money.
Golf still has an elitist image in Germany and IMO the Platzreife plays a large part in it. That and the lack of cheap public courses to start off with. There was a wave of new courses opening up in the 90s, most of them asked for ten thousand Marks and more to join. Nowadays clubs struggle to recruit new members, as the old ones are dying. That forces them to open up and I think more and more will relax rules as time goes on. But compared to the UK, it is still rather dear. 70€ is the minimum for a green fee on an 18 hole course. You would struggle to find anything cheaper.
I think the concept of Platzreife makes sense in general, especially to ensure safety, pace/flow of play etc. for full-size courses. But it would very much help the sport here in Germany if there were more truly public courses in the sense that people can get in touch with the sport without needing a license, a membership, or 70+ € to spare. I’d love to see more younger people play and bringing more diversity to the community.
Same in Austria… however when I moved over from the UK and joined a club, they saw I could play and just gave it to me 😅
Please please please get the guys from Top Golf to expand to Cape Town South-Africa. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
I lived in Germany for four years. This doesn’t surprise me at all. I wouldn’t doubt if they had speed cameras on the golf course for the golf carts.
Such a well produced video
Great Video! I life in Düsseldorf and play the course on a regular basis. So amazing and funny to see German-Golf and our Region through your eyes…and I totally agree with you. Düssledorf is the perfect sice and a great place to enjoy life!
France also has a license..the trick to bypass it, is to pretend you are a tourist..I get away with it in all courses. All you need to do is book your tee time in English or if online, just say that you are visiting from a non-European country.
This is the second Skratch golf video I have watched, and your relaxed style, off-beat interesting content and extremely high production values have earned my subscription. Bravo!
I’m jealous of people just discovering Erik and AIG. Enjoy your viewing friend 🤌🏻
Not surprised, considering they still spray their cars in only 2 colours.… black or silver.
Sorry, I just can’t help but laugh when he says there’s no traffic. This area is one of the worst traffic areas in Germany. Maybe he was here during school vacations, when the traffic is a bit lighter. But, all in all, Düsseldorf, and this whole area, is a great place to live.
Golf Club Ottobeuren close to the Alps also has a public 6 holes!
OK, maybe it’s something lost in translation, but it’s not a law that you can’t play without a license, it’s a rule of the German Golf Federation.
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An absolutely fantastic episode! As a Brit who plays golf living in Germany, the concept of a Platzreife was absolutely crazy to me. I never really saw it from a cultural point of view and when Germans do something, they absolutely want to make sure that they do it the correct way. I definitely agree with Michael that Brits and maybe Americans too prefer to go out on the course and learn to play / love it that way. While I do agree with the fact that there should be some education before golfers go out and play, I believe there could be some middle ground as I believe it hinders the amount of people who will get into golf knowing they have to do some sort of exam beforehand. I think this is backed up by the data that Christian provides. If people want to go out and give golf a go, there should be some leeway, but then if they would like to compete in tournaments then that’s when they should be fully educated on the rules. Anyway, thanks for shedding light on the situation, was a great video! Hopefully we will see more and more people picking up the game.
Great to make light of the situation I’m an erasmus Student in Munich just back home because of covid and I had no idea before going over about the Platzreife I’m hoping to get it next year to play the bmw course
How hard were you trying not to look at her nipples Erik?
the meaning of private and public has been mixed up I think. if you have a hcp (Platzreife) you can play more than 5% of the countries courses. no need to be a member in order to play.
I (as a German myself who currently lives and plays in Germany) find the Platzreife very useful, especially because it teaches you how to fit in on the golf course and not disturb or endanger other players. We also send our children to school and teach them how to interact with other people, essentially civilizing them, so they can be a part of our society without causing more harm than good as a part of it. The same should go for every new environment, especially if other people pay a membership fee to be part of that environment (in this case the golf course belonging to a country club). We can´t have the “uncivilized” out on the privat courses beore it´s made sure, that they dont cause more harm than good to the rest of the environment (replaing their divots, not slowing down pace of play significantly, yelling “fore”, repairing ballmarks on the greens, …) .
The only environment in which such new players could freely play on a course is an environment in which all of them, almost exclusively beginners, play (public beginner courses) and get attuned to the etiquette and the game itself. But since those don‘t really exist in Germany, the Platzreife is the only valid way to keep the system working.
It’s an obstruction to take up the sport. The numbers speak for themselves.
Think you’ve over estimating the dangers of the “uncivilised” 😭 Do you really think people without licenses in other countries are running around causing mayhem? It’s an invented problem.
It appears to be commom practice in multiple european countries though. In germany there is simply very little demand for Golf, not every proble is of systemical nature
The course staff are at the course for a reason. If someone is being dangerous or rude, go to the pro shop and let the course staff handle it. A license is just gate keeping the sport and discouraging people from ever trying.
An architect should have the numbers right: 650 thousand of 80 million equals 0,8 percent and not 0,01 percent. In Sweden around 5 percent of the population plays golf. The leaders in this category are Iceland, Finland and Scotland. The term private club can be misleading. It doesn’t mean that only members are allowed to play there. In fact all [sic!] German golf courses are open for guests.
Love it, also i love how you see “my City”. So great you liked it here!!!
Cool Episode!! Well done again
Hi Erik, Nice Vid !
Come to Belgium and you’d be amazed of the tests to be done prior to your first game on the course.
First of all you need to be a member of a Golfclub, which will provide you of a Golf Liscense number, offering international insurance and other stuff. Not cheap by the way.
You can then start practicing on the range. After that you’re obliged to take a few lessons with a pro/teacher, then you need to pass a technical test (stroke, chip, put) taken by the pro/teacher.
If you succeed you then have to go for a round on the course under a pro’s supervision, who will determine if it is ok to follow the next steps.
