This is a classic course that has seen its share of professional events, not the least of which was the German Open. It still hosts a European Senior Tour event, but thankfully the club hasn't made too many concessions to the modern game. The stone walls lining the creek are one exception, but from a playing perspective they actually make sense.

Even though the layout sits entirely in the woods, the playing angles are surprisingly intact, so the club has done a good job with tree management. There is room to play on every hole and an entire round without visiting the woods is certainly possible. However, if a massive thinning out of broad-leafed trees and some undergrowth clearance took place, it could look like one of the heathland greats in Surrey. There are some spots on the course that definitely have that character.

The front 9 is pretty entertaining, it has a few undulations and some shorter holes to give average players a fighting chance. After the 13th, however, the course gets a bit dull - undoubtedly the idea was to challenge players like Langer and Seve with a few long holes at the end. Everyone else gets stuck with three drawn-out par 4s and an uneventful par 5, which get old pretty quickly. Especially considering that there already were two long par 4s on the front. However, the set of par 3s is world class and look like they came straight out of Harry Colt's top drawer. Especially after the recent bunker restoration by Infinite Variety, from which the one-shotters profited immensely.

Speaking of the bunkers, they are now the course's trademark with their bright white sand, flashed faces and fescue collars. Playability is superb and the look unmistakable. A variety of recovery shots have been introduced by "freeing" many green surrounds as well. On the other hand, the fairway bunkers are mostly out of reach for average hitters, which is a mixed blessing. Coupled with the length, even from the members' tee, it means that on about half the holes nothing much happens from tee to green. The only viable strategy is "hit it as far as you can" and wait for the green complex to create interest. Additionally, the soil is affected by some long shadows and the lack of wind, so firm conditions are hard to come by. Fortunately this applies to a lesser extent to the nicely undulated greens. They putt true and can be made fast enough for the professional game without overwhelming the typical club member throughout the year.

As it is, GLC Köln in Refrath sits firmly entrenched among the top courses in Germany and still has a considerable upside to be realised by future generations.