Oktoberfest & Golf 2023

• Markus Müller – Ambassador Germany
• Richard Vetter – Ambassador Germany
• Milan Blazek – Ambassador Czech Republic
• Guillem Mataró Reixach – Ambassador Spain
• Dave Finn- Ambassador Canada

All 5 participants synchronised their arrival so well that late in the morning, within 90 minutes, their planes from Canada and Spain, and the car drivers from the Netherlands, Germany and the Czech Republic would arrive at the meeting point Munich Airport - Erding. 

For those without the desire to golf, a visit to the Therme Erding, Europe's largest spa area, was on the programme. The golfers only had to drive 20 minutes to their first game on a course with a special reputation; GC Eichenried, home of the DP world tour BMW International Open.

Playing a course with such a distinguished name is always an exceptional experience. The excellent collaboration with groups and impeccable service in planning facilitated bookings well beyond the actual deadlines. The proximity to the airport is an added advantage. The warm-up session took place at the truly professional practice facility, which offers cabins that are heated and covered, along with a Trackman for every guest on the driving range. There is ample space for preparation. This marks my third round in 2023 and finally presents the opportunity to play the still-missing B-loop of the 27-hole course. While GC Eichenried might be slightly less prominent compared to other DP World Tour courses, its lengths, greens, and strategically placed bodies of water present a challenging experience for scratch players. Numerous reviews of this course can be found at:

After our initial round and meeting, we took it easy in the evening, visiting a Bavarian beer garden near the hotel in a Munich suburb. There was plenty to talk about and absorb. The hustle and bustle of the metropolis was intentionally avoided on our first joint evening. The suburbs and municipalities around Munich almost universally offer Airbnb accommodations and small hotels with local cuisine and specialties. This means you don't always have to travel to the expensive city center. Further down, you will find an article about this with more details.

Outstanding - this was the unanimous opinion of all five ambassadors from five different countries. They collectively decided that the Parkland Course, located an hour's drive north of Munich, should be the highlight of our week, and the journey from the Bavarian metropolis to the border of Upper Bavaria is unquestionably worth it. Wittelsbach boasts the perfect infrastructure for large tournaments but is also welcoming and friendly for team outings or individual players. Coupled with a guest house and a stunning clubhouse featuring a highly-rated restaurant, Wittelsbach, in my opinion, ranks as number 1 in Bavaria and should not be excluded from any golfer's bucket list.

The return journey was extended due to the usual traffic jam in the north of Munich. Therefore, a tee-off time after 11 am is not recommended. Nevertheless, we managed to find enough time for a shower at the hotel.

On weekdays, it is uncomplicated to stroll around Oktoberfest with a small group without a reservation. Around 1800h marks the big changeover in the tents, and if it's a mild late summer evening, all beer gardens in front of the tents are open, while the tents also allow for a casual stroll. Beer, food, music, and entertainment are available at every corner. With a relaxed stroll, you can grasp the enormity of the event and try out many rides, such as roller coasters. Arriving together doesn't necessarily mean leaving together.

The golf course with the most members in the Munich area always requires a reservation. Quick to play, excellently organized, and full of tricky details, the relatively short 18-hole course is popular and highly frequented. The service around and during the game, as well as in the restaurant, has convinced us all equally. Find our positive reviews here ⬇️

The pronounced proximity to the city gave us the peace and time, after a warm shower, to head to Oktoberfest. We followed a reservation to the traditional Wiesn (Oide Wiesn = old Wiesn). The Oide Wiesn only takes place every 2 years within the Wiesn and is noticeably cosier and typically Bavarian. Not fewer tourists, but more locals with traditional dances, whip swinging, and music. Find below a guest post about Oktoberfest from our teammate Guillem from Barcelona.

Often overlooked, but one of the best and pleasantly challenging golf courses is the renovated GC Olching. Close to the city and easily accessible by S Bahn, Olching offers perfect surfaces in any weather due to its gravel subsoil from the Ice Age. We endured the 18-hole course during continuous rain, and you can find our positive perceptions under

The weekends during Oktoberfest are also time slots for local tournaments on all golf courses and the final of the Bavarian Golf League. It is not easy to get a starting time. The 27-hole Rottbach golf course in the Munich outback allowed us to play after a tournament. Thus, we had the best pin positions on an otherwise average golf course. GC Rottbach mainly impresses with its good price structure and tranquillity away from the capital.

A surprisingly beautiful conclusion to a 5-day golf and Oktoberfest trip. Beware: this combination is addictive and invites imitation.

