Hamburger Falkenstein

Architects: HS Colt & JSF Morrison
Restoration: Frank Pont & Hendrik Hilgert

Opened in 1930 and located on the outskirts of Hamburg on rolling heathland above the River Elbe, Falkenstein is consistently ranked as Germany’s top course. It has hosted several German Opens and continues to host prestigious amateur events on a regular basis.

In 2015, the club commissioned Frank and Hendrik to develop a long-term course plan, the brief being to restore and preserve the course’s Colt company heritage. Based on a wealth of archive materials including the original green plans, a detailed plan was prepared which is currently being implemented on a step-by-step basis.

A key element is a thorough restoration of the bunkering. Thus far, a little more than half of the bunkers have been addressed, the expectation being that the rest will be addressed in the next couple of years. The green complexes are being restored through the expansion of the greens to their original sizes and the reintroduction of larger areas of short grass around them. Woodland management, heather conservation and regeneration are also on the agenda.

In 2022, a comprehensive renovation of the driving range took place. Teeing areas were rebuilt and expanded, and target greens were created in the landing areas.

The course has risen steadily in the rankings and is now rated #10 in Continental Europe by Golf World.