Platzreife on Holiday: Where Germany's Golf Licence Counts, Costs & Exam
- Difficulty
- For complete golf beginners; no prior knowledge needed
- Duration
- 12–20 hrs of lessons, intensive 3–5 days
- Course cost
- approx. €200–500 (2026)
- Exam
- 30 theory questions, 9 holes
- Recognition
- DGV-Platzreife only in Germany
Learning golf on holiday sounds ideal: a few days of lessons, relaxing evenings and going home with your Platzreife, Germany's golf course licence. But be careful, not every course abroad counts back in Germany. Here you will learn where the Platzreife is recognised, what it costs, how the exam works and how to find the right intensive course.
Platzreife, course permission, handicap: the terms
- DGV-Platzreife: the uniform exam standard of the German Golf Association (DGV). Only licensed DGV member clubs in Germany may offer it. Other DGV facilities recognise it for two years.
- Course permission (Platzerlaubnis): a golf course operator's permission to play on its course. Each facility sets its own criteria.
- Handicap Index: your playing ability under the World Handicap System. The maximum is 54. You only get an index once you have played qualifying rounds.
Important: what counts abroad and what does not
A Platzreife obtained abroad cannot be converted into a DGV-Platzreife, and the DGV does not recognise it (golf.de). You can only take the DGV-Platzreife in Germany.
What this means for your holiday:
- For the DGV-Platzreife, choose an intensive course at a DGV club in a German holiday region, such as the Baltic coast, the Allgäu or Upper Bavaria.
- A golf course abroad still makes sense as an introduction, for practice, or after your Platzreife to build confidence. Clarify in writing beforehand what you will receive at the end.
- If you want to play abroad after your Platzreife, many courses require proof of handicap. Ask the destination course.
How a Platzreife course works
Plan around 12 to 20 hours of instruction, plus your own practice on the driving range. Intensive courses pack this into three to five days, ideal for a holiday (Golf Mag).
| Course day | Content |
|---|---|
| 1 | Basics, putting and chipping, safety on the course |
| 2 | Pitching and first full swings with short irons |
| 3 | Long irons, hybrid and woods, rules and etiquette |
| 4 | Training on the course, exam preparation |
| 5 | Theory exam and exam round |
The DGV-Platzreife exam
- Theory: 30 multiple-choice questions on rules, handicap and behaviour on the course, drawn from a pool of 170.
- Course walk: instruction on a demonstration hole. According to the DGV, nobody fails this part.
- Practical: nine holes. To pass, you need net par on your best six holes.
The book "DGV-Platzreife – Golfregeln in Frage und Antwort" contains all 170 questions with answers and is the best preparation for the theory part.
What does the Platzreife cost?
In 2026, the course itself costs roughly €200 to €500, depending on region, club and format. Ask exactly what is included:
On top come accommodation and travel. Many golf hotels in Germany offer packages with course and overnight stays.
After the Platzreife: membership
To play on most German courses, you need membership of a DGV club and a DGV card. A cheaper alternative to a classic club membership is a remote membership. Some providers bundle the Platzreife course with a trial membership, so check whether membership is mandatory.
Conclusion
For the recognised DGV-Platzreife, an intensive course in a German holiday region is the right choice. Golf courses abroad are good for getting started or practising, but they do not replace the DGV-Platzreife. Plan three to five course days, €200 to €500 for the course, and learn the 170 theory questions beforehand.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Platzreife from abroad recognised in Germany?
No. The DGV does not recognise a Platzreife obtained abroad, and it cannot be converted into a DGV-Platzreife.
How long does a Platzreife course take?
Expect 12 to 20 hours of instruction. Intensive courses pack this into three to five days.
How much does the Platzreife cost?
In 2026 the course costs roughly €200 to €500, depending on region, club and what is included.
How long is the DGV-Platzreife valid?
Other DGV facilities recognise it for two years after passing. Once you have a Handicap Index, you no longer need proof of Platzreife.