Cafes and opera that is a great start,

The lure of Austria, the city is a part.

Yet outdoor adventure is calling your name,

Take the drive to Adamstal to test your game.

Up mountains, beside rivers, and into the trees,

It will rise your spirt but bring you to your knees.

A walk unlike many others, for this is to be true,

Time at Adamstal is among the very few.

*The first part of this review is the same as the Championship Course at Adamstal

“The hills are alive…..”  Arriving Adamstal in the lower part of Austria is not an easy feat from any corner of the globe.  However, the shortest transit time, from a major city, is just over an hour from the bustling metropolitan area of Vienna.  Known for cafes, palaces, symphonies, opera, museums, dining, fashion,, river cruises, Vienna is a superb starting point for an adventure stepping back from the hurried pace of today’s world.

The drive to Adamstal takes you on a roller coaster of roads, winding through small villages, parallel to lush greenery, up hills and down into valleys; laying the groundwork of what lies ahead.  It is only when you spot a golf cart, perhaps a lady or gentlemen with a push cart, do you realize the entrance of Adamstal is at hand.  There is only a small sign that designates the location, and a limited visual of a clubhouse, and hole or two.  There is no village, there are no stores.  There is a golf course, a clubhouse, chalet with rooms, maintenance shed, a few homes…then there are trees, rivers, flowers, and pure mountain bliss.    It is a land where golfers take their clubs out of the car, place them on a trolley, and go.  it is an invitation to release any preconceived notion on how a golf resort “could” be, and embrace all that it “should” be.  Welcome to the serenity of Adamstal.

The only signage for Adamstal

Adventure seekers, hikers, skiers; all had their hand in the history of Adamstal. The mountains and water called out the names of those grinding day in and day out, to take a break and wander back into nature.  Moments were spent recharging and enjoying all that the area had to offer, breathing in the fresh air, and meandering through the forest lawn.  The spiritual mountain and backdrop to Adamstal, the Unterberg, gave of itself to all who laid track up its belly. The challenge, the space, the views.  And today is no different.

From the archives - compliments of Adamstal

From the dream of Franz Wittmann, to the design of Canadian architect Jeff Howes, the 28 holes at Adamstal compare only to the artistry and sound of the magnifico Bösendorfer piano. Pure and warm, powerful and uncompromising in quality, crescendoing with the utmost in style and craftsmanship, that is Adamstal. Of the over 1000 members, it is impossible to imagine a different narrative.

Staying at Adamstal is a treat.  It isn’t fancy, it isn’t sexy.  But it is perfect for the location and the experience.  After parking (a bit of a task), find your way across the street to the golf shop, also serving as reception.  With a warm Austrian greeting, the staff graciously points to the direction of the rooms, gives you a key, and sends you on your way.  No bag staff, no fluff.

There are three, newly renovated, rooms  (one being a suite) above the clubhouse, architecture dating to 1887, and an additional 17 across the street. Minimalist at best, but comfortable and clean.  They are actually very nice for a one night stay.  And since there are 28 holes and a lovely dining facility, it is worth the evening event.  Dark is the sky with stars galore, quiet is the air with a river running by.  The invitation for a peaceful slumber in the middle of the Austrian countryside is set.

Pictures of the room - inclusive of the toilet!

Arriving Adamstal around noon gives you the opportunity of “lunching” on the deck.  With splendid views of the Unterberg and temptation of the golf course, it is an optimal time to breathe out, releasing any stress from travel.  Stretch the legs into the Austrian sun, imbibe in a little alpine beverage, then take on the 9 hole challenge of Wallenbach.  Known as the “flatter” of the two courses (18-hole Championship being the other), it is not for the feint of heart. For most of us, the undulations and walks between holes, will elevate the heart rate and test the legs.  Taking a look around, you do see why the Austrians are in such amazing shape.

A note on the restaurant “Golf and Geuss” (Golf and delight). On a beautiful day, the restaurant at Adamstal is like a little mountain fairy tale.  With stunning views up to the Unterberg, flowers blooming, wooden tables shaded by beer branded umbrellas, it sets up like a a Hallmark movie.  If the weather isn’t as nice, then a beautiful table awaits you inside. The menu consists of pastas, sandwiches, Austrian fare, and luscious salads.  There is even a vegan “chicken” on display (with French fries of course).  It is the same menu in the evenings, so don’t fret if you want to try a few plates, there will be time.   Personal experience… try the gnocchi if it is still on the menu; and a small beer - the glass is just as cute as the beer is good.

Lunch at Adamstal

Breakfast is served buffet style, though cooked eggs are available as well.  With some of the best coffee in the area and a spread that will ready you for the day, the morning is shaping up brilliantly.  Personal experience…if you like strong coffee, press the Americano button, then add a shot of espresso :)

After lunch, check-in to the golf shop for your tee time, complimentary logo golf ball (try hard not to use it!) and cart for the clubs.  And trust me, when given the option for a hand buggy or electric hand buggy, take the latter, you will be happy you did.  The practice green is on the way to the first tee, just off the back of the restaurant.  Mimicking what is on the course, it is highly recommended to take a few putts to understand the grain.  Up the hill just a bit more is the driving range. There are 5-6 mats and then a cute little chalet housing a few more for those rainy days.  Like most of the golf courses in the area, it is a coin operated ball machine, so be sure to have the 3 euro in pocket.  Hit a few shots, get warmed up, and walk your way to the hole number one at Wallerbach.  A tip…whether you brought your clubs or taking a set of rentals (Callaways), make sure they are properly sitting down in the bottom of the buggy, just fair warning as you maneuver your chariot to the first tee.