In the mean time you have to do some studying of the golf rules and pass for a theoretical exam (minimum score to pass the test is 80% on 30 random questions on rules and etiquette), which will allow you to practice on a 9 hole course, only in the golfclub you’re playing.
Only after 2 extra rounds (1 theorethical and 1 practical on seperate dates) under supervision of some established club members teaching good golf practice and etiquette, you’re allowed to do your practical exam, where you need to achieve a minimum stableford score of 14 on the 9 hole course. Now you’re ready to start playing at a HCP of about 50…
This takes on average for most players about 6 months or more. In theory you could obviously do this in a much shorter time, but as most of us are weekend players.…
So if think Germans have heir rules 🙂
Cheers !
Alex
Been waiting for this one!! It’s my home course Erik is playing at (GSV) and unfortunately I missed the RGC Team as I was on vacation! Saw his Instagram story and thought, I know this one haha. Hope you enjoyed it! 🙂
As a Czech golfer, I don’t see the license as something weird. Here in the Czech Republic, we have something called “zelená karta”. It means green card in English. It’s very similar to the license in Germany because you’re not allowed to play golf until you have your green card. In my opinion, it’s a great idea. Golf is a complicated game, so you have to have someone who knows the rules and will teach you the absolute basics, like a PGA pro, explain it to you.
Germans being germans…
Top Golf facility in Spain, pretty please?
I would enjoy Germany as this is the way it should be. Slow play is no joke.
Would rather deal with slower pace of play to have new golfers on the course
Hope you can get to Sweden to experience the “Public nature” of golf culture here.
We do have similar system in Sweden, most golf courses requires to have a “license” to play. Swedish Golf Association has been working to develop a system that is easier and focusing more on the core competences in Golf rather the all the “know-how” and etiquette that has been required before.
I did not know the percentage of golf players in Sweden was that high… 🙂
Very interesting, one question please, do you know if the German federation will accept a handicap certificate from a home country eg UK to allow visiting golfers to play? Having a single figure handicap must demonstrate a certain level of competence. (Insurance is a different question). Thanks, David
Yes international players need to just show an official handicap
That was a good watch!
It’s also the same in Denmark and Belgium. You need a Golf Association card to play as its a privatised sport. Think it should be more public to make it accessible to more people. You might find the next Jon Rahm because of it.
It’s funny. However, besides the fact it’s the law (I hear laughter), how is it different from getting your handicap when you are tested on shots, etiquette etc then going out on the course to play? I ask this question with some seriousness as I had lessons then may have played on course about 15–20 times before getting my handicap for the purpose to improve and get my scorecards for my handicap. So is this not roughly the same?
Where I live there are three public courses. Two allow players without handicap. One requires it but if you don’t have then they make you do a small test before allowing you out on the course.
If it promotes fast play then I’m all for it. Covid has brought many people who don’t understand that they are backing up the course putting for 9. A 5 hour round is normal in San Diego.
When I’m king this shit is going to change.
Like your plan. I’m in😉
My honest opinion as a German is that I would’ve gotten into golf a lot earlier, my dad had a few tryouts and really like it, but because of the stepping stone Platzreife you can’t just go out there and play, I’m 20 now golfing for 2 years, hope I can get to single Digit HCP next year. Also we Germans are really like, don’t wanna embarass myself infront of everyone on the 1st day, that’s why we learn rules and stuff.
Moved from Germany to the US in 2015 and started playing golf in 2018. Never played golf in Germany and watching this now I am not surprised. It seems very stuffy compared to the experiences I have had in the US so far.
I never realised that this is different in the rest of the world. In the Netherlands we have the same system where you have to get a licence before you can play on a course. I always assumed it was the same in america, but I that’s not the case 😅
So the German government wants to make you get a license to play golf but doesn’t want to run a public golf course… that sounds backwards.
It is exactly the same in Italy. Actually you have to pass a written test, than a practical one around the golf course. That said, the rule is not always applied…
Given some of the things I have seen on British courses, a licence seems a really good idea!
i thought every golf course needed a golf license!
rad
11:47 What did he saaaay?
LoL I live in AZ and we just got called out on a worldwide stage for being loud alcoholics on the golf course! I plead the fifth!
It is so funny seeing it with that View. I am living in Germany, playing Golf (membershio and everything, Blabla) and have never done a Platzreife. There are also other ways. And @eric have you need to do the theoretical Test also? Actually it is a practical and theoretical “Exam”.
And just for all who are thinking we are crazy: for fishing, you need a license as well 😂😉
In Italy we need a license too, but to get it, you have also to pass a written test on the golf rules.
We have also to pay 75€ every year to the “Federazione Italiana Golf” wich include the insurance. A couple of years ago it was 25€, then was rised because Rome was selected for the Ryder cup to rise some money to finance the event. I bet that after it, the amount will remain the same…
The worst about golf here in Italy, is that during the weekend, almost everywhere, if you want to play before 2 PM, you must play in a contest, adding around 20€ to the cost of the green fee.
Love the Tudor GMT Erik. 🙂
Stationed in Germany with the US Army and played all the base courses, but didn’t know Germany required their citizens to have a platzreife. Educational. 👍🏼
Very cool. I thank the courses I learned on here in the U.S. in my ‘learning’ of the game and it’s etiquette.
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France has kind of a similar thing: the green card. Having played in the US, some players would need one there.
Not saying I don’t like it, but the channel has become more “television quality” and I’m just not used to it. Ive been with the channel since the “let’s wing it days” and I dug those vibes. Nevertheless still beautiful, still incredible, still a fan and I will continue to watch every single episode.
Thanks, peace.
As an American living over here there is so much misleading stuff in here it’s actually crazy. First of all, what is considered a private course in Germany is not analogous to a private course in the united states. In the US a private course doesn’t just mean privately owned and operated, but private in that only members can play, in Germany it merely means privately owned. In reality there are almost zero courses in Germany that are private in the American golf context. 99% of the “private” courses here anyone can play. It’s actually mind-blowing that this got left unexplained and the viewer was just meant to think that in Germany 95% of courses are private, which in an American golf context would mean that 95% of courses are unplayable to the public, and the opposite is reality.
