Freudenstadt is a venerable tourist town in the Black Forest with a long golf tradition and a centrally located parkland course. Although it is not the original layout, it definitely harks back to the Golden Age with a small, but distinctive collection of idiosyncrasies. Topping this list must be the iconic 11th hole, which - merits or not - no player will ever forget. The tee shot must be placed on a sliver of fairway in exactly the right spot, so that the undulations will propel the ball to an area the size of a Badminton Court, from where a line into the green exists. Anything not in this area necessitates a chip to this area for the second shot. The approach is no less exacting, as the fairway is literally three yards wide and left of it is dead. It's holes like these that are missing from modern golf.

The second boon (and bane) of the course are the greens: they are brutally fast throughout the year and quite firm at times. There are some relatively simple holes in the layout, but the greens make sure that every good score is well-earned. Still, a handful of holes are just too plain and cannot hold their own amongst the majority of quirky and interesting designs. Another potentially sore spot is the missing fairway irrigation, so after periods of draught the lies can become questionable.

All being said and done, it is definitely a worthwile experience. While consistent greatness and national acclaim are a ways off, the walking golfer will certainly appreciate the harmonious routing and everyone can have a great time tackling those true-rolling, but extremely slick greens and conquering some eccentric challenges.