Frequent questions
There are no silly questions.
Every answer on this page ends with a number, a time or a rule — not with a brush-off. Where nothing is on record, it says so.
48questions answered
Six sentences.
Six numbers.
People who do not play yet rarely have a question — usually they have a sentence in their head. Here are the six we hear most often. Behind each one is the number that answers it, and the questions attached to it.
I can’t do that. 6 Fragen
I can’t do that.
The taster session expressly requires no previous experience. Rental clubs and balls are included.
120 minutes to your first shot
Do I need to have played golf before?
No. The group taster session expressly requires no previous experience: 25 € per person, 120 minutes, 4 to 10 participants, Saturdays or Sundays from 12:00 to 14:00. Rental clubs and practice balls are included.
Do I need my own clubs?
No. Rental clubs are included in the taster session. On the course permission course they cost 19 € (compact course) or 29 € (relaxed course); on the deluxe course they are included.
What is course permission and how long does it take?
Course permission (Platzreife) is the examination recognised by the German Golf Association that lets you play at most German courses. At Gerhelm the Frankengolfschule teaches four kinds of course: Compact over three days (Friday 15:00–18:00, Saturday 9:00–13:00, Sunday 14:00–19:30, 199 €, 4–8 participants, once a month), Relaxed over six days (Monday to Saturday from 10:00, Tuesday a practice day, 199 €, 5–8 participants, twice a year), Deluxe with 500 minutes of tuition by arrangement (from 365 € for three, 435 € for two, 665 € on your own) and the refresher over three days without an examination (179 €).
What is included in a course permission course?
Golf tuition in theory and practice, tuition out on the course, use of the practice facilities, rules of golf materials, the digital theory examination, the examination fee, the DGV certificate and a 30-euro voucher from Golf House Nürnberg.
May I take part in competitions as a beginner?
Yes. That is what the beginners’ competitions “Fox & Rabbit” are for, monthly over 9 holes.
Who shows me how to behave out on the course?
An experienced club member as your mentor. Three rounds together are planned, ideally within six weeks, plus a final RPR round at the club's invitation. Your mentor explains local rules, etiquette, competition conditions and the WHS system out on the course. There is no extra charge. Mentoring is voluntary — on both sides: you decide whether you want a mentor, and the mentors give their time freely.
Too expensive. 7 Fragen
Too expensive.
No entry money, no barrier to getting in. The taster session costs 25 €, the practice facilities nothing.
0 € joining fee
Do I have to pay a joining fee?
No. In the words of the price list: “we deliberately do without ‘joining fees’ or any other barriers to getting started”.
What does membership cost?
The trial membership costs 95,00 € a month or 1.050,00 € a year. For pupils, students and apprentices up to 25 it is 42,00 € a month, for the young generation up to 35 105,00 €, for individual membership 146,00 €. The full table with every way to pay is directly below this.
What will getting started cost me altogether?
The taster session costs 25 €, the course permission course from 199 €, the trial membership 95 € a month. There is no joining fee. If you join within a week of passing the examination, you get a reward package worth 330 € back.
What is in the reward package?
A 50 € completion reward in the first year, a 50 € loyalty reward in the second year and five vouchers worth 230 € in total — a total value of 330 €. The condition: joining within a week of passing the course permission examination.
Does practising cost extra?
The driving range and the practice facilities are public, free of charge and open without a barrier, around the clock. Exceptions for maintenance from April to September: closed Wednesdays 18:00–20:30 and Fridays to Saturdays 19:00–20:30. After sunset the range stays lit under floodlights.
What does a round cost if I just want to play as a visitor?
18 holes Monday to Friday 85,00 € (75,00 € with the gold regional marking), at weekends and on public holidays 95,00 € (85,00 €). 9 holes on weekdays 55,00 € (45,00 €), at the weekend 60,00 € (50,00 €). From 17:00 “after work” applies: 45,00 € flat, as many holes as the light allows.
What do children pay?
150,00 € a year up to age 12, 250,00 € from 13 to 17, or 350,00 € as a family fee for all children up to 17. On top of that comes a 100,00 € coaching flat rate, which is waived if at least one parent holds an active full membership.
I have no time for that. 6 Fragen
I have no time for that.
Nine holes are possible at any time, from 17:00 there is a flat price, and the range has floodlights.
24 hours of practice facilities, no barrier
How long does a round take?