Also, the percentage of Germans that play golf isn’t 0.01%, that would be like 8,000 people.
You’re not the only one who had these thoughts. In my comment I pointed out the same things. Do you know if there is a private golf club in Germany, where guests are not allowed to play?
that makes way more sense haha. i was like the courses must be entirely empty then hahaha
@Eric Schumak I can’t think of one.
Their German„„you must have zee license!
love the video and that golf bag 🔥, is that a RGC one or what’s the brand ?
Swedes had something similar, “grönt kort” or at least used to. As you say, a driving license for golf.
We call this a GVB in Belgium, as a licence to play. They used to start at 36, now it’s 54. They make special entry comp for ‘rabbits’ up to whcp 36
This is very similar all across Europe, I believe. We have a theoretical exam, a practical exam and then need to score under 36 before being allowed to play freely.
Being German i am actually a fan of the Platzreife, what was not covered in the video is the fact that with a Platzreife, you kind of make sure that beginners are actually able to play the 18 holes making sure 1. They know the core rules & etiquette to maintain the tradition 2. Play at an adequate speed 3. not destroying the course since its super expensive to maintain.
@ridegriff50 you can drink and play music as long as you are not being an asshole and holding people up or destroying the course.
explains why germany is such a golfing powehouse. oh wait
@Fitness Trainer It’s not solely on rules and etiquette, but also about the basics of actually playing. My Platzreife took 6–7 hours on the range (guided by a Pro of course) and two rounds on the short course and in the end I payed 150€. Given that you’re likely to invest the money in Pro lessons anyways…
@Эдуард Вятчанин More like an attention-related problem, there is not that much room next to football.
@Srokaldinho I am saying as an american who would visit Germany, why would I want to pay money for the Platzreife? I know the basic etiquette and rules along with being able to properly play
When i got my license in Sweden in early 2000, I found that was very good system. It’s not like it stops people who really want to play to play. Who wants players who hit 200 shots, dont let anyone play through, and do dangerous things on the course?
Course staff handle that in the US. You go to the pro shop and notify staff and let them handle it. A license won’t stop an asshole from being an asshole. It will gate keep the sport and discourage people from ever trying the sport.
@The Indoor Outdoorsman what evidence do you have for that? Sweden has more players per capita than Scotland and Australia. Eventhough we have half their golf season due to the freezing conditions.
Tiger, Tiger Woods; License to Golf
As a German I really have to say thanks for this video, everyone else who did a video about this only talked about how bad it is, but you talked about both side. Thanks! 👍
why argue about this? It is so obviously a German thing.
So essentially, German Golf culture is quite possibly the complete opposite of what RGC is all about.
Big thing the topgolf guys didnt mention is that Oberhausen has become a city basically only known for the the “centro” a huge shopping mall everything in Oberhausen revolves around, including things like cinema and other events (like topgolf). Go shopping and afterwards some golf. Hope it works.
Dang look at the bombs
see the thing with bar ranges like top golf is that almost everyone is interested and wants to go. they look insane from the outside, especially at night. The idea of drinks food and a small arcade fits most family outtings. They did some covid stuff that was easy when i went once and youre already in your own bay. Heaters, TVS and games, tracking numbers, etc its all very appealing. for a decont golfer its a place to kinda show off and see your numbers if you never get to with equipment.
You need a license in West-Europe almost everywhere. We can’t imagine “green” golfers to jump onto just any course. Much different than USA/AUS/NZ
What I really wanna know…is if Erik got his Platzreife to “play” with Isabella…lol. 💦
The license costs like 100€ and gives you like 3–4 pro lessons and then you just Play a few holes with the pro and thats it, Not something Special or hard. I think it is Not Even possible to fail this, no matter how you Play or how much you know…
stay off the nice courses until you know how to play and learn the etiquette. we need a Platzreife in USA!
Prepare for your Prüfung! Germans love exams!!
Switzerland is the same and when I first started I was shocked, not just he two tests but also the price tag. As in Germany most courses are private but I do not know of any, outside of practices areas, where you would not need both PR and a club membership.
Now I think it helps the first time golfer and the pace of play. It takes a lot of time and is pretty expensive. Swiss people are known for their lack of patience, so anyone slowing down the game is complained about excessively.
As for numbers it is increasing but private course and costs are the main growth stoppers.It is a sport that is seen as an elites sport and for snobs, though not the case.
Great reportage!
Isabella is smoke
by the way, the „Platzreife“ is not a law, not by federal Government. The german Golfers Association implemented the system and most clubs adhere to it. Golf courses could decide to not require a Platzreife, as they often do for „short courses“. As the Golf courses are quiet full (lot of players for the number of golf courses), the Platzreife is not such a bad thing, as it keeps speed of play at a decent level (if it is not slowed down by people looking for balls for 15 Minutes….)
I was thinking to myself that this is an awesome idea. Especially since the pandemic it doesn’t matter where you go it’s 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 hours just to get a round in. I would prefer to play 36 in that amount of time. I played a round with two buddies on Monday with an afternoon tee time and played the front nine in an hour caught up to people on the 12th, those last six holes took almost three Flippin hours.
stimmt genau 😁👍
I think this idea of Platzreife is brilliant. I’m a member of two clubs in Australia and get frustrated by feral guys showing up on the weekend having no idea about the sport at all.
but why a license? why not a handicap measure?
@Wuhan Wonton well, at the end that’s the same thing. The platzreife means you can play a 54 (which is 3 over Par), plus you have some basic knowledge on etiquette and how to play in a decent speed.
