Ending up in Zurich, Switzerland on my European vacation. I planned to play a round of golf at one…read moreof the nearest golf courses. Unlike in America, the golf courses are outside of the city. So traveling to a golf course. You either have to take a rental car, a taxi or the train. We took the taxi there and the train back. The taxi ride being costly, around 100 euro. About 130 bucks US. That was before even paying for the round of golf and renting clubs. So plan ahead by taking the train. The cost will be around $30 total both ways.
The day before I had the hotel concierge call around for me for a tee time. It took me a couple of places before Otelfingen fitted me in. Every golf course the concierge called for me asked for my club membership card and my handicap card. Which I have neither. I just kept saying that I am a guy from the US who is on vacation who wants to play a round. So Otelfingen asked for my handicap and so I gave them a number.
So the next day when I get there. I pay for my golf and rent my clubs. With a couple of minutes to spare I run to the restroom. As I walk to the first tee, the starter says I am late. I was like"What?". My tee time is at 9:30 AM and it's 9:31. Furthermore, the starter told me that I was joining 2 other people that already teed off and are almost to the green on a long par four. So I am like what a crappy way to start a relaxing round of golf. To top that off, not having any practice shots. I mishit the golf ball off the tee 20 yards. Damn!
So for the next 3 holes, the golf gestapo follows me in his golf cart telling me to play faster. Needless to say. I play the worst round of golf ever. I lost so many golf balls that day. The only shining moment was I finally calmed my game down and parred the last two holes on a 18 hole course. It felt good to get a few good shots together and get it in the hole. That is the reason I keep on coming back.
My overall experience was okay. Definitely a learning one. They really take their golf almost too serious in Switzerland. I remembered the hotel concierge saying that you need a permit just to breath the air in Switzerland. Which I found very amusing.
The course was beautiful and very challenging but Zurich is very expensive. I would say you would get more bang for your buck elsewhere in Europe. So If you can wait to go to Germany or Italy to play. I would.
