Historical Milestones
LÜBECK-TRAVEMÜNDER GOLF-KLUB VON 1921 E.V.
In 1921, three years after the end of the First World War, golf had yet to gain popularity in Schleswig-Holstein. The region’s only golf club, established in 1902, was in Kitzeberg near Kiel. In contrast, Hamburg had a more developed golfing scene and served as an inspiration for Lübeck and its picturesque coastal district, Travemünde. On September 6, 1921, a distinguished group of nine gentlemen—five of whom were from Hamburg—gathered to establish the Lübeck-Travemünder Golf-Klub (LTGK). Given Travemünde’s popularity as a summer retreat for Hamburg residents, thanks to its excellent transport connections, it was only natural that the Hanseatic city played a key role in the club’s founding.
Travemünde thrived, and the racecourse on the Priwall resumed operations. The Lübeck-Travemünde Racing Club had been established by Hamburg residents as early as 1881, making the racecourse an obvious choice for the founders of the LTGK to develop their golf course. With determination and a generous donation of 11,000 marks from a club member, they set their plans in motion. In 1922, Hans Bessner from Bad Kissingen was hired as both a golf instructor and groundskeeper. Using only modest resources, they constructed six holes. However, a flat racecourse was far from ideal for golf.
The promising beginnings of the club were soon overshadowed by the economic crisis. On March 5, 1923, a decision was made to keep the club intact but to suspend play.
A revival of golf in Travemünde began in 1926. In collaboration with the Hanseatic City of Lübeck, local farmer Bassow and his brother, and renowned English golf course architect John Morrison, the first true golf course in Travemünde was developed under the presidency of Cai-Detlef von Rumohr. Completed in 1928, the course was situated on the Brodtener Ufer, directly overlooking the Baltic Sea. The ambitious 18-hole layout was extensive, with some sections even extending beyond the railway line to Niendorf at the time.
In 1930, the playing conditions improved significantly under the leadership of the enterprising trainer Robert Murray. The seven holes located beyond the railway line were abandoned, and the Hanseatic City of Lübeck provided additional land, allowing for the creation of a more cohesive 11-hole course. By 1933/34, this was further expanded into a full 18-hole course. Praised as Germany’s only coastal 18-hole course with uninterrupted sea views, it remained in play until around 1941/42.
When British occupying forces arrived, they were pleased to find a place to enjoy their favourite sport in Travemünde, even if only on a 12-hole course.
A fresh start under German management came in 1949. With Oscar Traun as president and Robert Odenthal—formerly of GC Feldafing—taking on both training and course development, the club saw a new phase of growth. Under Odenthal’s guidance, the existing land was redesigned into a modern 9-hole course, which remained in place for an impressive 40 years.
In August 1972, the LTGK became one of the eight golf clubs in Schleswig-Holstein to help establish the Schleswig-Holstein Golf Association as a founding member.
The major turning point came in 1989. Travemünde golfers had long aspired to play on an 18-hole course, but it was only now that this dream became a reality. A development organization was established, and in May 1990, the long-awaited ground-breaking ceremony took place. On May 23, 1992, President Dr. Manfred Biermann struck the ceremonial golden ball, officially inaugurating the new 18-hole course.
An unexpected—yet eagerly anticipated—upswing at LTGK sparked the ambition to expand the course by another nine holes, meeting the demands of a modern golf facility. Just nine years later, on June 23, 2001, a golden ball once again marked the occasion, this time struck by President Peter Lehmensiek-Starke.
Today, the course is defined by wide fairways offering ever-changing views of the Baltic Sea, challenging holes, and a park-like landscape. A stunning driving range, considered one of the most beautiful in Germany, provides breathtaking vistas of the Baltic Sea. Additionally, older greens have been renovated and upgraded with state-of-the-art facilities. The brilliant expansion to 27 holes was designed by renowned golf course architect Karl F. Grohs.
The LTGK is fortunate to have access to the PGA golf school Cockayne Golf, which boasts five golf instructors and a state-of-the-art Flight Scope system for swing analysis, offering professional-level instruction.
The club has also been recognized for its exceptional youth development efforts, winning the DGV’s national award for best and outstanding youth work in both 2008 and 2014, in addition to several state-level honours. Furthermore, the youth department actively participates in the quality management program for youth work, introduced by the DGV a few years ago, and has earned the silver certificate three times.
The decision to build a new clubhouse was made during Dr. Thomas Schad’s presidency. On September 16, 2012, the members approved the construction of a modern, multi-level clubhouse. Demolition of the old clubhouse began on November 20, 2012, and the topping-out ceremony was held on July 10, 2013. The clubhouse was officially inaugurated on May 10, 2014.
In 2021, the LTGK celebrated its 100th anniversary. That same year, the club reached a record membership of over 1,300 and became widely recognized for the exceptional quality of its course. This reputation led to the LTGK hosting the German Championship for girls in the 14 and 16 age groups for the first time in its history. In 2022, the club was once again honoured by the DGV with the responsibility of organizing the German Championship for girls and boys in the 18-age group.
Ingo Soll, LTGK chronicler (1940-2019)
Dr Eberhard Wolff, former press spokesman