For 18 holes as a four, 4 hours 30 minutes is the target time; the times for the individual holes are on the scorecard.
Do I always have to play 18 holes?
No, 9 holes are possible at any time and are charged separately — on weekdays 55,00 €, at the weekend 60,00 € (with the gold marking 45,00 € and 50,00 € respectively).
Do I have to book before I play?
Can I still play in the evening?
Is there a membership for people who play rarely?
Yes, two: occasional players for 68,00 € a month (740,00 € a year) and the weekday membership from Monday to Thursday for 126,00 € a month (1.370,00 € a year).
What happens if I fall ill or am transferred for work?
In that case you can put your membership on hold or move the period of use. Please settle the conditions for that with reception.
I don’t know anyone there. 4 Fragen
I don’t know anyone there.
An experienced club member walks you through the first year. That costs nothing extra.
3 rounds with a mentor, included in the fee
Can I also play on my own?
Yes, no problem. At busy times we recommend joining a group.
Who plays my first round with me?
A mentor — an experienced club member who walks you through your first year: three rounds together, ideally within six weeks, plus an RPR round at the club’s invitation. Costs nothing extra.
Is there anything especially for new members?
“Rookie of the year” for all members up to handicap 36,0, with seven offers: WhatsApp community, mentoring, group coaching, U35 coaching, the rookie golf meet (Wednesdays from 18:10, April to October), Fox & Rabbit (monthly, 9 holes) and the club championship on 05 and 06 September 2026. Taking part earns points, the first three receive vouchers, donated by Golfclub Gerhelm and the Frankengolfschule.
Can I bring along someone who has never played?
Yes, that is what “Member’s & Friend’s” is for: you invite a friend who does not play golf to a 9-hole round, played as a Texas Scramble — both of you hit, then you carry on from the better of the two ball positions. The voucher comes with the spring letter or is available at reception; sign in before play at reception, quoting “Member & Friend”.
I’m too old for that. 3 Fragen
I’m too old for that.
Starting in your sixties is the normal case in golf, not the exception.
65 years — from then on there is lifelong membership
Is it still worth it in my late 50s?
Golf is one of the few sports in which starting in your sixties is the normal case — lifelong full membership for 15.000,00 € is expressly available from the age of 65. For a gentler pace of learning there is the relaxed course: six days, starting at 10:00 each day, with a practice day on Tuesday.
Do I have to be athletic for this?
An 18-hole round means a good four hours of walking. If that is not for you, take a trolley or a cart; for a cart you need a driving licence of at least class B or BF17.
Is there an upper or lower age limit?
No. There are fees for children from their first year, for pupils, students and apprentices up to 25, for the young generation up to 35 and lifelong membership from 65.
It’s too stuffy for me. 5 Fragen
It’s too stuffy for me.
Blue jeans are allowed, the dog may come on a lead, and anyone may walk onto the grounds.
0 € for the practice facilities, open to everyone
What do I wear? Do I need golf clothing?
Clothing should be tasteful and appropriate to the sport. Blue jeans are allowed — but please no torn trousers. Metal spikes, hot pants, spaghetti straps, tracksuits and T-shirts are not welcome.
May my dog come along on the round?
Dogs are allowed on a lead, outside competition play. Waste bags are ready at tees 1 and 9; please clear up after your dog.
May I come onto the grounds at all if I am not a member?
Yes. The driving range and the practice facilities are public, free of charge and open without a barrier. The restaurant “Zum Schäferkarr’n” is open from Tuesday to Sunday, Monday is the rest day (except on public holidays).
What happens if I do something wrong?
The rules that actually carry sanctions are about rudeness, not clumsiness: sanctions are at the committee’s discretion — a penalty stroke, the general penalty or disqualification; throwing a club means being sent off the course on the spot. For everything else, your mentor is there.
Do I have to become a member to play once?
No. As a visitor you pay a green fee. Without a DGV card a surcharge of 50 % on the standard price applies — with a course permission certificate or a DGV card you prove your playing rights.
And if your reason was not among them?
There is nothing on that here yet.
Then call — and afterwards this very question will be here. Reception can be reached: Monday 08:30 – 16:00, Tue – Sun closed.
Everything,
by category.
The reference part: every question on the page, sorted. As you type above, only the categories with hits stay on screen.
First steps
Do I need to have played golf before?
No. The group taster session expressly requires no previous experience: 25 € per person, 120 minutes, 4 to 10 participants, Saturdays or Sundays from 12:00 to 14:00. Rental clubs and practice balls are included.
