Reiters Golf and Country Club in Bad Tatzmannsdorf, South Burgenland (Südburgenland), is just a 90-minute drive from Vienna International Airport. Covering 125 hectares, the golf course and associated resort facilities and accommodation extend over tranquil rural parklands and rolling hills. Once beyond the urban fringe of the Austrian capital, the highway passes through forests of towering birch, pine, and larch trees, interspersed with lush pastures flourishing under the summer sun.
This golf course is a genuine find for golfers of all levels. The layout includes an 18-hole, par-73 championship course as well as a more relaxed nine-hole setup. The short course is ideal for those new to the game or golfers seeking a faster and easier round. Set across rolling hills just outside the spa town of Bad Tatzmannsdorf (bad means ‘spa town’ in German), the resort offers two separate accommodation options: the upmarket Hotel Reiters Supreme and the family-friendly Hotel Reiters Finest Family. It is a well-executed concept, delivering quality facilities in a serene rural setting
FRIENDLY FAIRWAYS
Come summer, the once-dormant winter grass springs into life, carpeting the fairways and greens in an emerald palette. Mature trees line the fairways, while the rough readily claims stray balls. Unlike many other European golf courses, Reiters stays open year-round and only closes when the temperature occasionally drops so low as to make the course unplayable. The quiet, natural setting and the peacefulness of play are most captivating.
Perched on a hilltop, the course is prone to wind, so low, accurate shots are one of the recommendations given by the pro-shop staff. Several holes stand out, including the par-three, 184-m third hole. While it is straight, it can be challenging as it plays downhill through a narrow opening from the tee box. A well-placed six-iron from the yellow tee ensures ball placement near the pin, and it is better to approach the hole with a short stroke rather than a long one, as the vegetation behind the green is dense enough to lose a ball.
Despite being a par-five, the 441-metre tenth hole invites power golfers to get onto the green in two shots. A precise 200-m downhill drive is key, after which the fairway becomes more generous. However, the back nine becomes more demanding, particularly at the 15th and signature 16th holes.
The 15th hole features a challenging approach over a small stream and onto a secluded green that is further complicated by a narrow and sloping layout. The green is hidden atop a tree-lined ridge on the 312-metre par-four 16th hole. A five-iron to the left or centre of the fairway reveals the flag, followed by an accurate eight-iron onto the green. Anything shorter could end up in a deep bunker that requires a steep chip shot out. Depending on the pin placement, securing a good lie on the sloping green is vital.
FAIRWAY FACILITIES
The course facilities are excellent, with a spacious driving range (Austria’s largest), a putting green, and a chipping area. The welcoming Pura Vida Restaurant serves delicious local and Mediterranean dishes, refreshing beers, and a range of excellent regional wines. Golfers can dine on the open balcony in the warmer weather or indoors when it is windy or cold. Two Austrian standards to try are Wiener schnitzel and apple strudel.
The course’s golf academy, with a resolute team of trainers, is under the direction of PGA Head Instructor Heinz Müller. A well-stocked pro shop caters to golfers’ needs. While the region’s mild climate makes walking pleasant, carts are also available.
RURAL RETREAT
Rooms in both onsite properties are luxuriously appointed in contemporary styling, with balconies overlooking the course. A major attraction is the resort’s wellness facilities, where Reiters Spa offers treatments such as Swedish massage. All guests can unwind in the thermal spring waters that have soothed visitors for centuries. Multiple pools, both indoor and outdoor, are available, including an expansive sunbathing area.
In the warmer months, guests can also enjoy a range of healthy outdoor activities such as horse riding, cycling, hiking, paragliding, and ballooning. Historic sites nearby include three castles – Güssing, Lockenhaus, and Schlaining – all majestically located on strategic hilltops. Güssing Castle, Burgenland’s oldest, was built by Béla III of Hungary in 1180. Years later, it became a Benedictine abbey, but today it is a tourist attraction with a museum about the role it played in the region’s long history. During the summer months, theatre performances and concerts are often held in the castle grounds.
ACCLAIMED AUSTRIAN WINES
Wine lovers will be impressed with the resort’s extensive wine list, featuring several wines by the glass and at prices lower than in Malaysia. Most are regional wines from Burgenland, a historic winemaking area to the north of the course.
While Austrian wines were once underappreciated, discerning sommeliers in the finest restaurants around the world, including those in Malaysia, now include them on their wine lists. When compared to large wine-exporting nations, Austrian wine exports are small and are dominated by native grape varieties such as Grüner Veltliner (white) and Blaufränkisch (red), alongside more familiar international varieties.
Both these varieties thrive in Burgenland’s key wine regions of Eisenberg, Neusiedlersee, Mittelburgenland and Leithaberg. Full-bodied reds are typical, but some wine estates around Neusiedlersee produce some of the world’s finest sweet or dessert wines, such as Ruster Ausbruch. Notable regional wine producers to get acquainted with include Leo Hillinger, Höpler, Kracher, Willi Opitz, Tschida, Feiler-Artinger, and Weninger.
The Styrian (Steiermark) wine region is located a little further south of the resort. One of the most sought-after wines from Weststeiermark is Schilcher, a piquant rosé, while Sauvignon Blanc, Morillon (Chardonnay), and Muskateller thrive in other parts of this southern wine region. The Sauvignon Blanc produced here appeals for its fresh, aromatic style that is more subtle than the herbaceous styles produced in some New World wine regions. The steep slopes of Südsteiermark ensure that it is one of the most picturesque wineproducing regions in the world. However, these slopes also make winegrowing here a significant challenge.
Reiters is a family-owned property and a rewarding choice for golfers planning a scenic and relaxing Austrian escape. Play and stay packages ensure visiting golfers can maximise their time on the fairways and in the resort.
TRAVEL FILE
Getting There and About Fly direct from Singapore to Vienna on Scoot (FlyScoot. com), the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines. Scoot also operates convenient connecting flights to and from Kuala Lumpur. It is the only airline with direct flights between these two destinations, with three weekly services operated on Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners between Changi International Airport and Vienna International Airport. These state-of-theart planes have a seating capacity of 329 passengers in two cabin classes. Reiters Golf and Country Club (reitersgolfresorts.at) offers shuttle transfers from both Vienna and Graz Airports. Alternatively, golfers, especially those planning to explore the Burgenland or neighbouring Styria wine regions, should consider hiring a rental car.
Resort Relaxation
Stay at one of the two hotels adjacent to the golf course. Golfers may also wish to play the nearby Reiters Stegersbach course and stay at one of the several premium properties, such as Falkensteiner Balance Resort Stegersbach (falkensteiner. com).
