20-04-2008

Oberstaufen Plus: Even more “Golf without Green Fees”

The unique concept of enjoying your holiday in Oberstaufen Schroth Health Spa, with many extra benefits, has proven to be successful. The new season has started with the possibility to play on three courses with a total of 60 holes.

The statistics confirm this achievement, with a 50 percent increase of golfers new to the region. The golfing establishments taking part in the programme have experienced an additional double-digit percentage increase. When the “Oberstaufen-Plus Golf” was introduced in 2008, there were over 15.000 rounds of golf registered, between the months of April and November. This figure shows that nearly twice the amount of golf was played as in comparison to the year before. Around 20.000 guests booked into the golf establishments, accumulating to 100.000 overnight stays.

The marketing strategy has prevailed and the sceptics convinced. This concept is quite simple, it is not the guest who pays the expensive green fees, it is the hosts from the hotels and guest houses. They pay a marketing charge into one fund, where the golf clubs and other providers are reimbursed.
2009 is even more attractive: The golf club Waldegg-Wiggensbach has joined the “Oberstaufen Plus Golf” marketing programme. This is a 27 hole course with panoramic views, and boasts the highest tee off in Germany at 1.011m. There is also the neighbouring 9 hole golf course, Golfpark Schlossgut Lenzfried involved.
The highlight of the region is Oberstaufen’s Golf Centre, which is only a few kilometres away from the town centre. This 18 hole and 6 hole course, with practising facilities, is surrounded by breath taking scenery. Here the golfer can play, with clear views to the famous Hochgrat range and the Natural Preserve, the Nagelfluhkette.

Therefore in 2009 the golfer holding a guest card can enjoy playing 60 holes instead of 42, without paying any extra expensive green fees. The golfing hosts are offering in addition, green fee reductions for their guests, on various courses nearby.
The Oberstaufen Tourism Marketing GmbH (OTM) is optimistic about the future. They are confident that the system developed between the hosts, golf clubs, mountain transport operators and other leisure enterprises, allowing for a holiday without extra charges, will experience a prosperous season.
Bianca Keybach, OTM managing director: “Even though some were sceptic, we can confirm that after the first season, the offer has been established on the market. We are positive that in 2009 the number of overnight stays, and continual growth for the local hotels taking part, shall be ensured. The offer “Golf without Green Fees”, in combination with Oberstaufen’s abundant health spa treatments and renowned lifestyle, make it unique”.

This newly gained cliental is not just a bonus for the local golf shops and providers, it is also a plus point for local restaurants and night life and other enterprises. Around 41 percent of golfers stay 3-6 nights and 39 percent even longer. Only 20 percent are staying 1 or 2 nights in Oberstaufen’s golfing paradise, with the alpine flair.
This original idea is the first of its kind in Germany. Enjoying a holiday without large extra expenses has a found a strong following. There are now over 300 hosts taking part in this programme, 18 of which being Golf Partner establishments. The OTM are responsible for the cooperative marketing between the “Oberstaufen Plus” and “Oberstaufen Plus Golf”, and the hosts. The hosts are invoiced for the prorated costs. This tourism revenue is then shared in accordance to a specific calculation system, and the providers are then reimbursed accordingly.

On average every visitor uses the “Oberstaufen Plus“ guest card 3,6 times. It can also be used for free transport with the local shuttle bus and the complete mountain transport system. Free access to the swimming and sauna arena, “Aquaria”, local museum and free parking. During the winter season the ski pass for the surrounding area is also free.
To find out more about this innovative concept contact: Oberstaufen Tourism, Hugo-von-Königsegg-Straße 8, D-87534 Oberstaufen, www.oberstaufen.com/golf <>

A summary of the golf courses where the golfer using his “Oberstaufen Plus Golf” guest card can play without paying green fees:

Golfclub Waldegg-Wiggensbach: This 27 hole golf course (par 70/72) boasts the highest tee off in Germany, at 1.011 meters. Its tranquil setting, with rolling fairways and panoramic views, will make your round of golf memorable.

A handicap of 54 is required and advanced bookings of tee times essential. The green fee for the 18 hole course is 50,- € ; on weekends 60,- €. On the 9 hole course 30,- € ; on weekends 35,-€. Adolescents pay 25, € or 30, €; on the small course 15,- € or 20,- €. Players holding the “Oberstaufen Plus Golf“ guest card pay no green fees on all courses.

This new informal golf club values a sportive and casual approach. The Golf Acadamy Wiggensbach belongs to one of the most advanced training centres in Germany, and is used by the Bavarian Golf Federation. An insight to golf can be achieved by joining a taster course. Golfers can improve their game through professional training.

More information: Tel. +49 8370 93073, www.golf-wiggensbach.com

Golf Centre Oberstaufen: The 18- hole golf course “Buflings” (par 68) and the adjoining 6- hole golf course “Zell” are only 1 km away from Oberstaufens’ town centre. The practice area, with driving range, is ideal to practice your swing. Here the golfer is spoilt for choice. The club house has a sunny terrace with a licensed restaurant, serving regional and international specialities. The golfers can relax and enjoy the excellent food, whilst taking in the spectacular scenery of the alpine mountain range, with clear views of the highest mountain the Hochgrat.

To play the 18-hole course a handicap of 36 is required. The course at “Zell” which is a short course with a “pay & play” system has no handicap demands. Advanced booking of tee times isn’t essential.

The green fee is 60,- € for adults, 32,- € for adolescents up to the age of 26. On the short course is a fee of 20,- € and 10,- €. Players holding the “Oberstaufen Plus Golf “guest card pay no green fees.

The Golf Coaching School, Oberstaufen, offers courses for beginners, private lessons or in a group. There is also a possibility for intermediate or advanced players to polish up on their skills, receiving tips from the professionals.

More information : Tel. +49 8386 9392-50, www.golfzentrum-oberstaufen.de

Golfpark Schlossgut Lenzfried: This 9 hole golf course (par 68) was opened in 2008. The location is ideal, amongst the alps but a stones throw away from Kempten, which is the main city in Allgäu, and is definitely worth a visit.

A handicap of 54 is required and advanced bookings of tee times essential. The golf course is situated around the grounds of the ancient stately home. The surrounding parkland and small embellishments will gradually be finished by spring 2009.

A whole day golfing costs 20,- €. Players holding the “Oberstaufen Plus Golf “ guest card are free of charge.

More information: Tel. +49 8315 1295-50, www.golfzentrumkempten.de