
Just a few miles west of Munich, nestled within the landscape of Bavaria’s Five Lakes Region, lies Golf Club Wörthsee — one of the premier addresses for German golf. Designed in 1982 by acclaimed architect Kurt Rossknecht on the historic Gut Schluifeld estate, this 18-hole championship layout marries top-tier athletic testing with an immersive nature experience.
The course unfolds across a landscape defined by century-old oaks, majestic firs and the serene birch groves of the Schluifelder Moor. Having hosted prestigious international events like the Berenberg Masters and the Ladies German Open, the club has an undeniable championship pedigree.
“Our 18-hole championship course offers a perfect symbiosis of athletic challenge and idyllic tranquility in the heart of the Five Lakes Region,” says Sven Hilgenberg, the club’s managing director. “The consistently excellent condition of the course, with its manicured fairways, fast greens and state-of-the-art TrackMan Range, makes every round an extraordinary golfing experience.”
Playing between 5,769 and 6,901 yards across four rated tee boxes, the par-72 layout requires sharp, precise course management.
The opening hole, a 482-yard par 5, sets a strategic tone as a gentle dogleg-right where golfers must choose between an aggressive carry over water and a calculated fade. The challenges mount quickly, particularly at the 195-yard par-3 second hole, where a large pond tightly hugs the right side and cuts deep into the green. The front nine reaches its tactical peak at the 436-yard eighth hole. Recognized as the toughest on the course, it demands a precise drive to avoid a small pond directly in front of the tees, dense rough on the right and another pond protecting the green.

While the front nine provides an exceptional test, the back nine turns up the pressure. Golfers must face the legendary Bermuda Triangle — holes 10 through 12 — a dramatic stretch dominated by punishing water hazards that can easily ruin a scorecard. The 10th hole, a 404-yard par 4, penalizes short drives by forcing a daunting approach over water to a forward-sloping green. The nerve-wracking, 194-yard par-3 11th hole requires a pure carry entirely over water to a shallow green, while the 537-yard par-5 12th hole forces players to fly the tee shot over the previous pond while dodging massive trees. The round culminates at the 441-yard 18th hole, featuring a dramatic downhill-uphill fairway flanked by a pond and a deep, steep-faced bunker guarding a heavily undulated green.
Beyond the main course, a challenging six-hole short course and modern training infrastructure await. The magic of Golf Club Wörthsee, however, extends far past its fast greens.
“Even off the green, the region around Lake Wörthsee, one of Bavaria’s warmest and cleanest swimming lakes, invites you to relax,” Hilgenberg says. “Whether stand-up paddling on the turquoise water, extensive hikes with Alpine views or enjoying the excellent gastronomy in the historic clubhouse — non-golfing companions will also find their perfect holiday experience here.”
After a round, players can unwind at the family-owned clubhouse restaurant, Jaegers, renowned for its hospitality and outdoor barbecues on warm days. The surrounding area offers walking trails with panoramic views of the Alps and water sports on numerous lakes. The club also serves as a gateway for exploring Bavaria’s cultural monuments. The historic Hohenschwanstein Castle is a scenic 60-minute drive to the south, making the region a destination for a luxury golf vacation.
Author
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As a management consultant, trade journalist and author specializing in tourism and golf, Michael has been traveling the world for over four decades. The Germany-based author (“German by birth, globetrotter by choice”) is always looking for exceptional combinations of golf course design and customer experiences, all his coverages are based on own visits and include own photos. His favorite courses include Tara Iti (New Zealand), Cabot Saint Lucia, Crownwood (Sweden), Machrihanish Dunes (Scotland), Bernardus (Netherlands), and Bethpage Black (USA).