Do I need my own clubs?
No. Rental clubs are included in the taster session. On the course permission course they cost 19 € (compact course) or 29 € (relaxed course); on the deluxe course they are included.
What is course permission and how long does it take?
Course permission (Platzreife) is the examination recognised by the German Golf Association that lets you play at most German courses. At Gerhelm the Frankengolfschule teaches four kinds of course: Compact over three days (Friday 15:00–18:00, Saturday 9:00–13:00, Sunday 14:00–19:30, 199 €, 4–8 participants, once a month), Relaxed over six days (Monday to Saturday from 10:00, Tuesday a practice day, 199 €, 5–8 participants, twice a year), Deluxe with 500 minutes of tuition by arrangement (from 365 € for three, 435 € for two, 665 € on your own) and the refresher over three days without an examination (179 €).
What is included in a course permission course?
Golf tuition in theory and practice, tuition out on the course, use of the practice facilities, rules of golf materials, the digital theory examination, the examination fee, the DGV certificate and a 30-euro voucher from Golf House Nürnberg.
May I take part in competitions as a beginner?
Yes. That is what the beginners’ competitions “Fox & Rabbit” are for, monthly over 9 holes.
Who shows me how to behave out on the course?
An experienced club member as your mentor. Three rounds together are planned, ideally within six weeks, plus a final RPR round at the club's invitation. Your mentor explains local rules, etiquette, competition conditions and the WHS system out on the course. There is no extra charge. Mentoring is voluntary — on both sides: you decide whether you want a mentor, and the mentors give their time freely.
Can I also play on my own?
Yes, no problem. At busy times we recommend joining a group.
Who plays my first round with me?
A mentor — an experienced club member who walks you through your first year: three rounds together, ideally within six weeks, plus an RPR round at the club’s invitation. Costs nothing extra.
Is there anything especially for new members?
“Rookie of the year” for all members up to handicap 36,0, with seven offers: WhatsApp community, mentoring, group coaching, U35 coaching, the rookie golf meet (Wednesdays from 18:10, April to October), Fox & Rabbit (monthly, 9 holes) and the club championship on 05 and 06 September 2026. Taking part earns points, the first three receive vouchers, donated by Golfclub Gerhelm and the Frankengolfschule.
Can I bring along someone who has never played?
Yes, that is what “Member’s & Friend’s” is for: you invite a friend who does not play golf to a 9-hole round, played as a Texas Scramble — both of you hit, then you carry on from the better of the two ball positions. The voucher comes with the spring letter or is available at reception; sign in before play at reception, quoting “Member & Friend”.
Is it still worth it in my late 50s?
Golf is one of the few sports in which starting in your sixties is the normal case — lifelong full membership for 15.000,00 € is expressly available from the age of 65. For a gentler pace of learning there is the relaxed course: six days, starting at 10:00 each day, with a practice day on Tuesday.
Do I have to be athletic for this?
An 18-hole round means a good four hours of walking. If that is not for you, take a trolley or a cart; for a cart you need a driving licence of at least class B or BF17.
Is there an upper or lower age limit?
No. There are fees for children from their first year, for pupils, students and apprentices up to 25, for the young generation up to 35 and lifelong membership from 65.
Costs and contracts
Do I have to pay a joining fee?
No. In the words of the price list: “we deliberately do without ‘joining fees’ or any other barriers to getting started”.
What does membership cost?
The trial membership costs 95,00 € a month or 1.050,00 € a year. For pupils, students and apprentices up to 25 it is 42,00 € a month, for the young generation up to 35 105,00 €, for individual membership 146,00 €. The full table with every way to pay is directly below this.
All fees 2026
| Membership | monthly | quarterly | half-yearly | annually |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trial membership | 95,00 € | 282,00 € | 551,00 € | 1.050,00 € |
| Pupils, students, apprentices (up to 25) | 42,00 € | 123,00 € | 241,00 € | 460,00 € |
| Young Generation U35 | 105,00 € | 309,00 € | 604,00 € | 1.150,00 € |
| Individual membership | 146,00 € | 427,00 € | 835,00 € | 1.590,00 € |
| Partner membership (per person) | 141,00 € | 413,00 € | 808,00 € | 1.540,00 € |
| Occasional players | 68,00 € | 199,00 € | 388,00 € | 740,00 € |
| Weekday membership (Mon–Thu) | 126,00 € | 369,00 € | 718,00 € | 1.370,00 € |
| Second membership | 101,00 € | 296,00 € | 578,00 € | 1.100,00 € |
| Lifelong full membership (from 65) | — | — | — | 15.000,00 € |
| Children 0–12 years1 | — | — | — | 150,00 € |
| Children 13–17 years1 | — | — | — | 250,00 € |
| Children’s family fee (all children up to 17)1 | — | — | — | 350,00 € |
1 plus a coaching flat rate of EUR 100,00; this is waived if at least one parent holds an active full membership at GC Gerhelm.