Pro Shop, Members of the Club, Clubhouse

Unterberg - Setting up for an opening par 4, the first hole squares to the Unterberg massif.  A good drive down the right half of middle will keep you away from OB left that divides the fairway and driving range. The green is generous but uphill so add yardage, but mindfully.  Going long on the holes at Wallerbach is a bit treacherous, mounting unwanted numbers to the scorecard.  Watch the roll on the first green as it will tell you a lot of what is to come.  Personal experience… take enough club for yardage to front of green and avoid going over.

The green at the 1st hole - Wallerbach

Antoniahöhe - Continuing into the mountains, the par 4 second hole pairs beautifully for a big drive down the middle. The reach from the tee is long from the back but a full opportunity from the front. A few beautifully designed bunkers line the right part of the fairway, but they shouldn’t give too much trouble.  As with number one, anything long will test your every nerve so better to play short.  Personal experience… miss the fairway bunker right at all costs.

Bärenschlucht - What to say about the third hole.  A sign and wooden statue of a bear tells you all you need to know; you better hit it just right. Full of creativity and imagination, maybe even a bit of sorcery.  What you cannot see from the tee is the steep decline from the fairway to the green.  Check the yardage book and hit a club that will leave you 125 - 135 out. Run the drive up the right half of the fairway.   Then, make sure you walk up to the edge of the fairway to take a gander.  Pick a tree, keep it in sight as you walk back to your ball.  Aim and go.  Personal experience… a bit right on approach is okay as the hill kick the ball left and onto the green. Take your medicine here as short as this is, it is tempting and can deliver a punch if not careful.

From the tee at #3 - blind tee shot to a green deep below

Grenzbuche - another par 4 ahead as you approach the tee box at number 4.  Slender and tight, a bit like a pair of yoga pants.  The creek just in front of the tee is no threat, except for the eye.  The fairway has a bit of slope so take it up the left side.  It is a wee bit longer than the others, encouraging you to swing out of your shoes.   A higher lofted club is ideal for approach so if you have to lay up on your second, no worries.  Again, go over and you will just shake your head.  Personal experience… favor the left side of the fairway as right is no fun.

Wasserradl - Hole 5 is a character of a par 3.  Though it looks fairly benign from the tee, there are opticals that will steer your eye, taking your mind awry.   Water runs down the right side calling for you to favor the left side of the green.  A long iron/hybrid from the back and the same from the forward.  It is a good par 3 but one that is fair and, albeit the above, visually inviting.  Personal experience… take par and run!

From the tee at the 5th

Märchenwiese - the 6th is a beautiful par 4, but with an attitude.  Narrow and short, this hole demands a little shot-making and thought.  Taking the tee shot up the center with a fairway wood will leave you with a short to mid-iron into a three-level green.  “Marchenwiese” in English means a fairy tale meadow, and that is just what this is.  In fact, several times during the round I broke out in a medley of John Denver’s Greatest Hits.  It seemed to fit perfectly here.  Personal experience… relinquish distance and go for accuracy.  Leave the driver in the bag.

Wallerbach - the second par 3, 7th, is one that will steal your heart.  With “bio-tope” in front (environmentally friendly area carrying a fine if you tip your toe in the tulips), and water down the left, the thought here is to aim for the right half of the green, no matter where the pin is.  The lush greenery between you and the green is a wondrous walk in the park.  Personal experience… keep right as left is jail.

From the fairway at the 8th - Wallerbach

Hirschwechsel - finally, a par 5.  The eighth is a wolf in sheep’s clothing.  By yardage it looks quite “gettable” but from the tee, a magnificent old spruce stands guard to any who dare to cut it close.  However, if the driver has been good to you all day, take it out and let it rip.  There is an opportunity of going for the green in two, given two “on the screws” shots.  Another route is to embrace the hole as it is and hit it down the middle, next one too, and leave yourself an easy approach into the green.  Birdie is doable here, but multiples are as well.  Personal experience… miss the spruce by taking it just to the left, but not too much!

Hotelacker - by hole 9, lunch has faded and thoughts of Austrian fare tickle the tummy. With the clubhouse in the distance, a good drive to a generous landing area gets you one stroke closer to local beverages, food and much deserved rest. Leave nothing in the bag from the tee as shorter the club on approach the better; the patio and onlookers are just steps away from the back of the green.  A fairway bunker is a nuisance as are those green-side. Personal experience… miss the fairway bunker :)

View from the 9th tee box back to the clubhouse

Once you tap your last putt out on the 9th at Wallerbach, saunter the few steps over to the patio. It is time for a wonderful afternoon or early evening on patio. Let the stories begin, whether tall or short. Enjoy talking shop with the locals, those that have the privilege of calling Adamstal home.

Enjoy drinks and dinner after playing Wallerbach!

And there you go.  Just like that the fairy tale has become a memory, but a good one at that!  Whether you play Wallerbach first, or the Championship Course, so much gratitude for the stunning scenery, welcoming people, and delectable Austrian fare. It is an expereince that will warm you during the winter hours, leaving you dreaming of another visit to Adamstal.