There are two new title holders at the German Golf Championships in Valley, both from Frankfurt. The local heroes played no role in the awarding of the title.
Valley / Holzkirchen - The German Golf Championships on the GC Valley course experienced a spectacular course in every respect. The shortening from four to three laps, which had to be carried out due to violent weather conditions, did not change anything. An almost inhuman hot day on Friday and storm-like thunderstorms on Saturday couldn't stop Germany's best golfers from delivering sensational scores. In the end, the titles for both women and men went to GC Frankfurt. In the women's category, Helen Kreuzer (208 strokes) won an exciting jump-off ahead of team-mate and defending champion Marie Coors. The men's competition was dominated by outsider Malte von Blankenfeld with an incredible 204 strokes.
Of course, the ladies of host GC Valley had justified hopes for the title. Unfortunately, most of all, fellow favorite Verena Gimmy didn't get going at all. With 232 strokes (77, 79 and 76), the 25-year-old landed far behind in 42nd place. Chiara Horder was also not quite as desired. "It just can't always work perfectly, even if the moment for it was definitely badly chosen," said the 17-year-old exceptional talent, particularly with the opportunities given on the greens. In the end, Horder landed a presentable eighth place with 219 strokes.
Unhappy: Chiara Horder has to watch the jump-off for the title.
© Jörg Wedekind
Meanwhile, a close duel for the title developed to the last hole. Hellen Kreuzer started the last lap with a lead of three strokes. However, defending champion Marie Coors took advantage of a brief period of weakness in the leaders and went ahead with one blow before the last lane. A slightly shifted putt on the last green surprisingly brought Kreuzer back into play. A stitch had to bring the decision. With each par, the two shared the first two extra holes. In the third “extension”, Helen Kreuzer managed the perfect putt. From six meters, the 22-year-old punched the birdie and earned the championship title.
Florian Horder best local hero for men
With the gentlemen, the matter was quickly clear. After favorite Nick Bachem from Marienburger GC disappointed with a 73 lap on the second day, Malte von Blankenfeld, to his own surprise, headed for a start-finish victory. With a 67, a 68 and a 69 lap, he literally dismantled the course and gave the competition no chance. Three players ended up in second place behind the Frankfurter. Lukas Buller (GC Frankfurt), Christian Hellwig (GC Hubbelrath) and Timo Vahlenkamp (GC Stolpertheide) stayed tied with 207 strokes. Also for the men the best local hero was called Horder. However, Chiara's brother Florian 219 strokes were only enough for 39th place. Felix Krammer was bitterly disappointed in any case. The 19-year-old shaft laugh did not get more than 221 strokes and was 51 in the end.
Satisfied: Michael Weichselgartner received a certificate from the DGV for the good alignment again.
© Jörg Wedekind
At the award ceremony there was a lot of praise from all sides. GC President Michael Weichselgartner received a certificate of honor from Marcus Neumann, Director of Sport in the German Golf Association, for the perfect alignment and at the same time praised the results of the active participants. "Your great achievements are the reason why we will be happy to host these championships again and again."
Jörg Wedekind