As at the 2026 price list. There is no joining fee.
What will getting started cost me altogether?
The taster session costs 25 €, the course permission course from 199 €, the trial membership 95 € a month. There is no joining fee. If you join within a week of passing the examination, you get a reward package worth 330 € back.
What is in the reward package?
A 50 € completion reward in the first year, a 50 € loyalty reward in the second year and five vouchers worth 230 € in total — a total value of 330 €. The condition: joining within a week of passing the course permission examination.
Does practising cost extra?
The driving range and the practice facilities are public, free of charge and open without a barrier, around the clock. Exceptions for maintenance from April to September: closed Wednesdays 18:00–20:30 and Fridays to Saturdays 19:00–20:30. After sunset the range stays lit under floodlights.
Is there a membership for people who play rarely?
Yes, two: occasional players for 68,00 € a month (740,00 € a year) and the weekday membership from Monday to Thursday for 126,00 € a month (1.370,00 € a year).
What happens if I fall ill or am transferred for work?
In that case you can put your membership on hold or move the period of use. Please settle the conditions for that with reception.
When does the trial membership start and when does it end?
It starts when you sign the contract, or on a date of your choosing, and runs for exactly 365 days — whatever the season.
What happens after the trial year?
You do not have to do anything to extend it: the trial membership contract turns into a regular individual or partner membership unless it is cancelled. The notice period is in your contract; if in doubt, reception will help.
Can I take out a visitor membership?
For any enquiry about visitor, corporate or special memberships, please contact our office.
What do I get out of referring someone?
For every member you refer there is a one-off reward of your choice: a 100,00 € credit (offset against the next invoice), 150,00 € in cart vouchers (5 × 18 holes) or 210,00 € in green fee vouchers (3 × 18 holes). The conditions are an active club membership and a signed membership contract. With trial memberships and with pupil and student memberships the entitlement is halved. Current and former members of Schlierf GmbH & Co. KG are excluded.
Playing and tee times
How long does a round take?
For 18 holes as a four, 4 hours 30 minutes is the target time; the times for the individual holes are on the scorecard.
Do I always have to play 18 holes?
No, 9 holes are possible at any time and are charged separately — on weekdays 55,00 €, at the weekend 60,00 € (with the gold marking 45,00 € and 50,00 € respectively).
Do I have to book before I play?
Can I still play in the evening?
How do I book a tee time?
In the PC CADDIE system: pick a time, sign in (members with their login, visitors set up a free account), confirm your playing partners. Up to eight days ahead.
Is the course closed on competition days?
That depends on the competition. For shotgun-start competitions the course is closed to casual play while the competition is on.
May I play in frost?
No. Play is forbidden when the ground is frozen, otherwise the turf is damaged.
Out on the course
What do I wear? Do I need golf clothing?
Clothing should be tasteful and appropriate to the sport. Blue jeans are allowed — but please no torn trousers. Metal spikes, hot pants, spaghetti straps, tracksuits and T-shirts are not welcome.
May my dog come along on the round?
Dogs are allowed on a lead, outside competition play. Waste bags are ready at tees 1 and 9; please clear up after your dog.
What happens if I do something wrong?
The rules that actually carry sanctions are about rudeness, not clumsiness: sanctions are at the committee’s discretion — a penalty stroke, the general penalty or disqualification; throwing a club means being sent off the course on the spot. For everything else, your mentor is there.
When may I tee off at a par 3?
Only once the green and the fairway are clear. A breach can lead to being sent off and barred from the course.
May I take the cart onto the fairway?
Driving on the fairways is to be kept to what is necessary; you do not drive between bunkers and green — that goes for trolleys too. Children and young people may not drive a cart.
Visiting us
What does a round cost if I just want to play as a visitor?