The Oktoberfest is undoubtedly the most famous beer festival in the world and I would say, one of the main attractions of Munich from a foreigner's perspective. It lasts for about two and a half weeks and is visited by hundreds of thousands of people. On a vast site, easily accessible by public transport, you'll find many huge tents from the major breweries, food trucks with all kinds of Bavarian sausages, pretzels, ice cream, crepes... In addition, there are a variety of different fairground attractions on offer to suit all tastes.

But in the end, everyone comes mainly to drink beer... In most tents, there is food, live music, and dancing. When people sing and celebrate together, it's quite spectacular and amazing from the visitor's perspective. And of course, one of the greatest hits is to watch the waitresses carrying a tower of one-litre beer glasses, demonstrating strength and skill. A sight worth seeing indeed. In regular tents, it's very crowded and loud, so it can be difficult to chat with your friends. On the other hand, there's the "Tradition Tent," which we went to. In the Tradition Tent, you will find a quiet place; you rent a table for the entire evening, so you don't have to worry about that. You'll always have a place where you can return to. Food and beer are served at the table, and live music, live dancing, and other typical Bavarian things ensure that it becomes entertaining.

The Oktoberfest is truly unique, and if you visit it with a Bavarian who can explain the special features and traditions to you, it's even better. It's lovely to see most locals (and some visitors) in typical Bavarian attire, and it can also be fun to find the drunkest guy/girl at the event... There are many candidates. I truly believe that it's worth attending this festival at least once in your life.

During Oktoberfest, the prices for accommodation skyrocket. However, if one looks outside the city limits in connection with the very good public transport system, there are affordable options available. A report of my friend's experience from the Czech Republic, Milan Blazek.

For avid golfers, the trip to the ambassadors of the Leading Courses in Munich is not only an opportunity for networking but also a chance to explore some of Europe's most scenic golf courses. Even though golfing itself takes center stage, choosing the right accommodation can significantly enhance your trip. In this blog, we share our experiences at the Gästezimmer Drexl, compare it to another accommodation, the Hotel Painter, and discuss how the pros and cons have influenced our golf adventure in Munich.

The Drexl Inn, a charming, family-run inn, welcomed us with open arms. One of the standout features is the warm and familial atmosphere. The staff do everything to make you feel comfortable and cared for. Whether you are with your golf buddies or your family, you will appreciate the hospitable environment. Cleanliness is a priority at the Drexl Inn. The rooms and communal areas are meticulously maintained and convey a reassuring sense of hygiene - which is very important for travellers in today's age. Affordability is another point on the Drexl Inn Scorecard.

Munich can be an expensive city, but this guest house offers budget-friendly prices without you having to skimp on comfort. This is a good combination for travellers who want to save their budget while still enjoying a comfortable stay. One downside, however, is the church bell that rings daily. Some might find it charming, but if you're not exactly an early riser, it could disturb your peace. Another aspect to consider is the distance to Munich. With the S-Bahn, it takes about an hour to reach the city centre, which can be a bit strenuous if you plan to visit Munich frequently. If your main destination is your host's house, though, the journey only takes 20 minutes, which is very convenient.

The Hotel Painter is more of an upscale accommodation compared to the Drexl Inn, albeit at a higher price. If you're willing to spend a bit more, you'll have a comfortable stay here. However, it should be noted that the prices may not be suitable for every budget. A major downside of the Hotel Painter is the size of the rooms, which are rather smaller or the same size compared to the Drexl Inn. If you need more space or are planning a longer stay, this could be an important factor to consider. On the plus side, the Hotel Painter is closer to our host, which saves us some travel time if that's your main concern. However, parking is limited there, which can be a challenge if you're arriving by vehicle.

Both the Drexl Inn and Hotel Painter are located near the suburban train, making it easy for you to get around Munich. However, one of the biggest challenges on our journey to the venues was the traffic in Munich. We heavily relied on Google Maps to receive current traffic news in real-time and to find the fastest routes to the venues and to our host. Advance planning and the use of technology helped us avoid traffic jams and make the most of our golfing experience.

The choice between the Drexl Inn and Hotel Painter depends on your preferences and priorities. The Drexl Inn offers a warm, family-friendly environment, affordability, and cleanliness, although it is further from the centre of Munich. Hotel Painter, on the other hand, offers a light-luxury experience but is more expensive, has smaller rooms, and limited parking. Whichever accommodation you opt for, the sophisticated spots in Munich and the opportunity to meet other golf enthusiasts will make your trip unforgettable. Just remember to utilize technology to your advantage and plan your journeys wisely to cope with the infamous Munich traffic.

Enjoy your golf!