The star system of hotel classification has become a household word for every traveler. Its uniform, transparent and objectively measurable criteria provide a reliable guide to the quality of hotels around the world.

With the introduction of "The International Golf Course Classification" in 2005, the Bundesverband Golfanlagen e.V. (German Golf Course Owners Association) created a system for the golf market that offers all golfers the opportunity to select golf clubs and golf courses according to uniform quality standards. 

From golf course maintenance and golf course equipment, from the pro store to the restaurant and from the clubhouse to the driving range - more than 300 minimum and individual criteria are examined in 12 categories, which ultimately result in the "star category" of a golf facility.

Detailed evaluations show the specific features relevant to a star category in each concrete classification case. These represent an important source of information not only for the green fee guest, but also for those responsible for golf clubs/golf courses, who would like to improve year after year.

In order to meet all criteria, an expert commission uses a survey form that has been continuously developed over the years and in which all characteristics are recorded and evaluated.

On July 1, 2009, the Berlin-based Bundesverband Golfanlagen e.V. (German Golf Course Owners Association) introduced "The International Golf Course Classification" for public short courses as well, in order to do justice to current developments in the golf market. The awarding of this seal of quality serves golf facilities to optimally address customers in the target group of "golf beginners". The "short course seal" is awarded in the categories gold, silver and bronze.

INTERVIEW WITH BRAND MANAGER SUZANA HOPF

GolfWeek: 140 golf courses are currently classified by the Bundesverband Golfanlagen e.V. (BVGA). What makes golf course classification so valuable?

Suzana Hopf: "The Bundesverband Golfanlagen e.V. offers golf facilities and golf clubs professional market positioning with the help of the International Golf Facility Classification, which can also be used as a practical quality management tool."

GolfWeek: Does that apply to all golf facilities?

Suzana Hopf: Yes, whether a "designer" golf course, city golf course, golf resort or championship course, all "formats" in the golf industry can advertise with the clear and unambiguous message of the stars. Both golf clubs and operating companies from Germany and abroad can have themselves tested. But the stars are not only in demand among golf facilities on the supplier side; the golf facility classification has also been firmly anchored in the public consciousness, i.e. on the golfer side, as a reliable orientation aid for almost two decades. Today, members and green fee players demand a reliable golf course rating. As in the hotel industry, customers trust the "radiance of the stars".

GolfWeek: What are the key success factors of golf course classification?

Suzana Hopf: "An important success factor of the International Golf Course Classification is the consistent alignment of the rating criteria with the expectations of members and guests. Verifiable criteria help golfers and prospective golfers to correctly classify the price, performance and quality of golf facilities. This creates additional offer transparency and security, since the customer knows what to expect from a classified facility before he arrives."

Golf Week: What other benefits and advantages does golf facility classification bring for golfers on the one hand and golf facilities on the other?

Suzana Hopf: "When filling out the questionnaire, many internal questions regarding the services offered are discussed - this leads to a permanent improvement in the quality of the golf facility, from which, of course, all golfers benefit in the end."

GolfWeek: Who sets the guidelines for golf course classification?

Suzana Hopf: "The Bundesverband Golfanlagen e.V. (German Golf Course Owners Association) has established an expert commission of independent inspectors for this purpose, which is made up of managing directors and managers of golf courses with many years of experience. In addition, the International Golf Course Classification is protected by trademark law."

GolfWeek: The success to date is really something to be proud of. How do you assess the future prospects of the International Golf Facility Classification?

Suzana Hopf: „Golf facility classification will play an important role in the successful future of golf facilities. With a clear market positioning through the respective "golf star category", the golf facility reaches the desired target group with their needs. In combination with holistic quality management, this provides an additional competitive advantage for every golf facility." 

GolfWeek: Thank you very much for the interesting interview, Ms. Hopf!

More information about the International Golf Course Classification can be found here!