Fuck that this is what happens when you dont have guns to kill the people trying to sell you your rights back
In Belgium u even need 2 liscences
I like the idea, but here in the USA I always thought that you should play with the pro and after the round he would tell you what tees to play from. I am sort of a golf snob being a 7 handicapper, I don’t really enjoy playing with golfers that have higher caps, like 20 and up. The higher caps slow my round down making it no fun for me. Sorry, someone had to say it and I just did. Most of my golf buddies are the same or better than me so it’s a win-win.
you guys did forget a very important thing here..
tl;dr “there is another clichee that keeps us germans from playing!”
let me explain:
As for me, a now 36 yo german, interested in the game since the age of 5, this platzteife BS kept me from playing on a real (!) course until the age of 33!!
But not only that!
To this day, you (the golfer) will allways fight the clichee that sticks on you when you play golf, or tell anyone you do.. it feels like this clichee never dies out..
everyone (here in germany not playing it) thinks golf is just for the riches..
but it gets worse.. you will get the line “hast du noch sexy oder spielst du schon golf?” (i.e. do you still have sex, or are you already playing golf ?)
i am a librarian, played golf the first time on a gameboy at the age of 5, and on every console after that ever since… until i got my first hand on a book of golf in 2005… the nearest golf course (30km) was just about being finished to full 18 holes. the book (!) was the first one to tell me that golfclubs clubs could actually be affordable (there aint no rift stores or flea markets or parents or uncles with old clubs)
ebay was new, and i got myself a complete 14 piece bag of clubs.. putter to driver..
i hit the range, did what i’ve read in the books and after i’ve finally hit the first ball into the sky.. it was over.. i was hooked. i couldnt stop..
but there was nobody to share the joy with people at my age there.. and it always felt bad, when you wanted to convince someone to try it.. still today
well, i wanted to do it right beforehand.. thats true..
but speaking of clichee, there is something you really missed out.
OR you knew about, and thankfully didnt mention it..
but my need of telling you how bad this clichee ALSO keeps us young germans from playing the greatest sport evet invented.. urges me to shout it out to the world..
and oberhausen.. omg.. i will drive 5–6 hours to get there, for sure! so stoked!
i’m hoping so badly.. that this thing impacts hard in germany and something that needs to change, changes in a good way..
oh.. and one thing isnt mentioned at all.. most golfcourses here are quite Compact in germany.. Misshitting fairways might often mean hitting another fairway, which means possibility if hitting someone.. therefore you HAVE to fix at least SOME misshitters before they even start 🤣
that would be great to help speed up golf courses and keep decent golfers on there
Excellent episode, sir! Watching this as an American with French and German heritage, it is amazing how you can portray such diversity with a vibrant optimism and interesting story 👍
Platzreife is overrated! I play golf and have a membership in a foreign country. I show my membership card and I play. Platzreife is for beginners. 🤣
5:00
Reason #7509761 why the USA had to kick those nazis ass’s.
Wish you guys would check out what the Spud Run Golf channel is doing , would make a great EP.
yeap.…..yeap.…..
I think the golf industry suffers from the same affliction as many other pastimes in the way that it tries to provide a certain level of quality of experience to its consumers, but also needs capital from a larger swathe of the population or outside sources to sustain that level of quality, which in turn almost dilutes the enjoyment that one gets from it without paying oodles of money to be part of a swanky private club or entity. I don’t think golf needs or should have a gate keeper, but I think there is something to be said for the fact that I (as well as many of my peers) genuinely can’t enjoy golf the way I did pre-pandemic golf boom because the amount of “riff raff” (as my grandfather has coined it) is so insanely high at every single public course near me that completing a round of golf at any time past the crack of dawn is just arduous and frankly quite miserable because of the lack of etiquette, manners, and most of all pace of play. In my opinion back to back tee times wouldn’t be a problem if people actually knew golf etiquette or made sure they could consistently hit a ball better than a 50 yard shank every other shot before they booked a tee time. Know when to pick up your ball and move on to the next hole, be aware of when you are holding people up behind you etc. and the game could be a greatly enjoyable experience for everybody involved.
was this filmed on a vintage manual focus lens? the bokeh and focusing is super entertaining
the ending to be specific
loved this episode a ton
Hey Erik, thanks for the video but I have a such an opposite experience! First of all I live in Düsseldorf since 1993 and I am French from Avignon.
I am pretty new to golf, since I am travelling all year long I had the chance to start golfing 5 years ago while I was a couple of month in Wales.
Then I got to France for playing and got myself there a “licence”, it’s not a green card like in Germany it’s only about insurance and liability! So it’s 54€ per year for the French licence and could play everywhere in France with my friends+booze 😉 having a good time independently from your handycap etc… as well, then got after my vacation to Düsseldorf where I mainly live and got a few 100 tokens for the Range at GSV. I live 5 minutes from the club away so I was like go for it, that’ll be my new turf and I ranged every day for 2 weeks until I decided, let’s go for a flight! Got to the reception and they asked of course for my licence, showed them my French licence and that’s it, I played my first flight at GSV with a super uptight old women, criticizing my clothes and why I dont have golf shoes on (it was a hot summer day and I have only clothed leather golf shoes). I am playing since 5 years in Germany, on every golf course and I dont have the Platzreife! I just show my French licence that is 54€ a year!
I play all around the world, south korea, japan, vietnam, all europe (sweden, norway, switzerland and many more), US, Hawaii, and the only time I got asked was 2 weeks ago in Spain near Bilbao, they wanted a daily spanish licence since well you are NOT insured if you i.e, hit someone with a ball or whatever. The insurance was 1€ and I still could avoid it since I explained that the French licence is an international insurance. For the last bit with Isabell I totally agree, I had so many bad experiences with players in Germany, they are so freaking uptight making the sport just ridiculous and demotivating a lot to play anymore.… TLDR get a licence from any country and play whereever you like! PS I am 37 kind of a hobo styled chilled guy and doenst fit at all in Germany on the golf course but in UK, France or US not a problem at all, like one of your guests was saying it’s a cast system in Germany and they are proud of it.
