A summer's day in the name of historic golf
On 5 July 2025, the time had come: the 2nd Lake Constance Hickory Tour took place under a bright blue sky at the Constance Golf Club - the home course of the Lake Constance Hickory Golf Society. Players from five nations met in perfect playing conditions and midsummer temperatures: Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and Austria.
The atmosphere was characterised by sporting elegance, living tradition and impressive sporting performance.
Professional participants and a strong amateur field
In contrast to last year, this year's edition also saw professionals competing for a total of four prize pools. However, as there were fewer professionals competing than originally expected, the two prize money prizes that were not awarded were passed on to the best amateur instead - a fair and motivating step in the spirit of the sport.
The prominent professionals included Perry Somers, four-time German hickory golf champion, and Paolo Quirici, probably the most famous hickory golfer in Europe. Quirici dominated the field and won the tournament with a sensational round of 71 - a result that is likely to go down in history as an unofficial course record.
Strong performances from our own ranks
The Bodensee Hickorygolf Society had two reasons to celebrate: young amateur and junior player Tim Hesselbach competed in the flight with the professionals and once again achieved a round of 79 - exactly the same as last year. With this impressive result, he secured the challenge cup for winning the amateur gross classification.
Juliane Brüggemann won the women's gross category this year and with it the trophy - presented to her by last year's winner Tatjana Thoss from Wiesbaden. Both players are active members of the Bodensee Hickorygolf Society and symbolise the strong development of women's golf in the hickory scene.
Net classification: Kümmerle dominates the men's competition
Two-time German hickory champion Markus Kümmerle from Constance came out on top in the men's net competition. His round of 82 earned him a well-deserved victory. He was followed by Peter Ehniss and Sebastian Schröder from Switzerland.
The ladies' net victory went to Sigrun Rittrich from Spain. Erika Frey from Switzerland secured second place, followed by Christa Rottland from Germany. The international podium underlines the growing appeal of the tournament for players from all over Europe.
A golf course with honours
The Golfclub Konstanz presented itself in top form: the course was excellently maintained, the fairways lush green and the greens as fast as an arrow - exactly what you want for a tournament at this level. As a member of the Leading Golf Clubs of Germany, the club not only offers sporting excellence, but also scenic beauty. From the club terrace, you can enjoy an impressive view of Lake Constance - a panorama that delighted participants and guests alike. The elevated location above the famous Marienschlucht gorge makes the place a special experience.
Hickory golf to get to know - with courses on offer
If you would like to experience the thrill of playing with the 100-year-old clubs for yourself, you can reserve rental clubs, including for left-handers, via the website www.bodensee-hickory.de. A PGA Professional, who plays hickory himself, also offers special themed courses. These last around 1.5 hours and include the use of hire clubs. Bookings can be made directly through the Constance Golf Club.
In addition, individual lessons are also offered specifically for hickory golf - ideal for beginners and advanced golfers who want to improve their technique with the historic clubs.
Season highlights in late summer
However, the season is not yet over with the Constance stage. More tournaments are coming up:
- 27 September 2025: Golfclub Weissenberg - an exceptional club with a Swiss licence on German soil near Lindau. It is one of the eight best golf courses in Switzerland and is run by an Austrian sports manager. This club is also one of the Leading Golf Courses of Switzerland
- 28 September 2025: 9-hole tournament at Owingen Golf Club above Überlingen. Here too, participants can expect a spectacular view of Lake Constance and, on a clear day, even of the Alps.
Announcements and details of both tournaments can also be found at www.bodensee-hickory.de.
No success without support
Special thanks go to the sponsors and supporters, without whose commitment the Bodensee Hickory Tour would not be possible in this form. These include
- Jeweller Ehniss
- DUGENA
- Hut.de
- Urs Portmann
- Freyersfeld AG
- Burgol.de
- Eugen Renner
and the Constance Golf Club
We would also like to emphasise the many private supporters who made an important contribution to the success of the tour with financial donations and personal commitment.
Text Rainer Ersfeld Photos Bodensee Hickory Society
