Hofgut Georgenthal

It must be assumed that for the last couple of centuries the Hofgut Georgenthal estate was a rather unpopular place, as it was the church's official leaseholder for collecting the tithe (one tenth payment) from the surrounding farms. These days it's the rather more well-to-do resort guests and golfers, who are expected to foot the bill and it's a much happier place for that. And instead of the church overseeing affairs, it's now the family of the late Heinz Hankammer, founder of the well-known water filter brand BRITA. Brita is also the name of Hankammer's daughter, who runs the place and made the decision in 2011 to build a golf course on the agricultural grounds around the manor.

A couple of the usual woes later (contractor bankrupt, no water on-site, archeological protection zones) she got lucky in retaining Christian Althaus, who was ready to deliver his first masterpiece as an up-and-coming golf architect. He chose the faux links style popularised in Germany by Winston Links and the similarities to the Schwerin behemoth are indeed striking, even if the detail work isn't quite up to that level. However, the severely undulated site probably trumps anything that faux links has ever been attempted on. In fact, it could be called a "bowl links" with the hotel sitting at the bottom and the fairways running up, down and across the side walls. It is certainly an imposing sight that presents itself to the first-time visitor, when he emerges from the deep forest after a prolonged drive through the Hessian backwaters.

Germans like to practice. Therefore the already rather small site had to accommodate a full-size driving range, assorted practice facilities and a three-hole short course in addition to the main attraction. The toll on yardage is not much of a problem, but even seasoned walkers will feel the sting of an Alpine front nine with several connector walks and a climb from the lowest to the highest point of the property in just one par 4. Luckily there's also an upside to the rugged terrain: it gives up 18 super-memorable holes and delivers a Tour-worthy arena experience. As befits any difficult looking course, getting the ball in play is actually a bit easier than it seems. This might have to do with the fact that the 18 tee shots are the only shots played off a level lie. As on most links courses – faux or not – par is primarily defended at the green and Hofgut Georgenthal is no exception. The green complexes not only tie in to the drama, but also add their bit on top.

Only time can judge long-term appeal, but as of now every golfer will want to see this course at least once. Some may leave it at that and some might even regret making the trip, but no one will come away indifferent. At the very least it is a beacon of hope for the golf industry to see a high-quality, new build succeed in creating an unforgettable place with so little yardage.