@Skratch Golf:
I love your videos and watch mostly all of them. To my person – I am from Austria, went through the PGM program at Ferris State, lived in the US a long time and am now a PGA teaching professional in Bremen, Germany. Since I know both (pond) sides of the golf industry I would like to comment on this video from my perspective.
First of all the concept of a “private” club over here versus in the US is a totally different one. As an American watching this you might think that all german courses are privat club with extremely high entry fees, gated areas, valet & locker room service as well as a high end golf carts with freshly clean towels and two bottles of water. This is as far from the truth as it can be. I would say that 98% are public here – only the way the clubs are governed is different – its more of an association then a club which is always a none-profit organisation. The amount of real public courses is rapidly growing as-well where you don’t need a Platzreife.
The Platzreife concept has been cleared up correctly in the second part. From a PGA professional stand point I have to say that the what we call the “beginners course” leading up the the Platzreife is a good starting point for any golfer. Basic rules, as-well as golf technique is explained. Pace of play, course maintenance and safety issues are explained and testet in the end. Every golfer should at least have a rough understanding of the game before heading out. On top ‑of it the club management is happy with knowlageable members out there and the professionals have a breeding ground for future students. And yes – the germans like to do things right – they are very particular about many things which in my case is good – germans love to take lessons. I would have like to see more of that standpoint in the video as-well. Platzreife is not a hazard – it help people with the entry of the game and is also not set up by the government. BTW – Platzreife is also in other countries like Austria, Swiss and many others.
On the other side do I miss golfing in the US. Driving golf carts, having beer or two and simply having fun comes a bit short over here. The handicap is the reason for that. Constant progress is important – the question “what is your handicap???” is always #1 when meeting other golfers. It is what you are it seems like.
Anyways – I love your videos and I usually do not comment ever but I feel like I had to comment here to set things in perspective. We all want to grow the game, make it younger and make it RGC-like. Believe me.….I wish it would be much more like that here but we are working on it!!!!!
Cheers
Christoph
Hey fellow Bulldog! I too went to FSU but I didn’t study PGM
IBTD – I dispute the definition of “public”!
I have yet to find a public = “öffentlich, operated by a municipality etc.” golf course here – there are quite a lot of public soccer fields but no such golf courses AFAIK. These are probably all in private hands = Vereine (clubs) or commercial entities, KGs (LP), GmbHs (LLC) etc. owning the ground, organising service and maintenance, and they MAY have a non-profit extension as a members organsation. I, for instance, am not a club member but a client of a GmbH (strictly profitable) which is a member of DGV and owns the course.
Oberhausen may be much more chill&cool than traditional clubs but they still require the same prerequisites to play their “big” course. In their words, “einen anspruchsvollen Par 35 Platz für Handicapspieler”.
The courses are “public” only inasmuch they usually aren’t gated or “members only”, the public is allowed to enter. Most of them have no “butler” services, but you’ll find amenities like fresh&free towels in the locker rooms. Oh the locker rooms!
Today some/many of them have short “academy” courses with no prerequisites like knowledge or membership – sort of “public”, but the core “championship” courses have strictly limited access, for members of German golf clubs showing proper skills = Handicap on their membership cards. Foreigners may be welcome as guest players.
not true. there are lots of courses with multiple tee boxes in germany. anyway, anyone can hit from wherever he or she wants. go for it. just the rating is fixed to certain tee boxes.
if you want to go to extremes, hook up with st pauli golf in hamburg.
or visit some other courses. talk to people. obviously you happened to encounter a very indiverse bunch of opinions.
if you want to go to extremes, hook up with st pauli golf in hamburg.
Surly you can play from what ever Teebox you like. Just for a tournament the tournament ruling may say “Man play from this Teebox and Women from that”. In my Club, that is also private, but everyone can com and play while paying greenfee (just make a teetime), there is a seasonal tournament series from all our four teeboxes where men and women play from the same box.
No man in any country would play from the lady’s Tee! Am I right?
What a great video!! Really enjoyed!!
OMG, I was always thinking when will we finally get a Topgolf in Switzerland… This video just gave me so much hope! YES thanks Eric 🙂
buy a few hula hoops and throw them out on the driving range, you’ll save hundreds of dollars
@Kev Ro thanks but I am not planning on using a Topgolf facility as my main driving range for practice but rather to have a fun night out 😉
Germany is a communist, shthole country. No thank you son.
How do they get this production budget with 164k subs?
Wow I love America.
As a decent player (9 hcp), i would love to have everyone on the course at least have the basics, but i can’t understand it would make it incredibly difficult to get started.
I think their test is legit though. People flubbing 3 shots around the green kills pace of play.
Here in austria you can’t even play private courses without an active membership like the golf pro mentions at around 11:04 . And if you want to be a member in a club, you not only have to pay the membership, but also an inscription fee if you get the membership the first time. In my case that was 1500€/year membership plus 1000€ inscription fee, so thats quite a lot of money just to get started. And that’s still without equipment and the Platzreife costs (about 100€), a second license to play tournaments where you have to beat 45HCP, and most courses even require you to have a specific HCP like 34 or 28, even if you fulfill the previous mentioned requirements. Oh and guess what, if you change your club, you have to pay the club specific inscription fee again.
Well, while there was a small boom in golf during the pandemic, because golfing was always allowed, it’s no wonder that golf is still seen as a snob sport around here and there aren’t nearly as many golfers as there should be in austria.
And to finish my rant off, most of the golfers here still have no idea what pace of play is, and when and how to let faster flights behind them play through lol
@m1lian Thats awful. Half of amateur golf is the comradery with friends, even those who rarely play. Seems like these laws make it impossible to have an inclusive game.
