Martin Kaymer’s exchange with Jack Nicklaus today behind the 18th green told the story. The Golden Bear consoled Kaymer who replied with a smile, “It’s okay.”
Patrick Cantlay’s eight-under 64 put the field on roller skates — they didn’t stand a chance. Kaymer needed a four-under 68 just to get in a playoff. And to quote Nicklaus again, “Y’all ran into a buzz saw [Cantlay] out there.”
Berlin is a brilliant destination, this quality (and Kaymer-approved) Faldo design only enhances the stay
Cantlay won, Adam Scott finished two back for solo second and Kaymer showed for solo third. Kaymer is under the exemption gun and needs points — the solo third moves the German inside the top 125 to 120. His last win was the 2014 U.S. Open, but good things are happening.
Kaymer’s solid week in Ohio backs a decent week in Fort Worth where he faded late, but picked up points to finish T40. We spoke with Kaymer at Colonial Country Club after his 65 on Friday.
Ireland and Scotland get most of the Europe golf chatter, but why no love for Germany? Particularly with buddies trips in search of good golf, delicious beer, tasty food and late nights — Germany wins in several areas.
“I would spend a couple of days in Berlin to see the capital, and play the Nick Faldo golf course, it’s called Bad Saarow. They hosted the Amateur World Cup there a few years back,” Kaymer told World’s Best Golf Destinations. “And then some time in Hamberg only a few hours drive from Berlin. They have a very good golf course there called Falkenstein.”
Düsseldorf golf course — Hubbelrath Golf Club
Kaymer’s from Düsseldorf, which is a lovely four-hour train ride west of Berlin. He grew up less than five minutes from two of the best golf courses in the area, Kosaido International Golf Club and Hubbelrath Golf Club.
“I didn’t play at either of those. Too high-end, too expensive,” he laughs. “I grew up playing at Mettmann Golf Club.”
WBGD has played Kosaido and Hubbelrath, and can endorse their quality — they’re fun golf courses to play with lots of German charm. Golf there with time in Düsseldorf’s city center is a joy. Be sure to join the “Altbier-Safari”, a walking beer tour of five typical breweries.
Less than an hour train ride south is Cologne. Genuine German nightlife and proper techno music is here — Gewölbe (night club) is a must. Also plenty of phenomenal architecture — the Cologne Cathedral is one of the great landmarks anywhere in the world. There’s more amazing beer in Cologne and Kölner Golfclub — another fun track.
Back on the train for a pleasant five-hour ride to the south is WBGD’s favorite golf course in Germany — Tegernseer Golf-Club Bad Wiessee. Kaymer hasn’t played this one, but nods to the beauty of this region in the Bavarian Alps. Golf in Tegernseer could be packaged with Munich Oktoberfest, a buddies trip for the ages.
From north to south — Germany is a nonstop highlight reel of special moments, and don’t sleep on the golf. Local Kölsch beers after the round on the veranda at Kölner Golfclub is worth the trip alone. Local Tegernsee Hell beers on the patio with colorful paraglider chutes coming off nearby peaks at Tegernseer Golf Club is a memory that will last forever — it’s that special.
Golf yes, beer no, don’t ask Kaymer for beer advice, “I don’t drink beer,” he adds.
Good beer is everywhere in Germany — good golf courses are more difficult to find, but they’re out there.
Martin Kaymer* + WBGD Germany Golf Course Suggestions:
- Berlin: Faldo Course Bad Saarow*
- Hamberg: Hamburger Golf Club Falkenstein*
- Düsseldorf: Mettmann Golf Club*
- Düsseldorf: Kosaido International Golf Club
- Düsseldorf: Hubbelrath Golf Club
- Köln/Cologne: Kölner Golfclub
- Tegernseer: Tegernseer Golf Club Bad Wiessee
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