Golf course license: why it is necessary, what it costs

Golf is a fascinating sport that offers both physical and mental challenges. However, before you can tee off on the big golf courses, you need to have a golf license. This serves as proof of your basic golfing skills and knowledge.

What is the golf handicap?

The golf handicap is comparable to a "driving license" for the golf course. It confirms that you have mastered the basic techniques, know the rules of golf and can behave appropriately on the course. Playing on most German golf courses is not permitted without a golf license. Abroad, on the other hand, there is hardly any need to prove that you have completed the course.

As a rule, a golf instructor or a golf school will issue the license to play. It consists of a practical part, in which you demonstrate your playing skills, and a theoretical part, in which your knowledge of rules and etiquette is tested.

Course license: How much does it cost?

The cost of the course license can vary. They depend on various factors, such as

- Golf school or golf instructor: prices for courses or individual lessons can vary.

- Scope of the course: An intensive course that includes both theory and practice is usually more expensive than a short introductory course.

- Examination fees: There may be additional fees for taking the Platzreife exam.

On average, you should expect to pay between 100 and 300 euros for the license to play golf courses. It is worth comparing different offers and asking which services are included in the price. If you also want to take individual practice lessons with a trainer, you should expect additional costs. However, this is not absolutely necessary for the golf course license. Other courses extend over several weeks and offer the chance to prepare more intensively for the exam and to better internalize the basics of golf. There are weekend crash courses where you can hold your golf handicap certificate in your hands after two days.

Course maturity test questions

The theoretical exam for the course handicap includes questions on the rules of golf and etiquette. To prepare yourself optimally for the exam, you can study the following topics:

- Basic rules of golf: What is a Birdie, a Par or a Bogey? How is the number of strokes calculated?

- Behavior on the golf course: How do you behave towards other players? What should be observed when teeing off, on the green and in the Bunker?

- Safety precautions: What safety measures are important when playing golf?

The exam then consists of 30 multiple-choice questions that you have to answer either at the golf club or online. According to the German Golf Association, there are a total of 170 possible questions. You can view these in a book published by the association or in an app and use them to practise. If you have gone through the questions beforehand and follow the advice of your coach, you will have hardly any problems with the theoretical exam.

What is required in the practical exam for the course license?

You have to complete nine holes in the practical test. You have to prove that you can move around the golf course safely without endangering yourself or others, that you know and adhere to the rules and also meet performance requirements. However, these are very moderate. On six of the nine holes you have to fulfill a predetermined number of strokes. You have three strokes more than the Par requirement on each hole and also three holes that you can drop. If you have followed the course carefully beforehand and invested a little time in training, this should not be a problem despite all the excitement.

With your license to play golf in your pocket, the world of golf is open to you. You can play on different courses, improve your handicap and seek out new challenges.