This is one of the more renowned courses in Germany due to having hosted the German Open in 1985, one of several occasions where Bernhard Langer won the trophy. However, the club has always struggled with stagnant moisture in the fairways, which led to frequent delays and ultimately cost Garlstedter Heide its status as a fixture on the professional circuit. A 2004 renovation by Christoph Städler improved the situation around the greens and bunkers, but the soil is still loamy and the trees aren't growing any smaller either.

There is a bit of variation in the design, in fact a surprising amount for a tree-lined course, but ultimately there is no denying that the playing corridors do not flow naturally, but were carved out of the forest. The sixth and seventh hole and to a lesser extent the second are on more open terrain and impress with alternate fairways offering discrete playing strategies. Thankfully the wooded holes feature wide fairways for the most part, but there isn't terribly much going on between tee and green. Fairway bunkers are few and far between and the undulations as soft as the soil.

The presentation of the course is first class and the club's ambitions to be a leading venue are very apparent. The length is certainly above average, mainly thanks to six par 5s, but there are also a bunch of long par 4s and par 3s. All of those holes connect effortlessly and even the walk across the parking lot between #9 and #10 is tolerable. This is one occasion where the majestic, old trees actually provide enjoyment.