Golf Club Norderney e.V.

Dear Webuwe, Thank you for your feedback and your open words. We appreciate it when players take the time to share their impressions with us, even if they are critical. It provides an opportunity… More

Dear Webuwe,

Thank you for your feedback and your open words. We appreciate it when players take the time to share their impressions with us, even if they are critical. It provides an opportunity for reflection and exchange. That's exactly what makes golf so special.

Your experience at courses like Turnberry (Ailsa) and elsewhere is a credit to you, and it speaks volumes about your passion for golf and your constant curiosity about new courses. We are all the more sorry that our course disappointed you rather than delighted you.
However, we'd like to put your impressions into a somewhat broader context. Not as a defense, but as an explanation. Norderney Golf Club is home to the oldest natural links course in Germany (1922). What does that mean?
The term "links" doesn't come from "left" or "right," but from the Scottish word "hlinc" – a narrow, sandy coastal stretch between the sea and farmland. It was here, in this terrain shaped by wind, dune grass, and tides, that golf was born.
A true links course isn't created on a drawing board, but where wind, sand, dune grass, and tides have shaped the terrain for centuries. Fairways of geometric clarity are nowhere to be found here, nor are manicured lawns or panoramic views from the cart path. Instead, you'll encounter uneven surfaces, usually a lot of wind from all directions per round, blind shots, and, in our case, the occasional rabbit hole.
Speaking of which: The rabbits aren't a disruption to operations, but rather a part of the island's history. Introduced by the nobility in the 18th century for hunting purposes, their descendants have adapted to the island just as much as the people have. Norderney is also part of the UNESCO Wadden Sea World Heritage Site, which means: "Nature has a hand in the writing here." Furthermore, unlike resorts in other countries, we are bound by the requirements of German species protection law, which prohibits us from combating the rabbit plague with methods that are sometimes common practice in other countries. Those who play with us don't do so despite the rabbits, but rather among them.

It's understandable that you weren't sure where to hit the ball the first time you played on hole 2. It's one of the most challenging holes, especially for guests. But that's also typical of a golf course on the links: You're not just playing strategically with the ball, but also with the terrain. A quick glance at the birdie book, the explanations on our website, the information board directly at the entrance to tee 2, or a careful ear during the briefing usually helps reliably, because the white stone in the dune you're playing over indicates the safest direction.
Compared to courses like Turnberry (opened in 2016), Kingsbarns (opened in 2000), or Dumbarnie (opened in 2020), these are all outstanding golf courses that offer a truly unique golfing experience. However, despite their links aesthetics and historical roots, they are also planned and modeled courses, not traditional coastal courses. And they cost (depending on the season) between £250 and £450 per round in green fees. Ours currently costs €54 per 9-hole round. No concierge service, but instead with sea air and oystercatchers.
We understand that our course isn't for everyone, and that's perfectly fine. However, anyone looking for golf in its original form will find it here. Those expecting a pristine parkland course or a commercially perfected facility will certainly not be happy.
In any case, we thank you for your visit and for taking the time to share your impressions. This, too, is part of golf etiquette and shows that the sport is close to your heart.

With sporting greetings
Your team from Norderney Golf Club

Translated by Google.