18 holes Monday to Friday 85,00 € (75,00 € with the gold regional marking), at weekends and on public holidays 95,00 € (85,00 €). 9 holes on weekdays 55,00 € (45,00 €), at the weekend 60,00 € (50,00 €). From 17:00 “after work” applies: 45,00 € flat, as many holes as the light allows.
Do I have to become a member to play once?
No. As a visitor you pay a green fee. Without a DGV card a surcharge of 50 % on the standard price applies — with a course permission certificate or a DGV card you prove your playing rights.
Which DGV card do I get as a member?
As a member of Golfclub Gerhelm, Nürnberger Land e. V. with full playing rights you receive a DGV card with the so-called gold marking.
What does the gold marking get me?
It is the condition for the reduced green fees and for the rates at the partner clubs — for example 75,00 € instead of 85,00 € on weekdays at Gerhelm. Discounts cannot be combined with one another, and none of them applies on public holidays.
Where else may I play with my membership?
With "500 % Golf" you play green fee free on five courses with 90 holes in total, at no extra cost: Golf- und Landclub Oberpfälzer Wald (Neunburg), Golfanlage Zollmühle (Ellingen), Golfclub Steigerwald (Geiselwind) and Golfpark Rothenburg-Schönbronn (Buch am Wald) — plus Gerhelm itself. On top of that Golfland Donau with around 120 courses and hotels in Germany, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and Italy (VIP Member Card Gold 2026 free of charge, 50 % off at selected courses) and Golfamore with 50 % at over 1.600 courses in 23 countries (card subject to a fee).
Children and family
What do children pay?
150,00 € a year up to age 12, 250,00 € from 13 to 17, or 350,00 € as a family fee for all children up to 17. On top of that comes a 100,00 € coaching flat rate, which is waived if at least one parent holds an active full membership.
Around your visit
May I come onto the grounds at all if I am not a member?
Yes. The driving range and the practice facilities are public, free of charge and open without a barrier. The restaurant “Zum Schäferkarr’n” is open from Tuesday to Sunday, Monday is the rest day (except on public holidays).
When is reception open?
Reception: Monday 08:30 – 16:00, Tue – Sun closed.
When is the restaurant open?
“Zum Schäferkarr’n” is open: currently closed, back in October. Monday is the rest day, except on public holidays.
From when is the course open?
Daily by tee times, opening with the light, from about 06:00 until sunset.
Where do I find you?
Golfclub Gerhelm · Nürnberger Land e. V., Gerhelm 1, 91235 Velden. Phone +49 (0) 9152 398, buero@gerhelm.de.
Twelve words
that get in the way.
Golf has a language of its own, and it is the second reason beginners feel out of place. Here the word is on the left and the sentence you understand is on the right. The same words are underlined in the answers above.
- Platzreife (course permission)
- The examination recognised by the German Golf Association. With it you may play at most German courses.
- Green fee
- The price for a round when you are not a member of the club.
- Tee time
- The reserved moment at which your group sets off. Booked in the PC CADDIE system.
- Flight
- The group you play with. A flight is four players.
- Handicap index
- The number that describes your standard of play. The smaller, the better.
- DGV card
- The membership card of the German Golf Association. It proves your playing rights.
- Gold marking
- The gold hologram on the DGV card. It stands for full playing rights and is the condition for the reduced green fees.
- Shotgun start
- A competition format in which all groups start at the same time on different holes. While it is on, the course is closed to casual play.
- Fox & Rabbit
- The beginners’ competitions at Gerhelm, monthly over 9 holes.
- Par
- The number of strokes a hole is meant to take.
- Hole
- One stretch of play from the tee to the green. The course has 18 of them.
- Range
- The practice field where you hit balls without playing a round.
Some things are
written nowhere.
Contracts, special cases, dates that are not fixed yet: there is no field for that on this page — there is reception.
Reception
- Monday
- 08:30 – 16:00
- Tue – Sun
- closed
Direct
Address
Golfclub Gerhelm · Nürnberger Land e. V.
Gerhelm 1
91235 Velden
What this page cannot answer is anything that depends on your contract: notice periods, putting a membership on hold, visitor, corporate and special memberships. Please call about those — it takes two minutes and is binding afterwards.
The first step
costs 25 €.
The taster session lasts 120 minutes, rental clubs included. Anyone who then takes course permission and joins within a week gets a reward package worth 330 €.
A reward package worth 330 € if you join within a week of passing the course permission examination.