I agree, it’s a tough balance between making the game accessible to everyone and requiring basic abilities. But part of being accessible is being able to play in a reasonable time. Public courses in the summer regularly take 6+ hours which is ridiculous. I don’t care if you hack it around the course, but after 10 minutes just pick it up and move on
This exactly. I’m from Belgium where we also have to do written exam and course exam. I only think it’s normal people at least have some knowledge about etiquette, replacing divots, fixing pitch marks. Already with all these ‘rules’ in place the pace is incredibly slow at times. I could not imagine how slow it would be.
That being said I also think, at least in Belgium, a problem is also the amount of clubs. There’s barely any and expensive. So you cannot compare it to Scotland or the US where there’s an abundance of room where you could have both. Public and Private.
Berlin Confession: I didn´t pass my Platzreife first. I failed first and had to redo it.
By the way. In germany, wearing only a sweater is not allowed on the course (https://youtu.be/R4a9AD5S-I0?t=1251). Your shirts need to have a collar. This is regulated in the rules as ettiquette.… I know, that we are strange.…
The laws in Germany are way stricter, but you need an exam to play in Italy, too. It’s not about performance, but how you treat the course and if you know the rules.
When golf courses are not as many as they are in the US or the UK, you have to put some kind of barrier, otherwise people would flock the few courses in bunches and in some cases spoil fun with slow play or not taking care of the course.
As I said, the German card is way tougher than here. But that is Germany 😉
Eyo i live in that city why didn´t i see this earlier
How absurd…
Coming from Ireland back to Germany, it is a real pain to be able to play a round of golf over 18 holes. I picked up the sport because the company I worked for had a Golf Society and we played each month on a different course, without the necessity of having a club membership or even a licence. I bought a full set in a shop called Argos, some Lakeballs with it and was right up the way to a nearby golf course, paid my fee (20€ / 18 holes) and could play, no questions asked.
In my opinion this ‘Platzreife’ thingy is not helping to grow the game, as presented by the R&A / USGA, in Germany. I’m currently a member in a golf club free organisation (VcG) so I can play 18 holes at least, but some golf clubs charge a surcharge, because of not being a member of an official golf club, another stupid thing. Golf will still be a niche sport in Germany, even with Topgolf setting up a venue in Oberhausen.
It isn’t that serious. If you already golf, it can be done with 20 min practice session with the pro. They can see you know what your doing. And they give it to you
May God bless you all
to own a license to play golf is also a requisite here in Spain – as in Germany – is implemented by the RFEG (Spanish Golf Federation) and no just for regular golf courses, here “short” courses are mostly adhered to the RFEG as well – in order to have an official handicap, you must own a license – also, to have a license carries an insurance policy … any golf related accident while playing will be covered by the insurance associated to your license
This is so similar to how they handle golf in The Netherlands, thanks for showing us, great video!
I can certainly vouch for the accurate description of Arizona golf!
Christian Althaus is – in my opinion – the best golfcourse designer in germany.
His design philosophy is so great.
My No.1 Course in Germany is GC Föhr.
The map is laying in front of Erik and Christian!
😮 I’m 2yrs older than Eric?!? Love this show.
I lived near Düsseldorf and studied there, and let me tell you there is traffic, alot of it
Thanks for Doing this. I’m a kiwi living in Dusseldorf and golf with a mate from England. We had this exact experience and was really cool to see in your film
Wow Erik, were you casting to meet the most cringe German golfers? Zeeee Water Tatoo…yes we all have zis. It is fun no? No.
As a passionate german golfer, I hope you are gonna come back and dig a little deeper. The Platzreife might be a curiosity but golf in germany has more to offer than the stereotypical rule loving german idiosyncrasies. I am an avid watcher of all your content but this was weak sauce.
This hurts my liberty loving soul.
commie shit
Well no, it absolutely makes it harder to play. You can’t just be like, “yo John you wanna go learn golf today?” And just pay $20 at a local public course and go play a round and teach the guy to play properly. Now he’s gotta be like nah I can’t I don’t have a license and they aren’t open today to go get one. That’s so dumb
“Platzreife” exists in Sweden to but is called a green card but it does most the same as the “Platzreife”. But I do not think it will be as strictly played as in Germany!
Same in Italy, you need to pass a test on the rules of golf in order to play on a golf course (and pay an yearly fee to the Italian golf federation)
16:48 scene. No hard hats with above work
Sick video tho, just for safety. Subbed
I wish people had to have a license to play golf in America. Golf courses are crazy now a day. The amount of time you spend waiting on every tee-box would be cut in half if everyone knew the rules.
germans just accept this kind of stuff. I find this super weird to need a license to play a game.
This makes perfect sense. You need a drivers license to drive a car on the road and operate in harmony with others, so why not require Platzreife to play golf?
was gonna watch but they went full hitler with their covid vax rules, i will never visit no thanks
375,000 Americans might still be living if the US rates would match ours. Maybe your grandma would be amongst them?
BTW: Godwin’s law: You lose.
@Paul SJ im winning buddy, feel free to ligma
@Kevin Pleasure yourself!
Germans don’t look at it like we do from the states. They don’t understand how insane having a license to play golf sounds.
Include history: Golf was a Kings’ and aristocrates’ sport around 1900, and they knew how to separate from “the others”. It stayed elusive until Bernhard Langer won the Masters in 1985.
That female journalist has quite a disadvantage.….….
The need for order and structure as values yet Germany vaccinated rate is in line with other western countries. Still 30 to 20 percent that don’t want the vaccine. Larger organizations or majority can only organize minorities so far. Interested time frame for international during a pandemic.
I wonder if I’d get my Platzreife revoked if I blasted music on the course while I played…
Nope, but you might be kicked off the course, and with more, major, infractions, out of your golf club. Without their membership card, no more access to most of German courses.
