Golf Club Semmering

The idea of building a golf course in Semmering, a popular mountain resort in Lower Austria, was first proposed by the British ambassador Sir Eric Drummond in 1925. He was inspired by the beauty and tranquility of the area and wanted to share his passion for golf with the local aristocracy and elite. He enlisted the help of the Austrian architect Franz von Hoven, who designed the course on a meadow near the Meierei hotel. The construction was financed by the Semmering Railway Company, which owned the land and hoped to attract more tourists to the region.

The golf course was officially opened on July 18, 1926, with a festive ceremony attended by prominent guests such as the Austrian president Michael Hainisch, the British minister of foreign affairs Austen Chamberlain, and the Hungarian prime minister István Bethlen. The first club president was Count Karl von Salm-Reifferscheidt, a prominent diplomat and sportsman. The club soon became a prestigious and exclusive institution, attracting members from the high society, nobility, and royalty of Austria and neighboring countries. Among the famous golfers who played at Semmering were King Carol II of Romania, Prince Paul of Yugoslavia, Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands, and Prince Philip of Greece (later Duke of Edinburgh).

The golf course survived the turbulent times of the Second World War and the subsequent occupation of Austria by the Allied forces. It was temporarily closed in 1945, but reopened in 1947 under the management of the British military administration. The club regained its independence in 1955, after the restoration of Austria’s sovereignty. Since then, the club has continued to preserve its tradition and charm, while also modernizing its facilities and services. The course was renovated and extended in 1968, 1986, and 2002, and now has a length of 2,590 meters and a par of 34. The club also offers a driving range, a putting green, a chipping area, a caddie service, a pro shop, and a clubhouse with a restaurant and a bar.