ALDI'S showpiece - the new Öschberghof
It was a real showcase for celebrities from politics, business, sport, the music scene and star chefs. They all came across the red carpet at the grand opening of the new Öschberhof at the end of May. After all, it was exciting to see what new luxury the 60 million euro renovation had brought. Five-star superior is already clearly visible at the entrance and what lies behind it elicited an Ah & Oh from many a well-heeled guest.
45 holes of golf, a golf academy and a hotel "in the middle of nowhere near Donaueschingen - that was the old Öschberghof, founded in 1976 by ALDI-Süd. It has been renovated since 2015 and was finally proudly presented by GM Alexander Aisenbrey. Yes, who says that a discounter with a hotel and golf course can't really show off?
Karl Albrecht thought so back then when he built one of Germany's first "branded golf courses" on the Baar plateau between Lake Constance and the Black Forest. It was also a hotel resort that was particularly appreciated by the bosses of the big German soccer clubs. Even then, it had very little to do with the "discount" image, but the successful ambience the hotel offers today is certainly worthy of five stars: 126 rooms and suites exude discreet luxury, four restaurants spoil guests with a variety of culinary delights, including the Ösch Noir - in reference to the Black Forest - with star-studded cuisine. Next to it is the bar, decorated in earthy tones and royal blue, with no less than 120 types of whisky and 80 types of rum - just the thing after a 36-hole day of golf!
In the adjoining Smokers Lounge with fireplace, cigar fans are spoiled for choice. And for ladies? The ÖSCH SPA on over 5000 square meters, of course. A realm of the senses, Asian-inspired with various saunas, a separate Lady SPA, signature treatments and indoor and outdoor pools. Of course, the ÖSCH GYM is also an innovatively designed activity playground for adults in XXL with indoor and outdoor training areas and state-of-the-art equipment - simply bombastic!
With all the superlatives, golf naturally took a bit of a back seat - at least on the grand opening evening with Reinhold Beckmann as host, Schuhbeck and co. as celebrity chefs, Sasha as a show interlude, a welcome from Anastacia via playback and the witty Alexander Aisenbrey as host. It was also impossible to find out whether entertainer Sasha had ever had anything to do with this sport. So the tension was high for the next day: would we even get a tee time? To my great astonishment - yes!
And without a big crowd, which was rather unusual given the 300 invited guests.
The East Course is considered the most challenging here with 18 holes over 6000 meters, four ponds and a bit of a links character. Not a tough nut to crack from the ladies' tee and with straight shots. The Old Course, on the other hand, which is almost 45 years old and only underwent a redesign two years ago, has some striking holes - if only because of the old trees that you have to play around and some hidden biotopes and ponds that make balls disappear. Nevertheless - a beautiful parkland course that is easy to walk.
A 9-hole academy course and the new indoor golf course round off the extensive range on offer here. In between, hidden in the forest, you can enjoy a rustic-style barbecue in the Öventhütte, the Hexenweiher pizzeria with its stone oven serves Mediterranean cuisine and the Home of Golf clubhouse is uncomplicated and ideal for a family outing. The bottom line: not only the rich and famous are served here. With a casual "Du", they try to interpret the luxury as "normal" as possible - which pleases!
Tips for a golf-free day:
The residential town of Donaueschingen with the princely Fürstenberg castle and art collection, the Lake Constance region, the Europapark Rust or a trip to Zurich (90 KM).