@Paul SJ sweet, we should adopt this in America!!
No wonder they have no sense of humor
We have – you just don’t get it! (language barrier)
not being able to play from where you want is complete bullshit and not true
I live in Spain, and here you need a license too. It includes insurance so if you hit something or someone you are covered by it. The way I did it was taking some clases with the club pro and he summited the application. Not difficult at all.
Just snobbery of so called golf élite, Golf is and alway will be for anyone that wants to play golf, you in the long term will kill golf in Germany.
First of all I have to say that I love your videos on YouTube, Erik. With this episode I think you have been a bit unlucky with the selection of some of the people you interviewed. Some of them do not put the situation in Germany in the proper international context. In Germany, only roughly 1% of the population plays golf, so it is clear there cannot be a large variety of offerings as there are in English speaking countries. Club memberships and fees are very similar in almost every club in Germany. Which means, unfortunately, you can cannot play for a very small amount of money, but on the other hand there are almost no very exclusive clubs with outrageously high fees. You can easily find places that charge hundreds of dollars of greens fee in English speaking countries but you will find none of that in Germany. Also, one has to be careful with what is called „private“ in the video. In Germany, Clubs are mostly owned by their members but are accessible to the public for a greens fee. German golf culture is to walk and to play the sport, not to take carts and have a party with your friends. I can see that there are benefits to both ways of doing it, but one isn’t necessarily better then the other. But generally speaking, thank you very much for your work for the golf sport. Your videos are of a quality and insight that I appreciate very much!
Plenty of our Senior golfers are playing off the forward tees at the German course I’m a member of.
The thing is that it does work in other places too. Like in the beginning of the video the Golf architect said that 15% of Swedens population play golf. In Sweden you do need a “Platzreife” or “Green Card” as it is called in Sweden and you also need to be a member of a club in order to play. So clearly it does work and I personally believe that it’s a really good thing. But this video made me curious as to why so few germans play golf.
Ive been playing golf on and off for around 10 years now … i didn’t know the platzreife was solely a German thing and not completely international lmao
As a non-resident You don’t need a Platzreife if you hold a handicap.
The shots of the architect look great
Erik – I really love your stuff and am a huge fan of the channel, but you really need to do a video on this “private” stuff and what it means globally. In England (and in Europe) a private golf club just means the green fee will be a bit more expensive, depending on the course, and some tee times may be reserved for members. That’s it. Members changing rooms, members bars, all open to everyone. The dress code is used as a proxy for “can they play or are they going to dig up the greens”. The American idea of a private course seems inexplicable, inexcusable and unfair to those not resident in the US, especially for the land of opportunity and the free. Oh, and my club membership for unlimited golf, whenever I feel like it is $750 a year. BTW – the Platzreife looks a lot like the interview I had with the pro before being allowed to play as a junior.
Golf is such a rich people sport in germany … i hate it to be honest! You meet so many dumb people unfortunately!
You can play in Germany with a handicap card from another club and you can joins a German golf club on that basis
the lady has a sweet swing, like lpga ladies, smooth, rhythm.
Sheesh, is there anything you don’t need a license for in Germany?
Is there anything you *don’t* need a license for in Germany???
@Paul SJ I wouldn’t doubt they did from 1936–1945. Disney anti Nazi propaganda sure claimed they did.
@The Indoor Outdoorsman Never heard of that (obviously), although motherhood and reproduction were important subjects then.
I also wouldn’t believe any propaganda. I found Disney’s “Education for Death” and “Der Fuehrer’s face” but no hint to parenting. Can you show some proof or keywords to follow?
@The Indoor Outdoorsman “Hitler’s Children” is closer to the subject, including the threat of sterilisation of an unruly woman. It’s not by Disney though.
@Paul SJ Disney’s Education for Death is what I was thinking of, and it wasn’t a license thing. It was a registering their child thing. I just hadn’t seen it in years and couldn’t remember correctly.
https://youtu.be/5XNLnbvqsxo
@The Indoor Outdoorsman Thanks for the link! They indeed perfected indoctrination and control, purging any resistance.
Its really quite interesting how the game of golf is viewed throughout the world. It makes sense to me that the Germans would require papers to play a game. I learned golf the American way, I paid my money and went out and whacked away. Americans seem to have a lot more fun than everyone else in the world.
WHAT AMERICA NEEDS RIGHT NOW
Same in majority of the courses in sweden, as it should be, to keep up the quality of playing.
A license to play golf. Some people think making rules and regulations is a sport in itself.
So German! Perfect, it’s OK ‚you can make 6 from there! You glossed over how much the license cost, after all it seemed like you spent several hours with a Pro, so it must have a cost?
Usually, it’s a course with a few participants, over a weekend or perhaps 16 hours.
I’m guessing the costs to be 100 – 300 €, plus the equipment and practice balls. Sometimes you can borrow the clubs.
I am really looking forward to watching an Italian episode
Germany and papers… it never ends does it?
The light in germany is so different, compared to the us. Definetly not cinematic. Still great video 😉
Are you kidding me? 😀 My first thought when this video started talking about Düsseldorf and Golf courses being unavailable to players without Platzreife was “I have to tell the Story about one of my best friends getting his Platzreife after a year of us playing together on a truely public course in Oberh…!” And then Kevin came around the corner. 😀 GC Oberhausen’s open course really helped him getting an appetite for Golf. Even if it’s a rather short course it helped him to get to know the ins and outs of Golf and let us already start playing together before he got the Platzreife. After a summer without a license he got one in not even a day (basically just taking the theoretical test). Even though we didn’t choose GCO as our home club, we still like to go there once in a while. All around very nice, casual club.
A law for a law…….sounds about right 😂
Anyone who has sat behind a group of golfers all shooting 100+ might consider this a good idea. As someone who lives and plays in Thailand where there is a large number of tourists playing, I would love to see this kind of regulation here.
