Guest Player
A guest player is a golfer who plays at a facility without being a member there.
Almost every golf club in Germany opens its course for guests. As a guest player you pay a green fee, the daily fee for the use of the course. The amount varies considerably depending on the facility, weekday and season. At public facilities, so-called public golf courses, you as a guest are the rule anyway; there often is no classic membership at all. The requirement on most courses is the course certificate or a certain handicap; limits between handicap 36 and 54 are usual. Some clubs additionally require the membership in a home club.
In practice the visit runs simply. You book a tee time, usually online or by phone, register at the club office and pay the green fee. Example: you are on holiday at the Baltic Sea and want to play a round. You call the day before, name your Handicap Index and your home club, get a tee time at 10 am and play along as a guest. Many facilities offer reduced green fees in the afternoon or as a twilight round, plus discounts for guests of members. With a golf ID card or the DGV (German Golf Association) handicap card you prove your playing eligibility.
The typical misconception is the assumption that as a guest one may play everywhere and at any time. Some clubs block guests at the weekend in the mornings or during club tournaments. The dress code also applies to guests. A look at the website of the facility before the visit saves you discussions at reception.
FAQ
What do I need to play as a guest on a golf course?
On most courses you need the course certificate or a certain handicap; limits between handicap 36 and 54 are usual. Some clubs additionally require the membership in a home club. With golf ID card or DGV handicap card you prove your playing eligibility at reception.
May I as a guest player go to every course at any time?
No, that is a typical misconception: some clubs block guests at the weekend in the mornings or during club tournaments. The dress code also applies to guests just as to members. A look at the website of the facility before the visit saves you discussions at reception.
How do I save money as a guest player on the green fee?
Many facilities offer reduced green fees in the afternoon or as a twilight round, plus often discounts for guests of members. During the week it is usually cheaper than at the weekend. A short price comparison on the website of the club is almost always worthwhile.