The existence of our Golfclub Wels is thanks to architect Heinz Pichler and his wife, Ursula Pichler. During a vacation in Tuscany in 1976, they encountered the sport of golf for the first time. A year later, they became members of the Bad Ischl Golf Club and were quickly captivated by the golf fever.
It soon became clear that not only was the golf handicap a challenge, but also the long journey to Bad Ischl, making it evident that Wels needed its own golf course. In the spring of 1981, Heinz Pichler invited interested parties to an informational evening at the Hotel Stadtkrug. About 20 attendees showed up. Enough people were inspired, and on June 9, 1981, Golf Club Wels was founded.
First Driving Range in Fischlham
The first golf instructor, Ian Hay from Bad Ischl Golf Club, was hired. The clubhouse was at the Gasthaus Scheinecker (bar and restaurant) in Steinerkirchen at the time. Finally, they remembered the "Nussdorfer Hof." Club president Pichler had planned a guesthouse there years before. The Nussdorfer family was very supportive of the idea of a golf course. After resolving initial differences regarding the lease terms, Golf Club Wels finally found its home. Before construction began, the club had about 40 members. Ursula Pichler served as the secretary and was the all-around helper. The contract to build the first nine holes was awarded to the Viennese company Hauser, and the earthmoving work was assigned to the Wels-based company Felbermayr. The driving range was ready for play by April 1984, and club life began to flourish.
Gordon Manson as Pro
However, a trainer was still needed. The Pichlers flew to London to select the best candidate from numerous applicants. They chose Gordon Manson, which proved to be a golden decision. Gordon Manson and the new driving range attracted many new members. The cost of building the first nine holes, including remodeling the clubhouse and purchasing equipment, amounted to around 9 million Schillings. By May 1985, the course—largely corresponding to today's second nine holes—was ready for play. The club now had about 100 members. A year later, at the beginning of the 1986 season, Helmuth Hasenleithner took over the restaurant and pro shop. The season fee was 6,000 Schillings at the time, and the admission fee for two people was 16,000 Schillings.
Rapid Expansion
The major work was now done, and members enjoyed the beautiful game. However, the dream of an 18-hole course persisted, and in 1987, the board decided to expand the course to 18 holes. At the general meeting on March 1, 1988, this decision was approved by the majority. The second nine holes were ready for play by the 1991 season, much to the delight of the members. With the club having outgrown its infancy, founding president Heinz Pichler stepped down in 1991, and a new board was formed under the leadership of Dr. Peter Posch. The primary task under the new president was the renovation and expansion of the clubhouse. The major changes implemented during this time still stand today. Special attention was also given to finances, and the club's debt was reduced year by year.
After eight years in office, Dr. Peter Posch stepped down from the presidency. Following a closely contested election, a new board was elected in 1999 under President Ing. Peter Supanz. The main goals of the new board were to improve and beautify the course, adapt the infrastructure to new conditions, and manage Golf Club Wels economically, along with a focused and successful membership recruitment effort.
From among the board members under Ing. Peter Supanz, the next president, Dr. Gerald Haas, emerged and led the club until 2014. The objectives outlined above continued to be pursued, and the redesign of the course was completed successfully, including the renovation of the 3rd fairway. With new equipment, the quality of the course improved continuously. In 2011, the new winter garden was opened and was well-received by all members and visitors. We can proudly reflect on the success story of GolfClub Wels.
PICHLER Heinz †