Germany is so insane. Papers to play a game. And they say when it opens up to the public it’s thanks to “the federation” LOL. Like no dummy, it’s due to the grassroots and PUBLIC interest.
Europe. Of course you need a license
Funny, my dad was responsible for the building of topgolf😅
It’s also illegal to vacuum in Germany on a Sunday 🤣
A license would help new players know the rules and etiquette to golf ie slow play and such. Bit extreme to not let people play without but to have an induction to a club similar to a gym induction would probably be enough.
In Belgium you need a golf proficiency proof as well.
Not true that 15% of Swedes play golf, a more accurate number is 4.5%. 461000 players and our population around 10 million. We do have a similar system with license however, a “green card” in order to play courses. Like a mandatory few hours practice and round with a coach to prove you won’t go and destroy the green etc.
“we are germans, and in germany you need a license”
If you had to summarize a country and it’s culture in a single sentence, this is it.
Ha
Replace license by rules to put it in a nutshell.
BTW,
Proud to have less traffic deads, less gun deads, less school massacres…
Proud to have less mortality in childbirths.
Probably also less golf accidents…
Dude just say you don’t understand social growth and move on.
@Paul SJ and yet nothing of the many millions of dead due to the worst racism in history, keep it classy Germany!
@Kev Ro Alas, these were in the (somehow distant) past which ended 76 years ago, and I quoted facts of our current societies.
BTW: Godwin’s law: You lose!
We have the same in the Netherlands. It’s just a way of showing you atleast know the rules and etiquette and have some basic understanding on how to play.
Ich think its important to know the Golfrules very well because i was hit from a Golfball on the head last holiday … Platzreife is a good way to educate beginners …
I like the concept, and think a beginner with no knowledge of the game would benefit. I would be super nervous lol . Where can i get some RGC merch😁.
We have kind of the same system I Denmark, but I see a lot of opportunities from the system as well. The license is actually called “greencard” i Denmark and to acquire it you need to go through some practical training and do a online theory course, explaining rules and etiquette. As a newcomer to golf you are called kanin “rabbit” and each week there is a rabbit match, where normally 3 rabbits are teamed up with on experienced player, here they also will talk rules, safety and etiquette as they go around. Normally rabbit match will be on our par 3 course to begin with and when the rabbit can make 10 point on 6 holes here, they move on to normal course. During their training they will also be introduced to members from players in the different “clubs in the club” so when they feel ready there is always somebody to play with and meet new people.
Things do vary a little bit from club to club not all have a small par 3 course (by the way it is pay and play) and the price might be different to. To day in my club the green card training is free, it takes roughly 2–3 month to acquire, whit training each week. After this you most decide if you want to join the club and become member, or just go around playing other courses paying greenfee. A membership in Denmark is around 900 – 1000 dollars a year.
Again i think this gives a solid introduction to the game, whit focus on safety and also speeds up the game on course, whit the right etiquette in place.
Feel free to come by, we normally play for a draft beer on the terrace at the round 😉
Nice job! I lived in Germany and made a couple on the difference in Golf in the US and Germany and failed to include the license. https://youtu.be/sQVL4JfwPB0
Feel free to use this as inspiration (since you inspired me to make the video) for a top notch German Golf Trip. https://youtu.be/wT34aRjztwI
Another great video shedding light on another unique cultural aspect of this great game.
Not sure if the golf architect knows the true meaning of freedom.
nah seems like a way to control who gets to golf and who doesn’t. lessons/license cost money. make golf affordable and more people will golf.
It’s exactly the same as denmark
So as a owner of the platzreife in switzerland i can say that it makes the sport much more eletist. I would love to go play some golf with friends but there is no way i could do that here
and I thought the brits were bad with their licenses for everything. Fucks sake!
There’s also a theory test about the rules that was left out in this video
I was looking forward to that!
Test sounds interesting but I’ll stick with my freedom to suck in the US 😂
Just found your channel, awesome content dude, really love the production. If you’re ever in the UK playing courses and want to go find some fossils, get in touch.
Similar system in Finland also. Basically they teach you the basics and then you’re allowed to play. It’s very easy to get it nowadays. Never thought there was anything strange about it.
At my club anyone can play the 9 hole par 3 course with a person with the license. Full courses require the license. The courses are semi public. All privately owned but you can play at any course but membership at some club is required. Yet we have over 150 000 players and 180ish courses in a country of only 5,5 million and a 6–7 month golfing season.
In the Netherlands you also need a license…
You mix up the difference between public and private. I would say that the majority of the courses in Germany are open to play for anyone with a golf handicap. But they are started and runned by private initatiative. When you play a course in Scotland sometimes you need a handicap and a membership in a golfclub in your home country, it’s the same in Germany and for example Sweden, where 90% of the clubs wants to see a handicap certificate in order to play.
As a German living abroad since ever… I recognised the “German way” I guess it’s part of our social heritage. The “Platzreife” though is quiet interesting since there is not only the Sport aspect of Golf, there is also the “Rules”. And this is an essential part of the game. Knowing and understanding those help to be a better player.
It’s part of the cast system separating “golfers” from “non-golfers”. Both membership and Platzreife were (are?) partly used to check out the prospective player from a sporting AND social circle POW.
Honestly, I see this being discussed way too often. i started playing in the UK, I‘m back in germany for now almost 3 years and i still dont have my license. You rarely get asked. Also, there are plenty of people with a platzreife who cant hit a single ball…
Its the same in Sweden, you need what we call a “green card” basically a drivers license for golf
This is really good staff. Germans are really different, aren’t they!
Can’t wait to crack open a Coors Light and blast some Tyler Childers on a German course.
Beer is o.k. (if uncommon), but disturbing other golfers’ swings and putts with noise is not! QUIET! *grins*
Sitting on a terrasse after my round, I once