Thomas Himmel completes Tegernseer renovation in southern Germany

Thomas Himmel has completed a renovation of the golf course at Tegernseer Golf-Club Bad Wiessee in southern Germany.

The club, approximately 30 miles south of Munich, initially appointed Himmel to renovate four steeply tilted greens that were very fast and offered few pin positions.

With the greens being quite varied in style (six were built in 1959, three in 1962 and nine in 1984, then three were rebuilt in 1997), Himmel suggested that in addition to rebuilding the four identified greens, he could also renovate the remainder, for consistency. The club agreed and introduced temporary greens so that members and guests could continue playing the course while the contractor worked.

The project began on 5 May 2020, but work was delayed in June when the region experienced its worst rainy season for 30 years. After a wet June, construction got back on track and was largely complete by early October.

“The redesigned green complexes give the course a new appearance,” said Himmel. “The size of each green is an appropriate fit for the holes – they are much better proportioned. There is also better visibility of the putting surfaces for players hitting their approach shots. Speaking of approach areas, they have been rebuilt with proper rootzone for higher quality.”

All redesigned greens have been expanded and now include new irrigation, while some have been relocated out of shaded areas.

“Seed mixtures for the putting surfaces have changed to classic bent-fescue instead of creeping bent to reduce the amount of work and to reduce the use of pesticides as well as getting prepared for a future ‘no pesticide policy’ that the EU may impose on golf courses,” said Himmel.

Himmel has worked on other areas of the course as well, including eliminating semi-blind approach shots, relocating the ninth to reduce walkways by 180 metres, tree removal to enhance light and air circulation, some new tees for more course flexibility and length differences, and extensive topdressing on all fairways.

“One of the most noticeable changes that golfers will see is the increased visibility of bunkers,” said Himmel. “We have also made the course shorter for the average golfer and longer for the better players, although it is still a fairly short par 70.”

The back nine, which was finished first, is scheduled to open at the end of April. All 18 holes are expected to open in June.

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