Course certificate at the weekend: intensive courses, how they run, what you should look out for
Yes, it's possible. The course certificate can be done in a weekend or in three days – as an intensive course, without club membership, without months of lead time. Common formats are the weekend course from Friday to Sunday, the three-day intensive course and – if you prefer it spread out – the after-work course over several weeknights. If you want to take your time, take the classic group course over three to twelve weeks (source: fernmitgliedschaft.de, as of August 2026).
The difference lies not in the result but in the pace. At the end, everyone faces the same test.
How an intensive course runs
Roughly speaking: theory and practice alternate over two to three days, and the test follows on the last day.
Practice is the bigger part. You start on the practice ground – short shots, then longer ones, plus putting and chipping. Later you go out onto the course, so that you don't just practice the swing but everything that goes with it: where do I stand while someone else is hitting? How do I keep up the pace? How do I repair my pitch mark?
Theory usually runs in compact blocks in between – rules, etiquette, conduct on the course, scoring. Nothing you need a degree for, but it does need to be explained properly once.
The test consists of two parts: a theory part with 30 questions and a practice part in which you have to achieve 18 Stableford net points over 9 holes (as of August 2026). It sounds like a lot, but it isn't – the required score is calculated so that a solid beginner can achieve it. After passing the test, you start with a handicap index of 54.0 (source: DGV service portal (German Golf Association)).
Usually, rental clubs and balls as well as the theory and practice sessions are included in the course price (source: golf-vergleich.de). So you don't have to buy any equipment before you know whether you even take to the game.
What does it cost?
| Format | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Intensive course | 3 days | approx. 150–250 € |
| Group course | 3–12 weeks | approx. 200–400 € |
(source: fernmitgliedschaft.de, as of August 2026)
So the intensive course is not only quicker but usually also cheaper than the spread-out group course. The reason is simple: fewer dates, less organisational effort, more participants per block. In return, the learning curve is steeper – three days in a row take a physical toll, especially if you have not done any sport in a while.
Pay attention to what is really included in the price. The test fee and the green fee for the test round are not included everywhere.
Course certificate on holiday or with a hotel
If you want to get away anyway, you can combine the two. Packages with accommodation start at around 890 €, courses on their own in holiday regions come in at about 530 € (source: golfandtravel.eu, as of August 2026).
That is significantly more than the course at home – in return you get weather, peace and quiet, and a facility where you can keep playing straight after the course. For working people who are planning a long weekend anyway, the maths often adds up. If you only want the course certificate and will play afterwards at the course around the corner, the local intensive course is the cheaper way to go.
A practical point: check beforehand whether your target courses at home will recognise it (see the checklist below).
What to look out for when booking
A soft point that you won't find in any terms and conditions: call beforehand. How someone deals with your questions on the phone tells you a lot about the hospitality on site. Anyone who takes five minutes for you usually does the same on the driving range.
Conclusion
One weekend is enough. You don't need a membership, your own equipment or talent – just three free days and the willingness to be tired on the third day. The test is doable, your HCPI then stands at 54.0, and you are allowed onto the course.
You can find suitable providers near you in the GolfRanger directory under Schools & Teachers. There you can see who offers intensive and weekend courses in your region – including contact details for the call you should make beforehand anyway.