Thorsten Wolfram, Project Manager for the golf course in Hohen Wieschendorf
Question: Mr. Wolfram, on August 1, the golf course in Hohen Wieschendorf opened for play—initially on a small scale for the first 9 holes. The remaining nine will follow later this year. What makes this golf course so special?
Thorsten Wolfram: After German reunification, this golf course was one of the first in the new federal states. Nestled in the natural landscape of Mecklenburg’s Baltic Sea coast, it captivates not only golfers but also those seeking relaxation. With the extensive modernization work commissioned by the new Bades Huk vacation resort, we aim to restore it to its former glory and thereby offer vacationers and visitors alike a special golfing experience. The pleasantly undulating terrain is shaped by glacial activity. From a sporting perspective, the gentle slopes add variety to the game. In addition to the enjoyment of the sport, the recreational aspect is particularly important to us. After all, golfers here have practically a front-row seat. The course blends seamlessly into the coastal landscape, offering unforgettable views of the sea and dunes. That’s truly something special. Moreover, the proximity to the bird sanctuary and nature reserve means that you can sometimes spot deer, wild geese, whooper swans, or other Baltic Sea birds. You can even watch the sailing ships as they enter the harbor of Wismar. In this way, the golf course offers its guests the perfect blend of activity and relaxation.
Question: How has the field changed?
Thorsten Wolfram: For one thing, the layout of the course has changed on the 74-hectare grounds, which has expanded the range of play options many times over. The course’s full potential is now being realized. Exciting tee shots, challenging play, and magnificent views—such as the one of the Baltic Sea from the course’s northernmost point—are just some of the results of the restructuring.
Peace, nature, and the joy of the game come together here to offer players the best possible golfing experience.
On the other hand, the visitor demographic has changed: Golf was long considered an elite sport, but it is now experiencing a renaissance, and with this redesign, we hope to help inspire a broader audience. In addition to professional golfers and passionate players, we also want beginners and guests who’d like to “give it a try” to develop a taste for the game. To that end, we’ve revitalized the course’s functionality, improved play conditions, and designed the holes so that even beginners can play them. In the first few weeks, we’ve already welcomed many young people to the course—some experienced, some beginners. Golf is a trend that can inspire everyone, from children to seniors. That’s why we’ll also be opening a golf academy here in the future, where children and teens can give the sport a try. Appropriate training programs will be provided for this purpose. Our coach, Max Schmidt from the golf academy, is already offering individual and group lessons. The program for children and teens will also be expanded further. Starting next year, there will also be children’s tees on the course—this is another unique feature of our course.
In addition, starting in 2022, we will also be offering group trips for golf clubs throughout Germany.
Question: What are the benefits of connecting the golf course to the new resort?
Thorsten Wolfram: Living and playing golf is already a sought-after lifestyle concept in Europe. Unlike a traditional golf hotel, Bades Huk offers guests the opportunity to enjoy a high-quality living environment in one of its 77 vacation apartments—in a private setting with resort-style service—while pursuing or rediscovering their passion for the game. Those seeking relaxation can swing their clubs here year-round and find the perfect balance of body and mind in a unique setting. Slow Travel finds its home at Bades Huk. That’s why sustainability was also one of the key aspects of the modernization. As president of the “European Institute of Golf Course Architects,” golf course designer and German national team player Christoph Städler has given the course his unmistakable signature. As part of the renaturation and restructuring, all materials—such as boulders and existing vegetation—were reused. We have planted various types of grass on the course—approximately 12,000 to 15,000 shoots per square meter. These are native plants that are well-suited to the climate and soil. The grounds also feature several large boulders that have been integrated into the holes as natural obstacles. We look forward to welcoming visitors from all over Germany who will enrich our course and its surroundings in the spirit of sustainable tourism and appreciate Bades Huk as a new golf and vacation destination.
Information for Visitors:
Every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., there are introductory golf lessons for everyone (adults: 19 EUR; families—e.g., 2 adults and 3 children: 49 EUR; recommended for children ages 6 and up).
In addition, you can take the course proficiency exam (golf license) in daily and weekly courses.
