Germany Trip

Returned a few days ago from a teaching trip in Berlin and Hamburg, Germany.  I've been making at least one trip a year to Germany since 2000.  The main focus is doing small teaching seminars for golf professionals in the country to help improve their games and teaching skills.  As well, we've devised a new program where the golf professional brings a student with them and I'll help set the game plan for that student with the instructors input.  This allows the instructor an opportunity to cement the relationship with that student. 

I've always been very impressed with the facilities when I go to in Germany.  They're very expansive and have fabulous provisions for the inclement weather.  The covered hitting stalls and enclosed teaching huts are really top notch. 

This past trip I visited Berlin for two days and then on to Hamburg for another two days.  In Berlin, both golf courses were on the East side of the city.  So, as you head down the highway you pass under what's left of 'The Wall.'  It looks to be a structure that was a look-out point.  A very surreal reminder of how it was just a short time ago. 

Paul Archbold was the host professional at Seddiner See GC and Gregor Tilch hosted at Gross Kienetz GC.  Both facilities were very nice and accomodating.  Seddiner See greeted me with summer like conditions while the next day felt like the first day of fall at Gross Kienetz. 

After the second seminar it was a short train ride up to Hamburg to see my good friend Christian Kirchner who's the main teacher at Gut Kaden GC.  Christian and I have taught together for about 15 years.  He's one of the best in Germany and hosted to very nice teaching seminars. 

The final day at Gut Kaden allowed me to wear a long sleeve shirt, sweater vest, sweater and jacket.  And I wasn't too hot.  Coming from the inferno in Dallas, Texas it was a very enjoyable feeling. 

Many thanks to my hosts Paul, Gregor, the Berlin PGA and Christian for their time and effort.  It's always good to pass on the knowledge you've acquired to allow someone else a chance for more success.