German Rainbow Open 2025
Location:
WINSTONgolf
Kranichweg 1, 19065 Gneven
Get together / registration: Thursday, October 2nd 2025
First tournament day: Friday, October 3rd 2025
Second tournament day: Saturday October 4th 2025
This is what our participants say:
Was ich bei der GRO liebe? Das starke Gemeinschaftsgefühl.
Die OPEN sind einzigartig. Mit Herzblut organisiert und durchgeführt ist dieses für EUROPA einzigartige Event golferisches Jahreshighlight und freudvolles Familienfest zugleich. Über 80% der TN sind Wiederholungstäter.
GRO is the premier gay golf tournament anywhere in the world! It is expertly managed and provides all that any gay golfer could ask for in a tournament.
Bunt, offen, anspruchsvoll auf hohem Niveau. Ein internationales Event, das sich durch perfekte Organisation mit Herz auszeichnet.
Die GRO sind ein Fest unter Freunden. Golf in allen Leistungsklassen auf Top-Plätzen, professionell organisiert durch die German Rainbow Golfers und dazu ein Rahmenprogramm, das alle einbezieht. Ein Turnier von Freunden für Freunde!
Hosts and players were so very welcoming and inclusive that we felt right at home instantly, even though we were complete strangers to most everyone.
Mein sportliches Highlight des Jahres! Grandiose Golfplätze, tolle Sideevents und Freunde treffen. Kann es schon ab Saisonstart kaum erwarten.
I already came 6 times. Always a great pleasure. The quality of the organization, the golf courses, the evenings and especially THE ATMOSPHERE… are wonderful.
Ein toll organisiertes, anspruchsvolles Turnier, mit internationalem Spielerfeld und hochwertigem Rahmenprogramm.
Seit ich 2012 das erste Mal an den GRO teilgenommen habe, ist diese Veranstaltung ein absolutes „Muss“ in meinem Terminkalender. Ein wirklich richtig fein organisiertes Golfturnier im Zeichen des Regenbogens mit Suchtfaktor.
I attended my first Rainbow Open in 2017. The Rainbow Open was a fantastic tournament. It was so professionally organised and all courses we played at Winstongolf, Scharmuetzelsee and Hoesel were of championship standard. So I've been back every year since 2017!
Die GRO sind ein Potpourri aus Spaß, Spannung, Sport und den unterschiedlichsten Menschen - kontinentübergreifend. Stets eine Reise wert.
Die GRO ermöglichen Golfen auf den besten und schönsten Golfanlagen Deutschlands zusammen mit guten Freunden.
Meine Golfkarriere begann bei den German Rainbow Open! Über den Schnupperkurs wurde ich zum begeisterten Turnierteilnehmer und konnte sogar schon eine Medaille mit nach Hause nehmen. Man fühlt sich wirklich unter Freunden - auf dem Golfplatz und in der Bar.
Klasse Golf, klasse Event... das (in 2006 seinerzeit für mich) erste, grösste und nach wie vor für mich schönste Golfturnier der Community... 🙂
Sportlich, fröhlich, mit Freund:innen unterm Regenbogen, … Das schönste Golfturnier des Jahres - ein fester Termin in meinem Kalender.
An den jährlichen GRO teilzunehmen, bedeutet an einem großen, bunten und fröhlichen Familienfest beteiligt zu sein. Auf Weltklasse-Plätzen, in herrlichem Ambiente mit tollen Leuten.
The idea of the tournament
It was spring the year 2005 …
There were five of us and we had a common vision: We wanted to create an international golf tournament for lesbians and gays.
With high sporting standards, played over two days, on an 18-hole championship course. Above all, however, the focus was to be on fun and communication within the LGBTIQ community. For example, gender-mixed playing groups (only called “flights” in Germany) were a natural part of the plan, also in terms of playing strength.
Already in the same year, we were able to make our vision come true – and have been doing so again and again every fall since then. Today, the German-Rainbow-Open are a firmly established tournament in European gay and lesbian (LGBTIQ) golf.
In accordance with our philosophy, we want to introduce as many uninitiated lesbians and gays interested in golf as possible to this wonderful sport. A professional golf trial course is therefore always part of the German-Rainbow-Open. And we promise: Our LGBTIQ Community Golf Tournament is also suitable for players with little tournament experience.
STRAIGHTdrivesQUEERplayersPRIDEgolf
Important updates GRO 2025
The GRO continue to develop …
Golf is evolving and we want to make the GRO more attractive for all target groups. Therefore, we have thought about it, talked to many participants and decided on some changes and innovations. With both innovations, we are pursuing the goal of increasing the flow of the game and the fun factor for all participants.
Sustainable golf event
We want to be responsible with resources and host a golf tournament that reflects this approach. For this reason, we have been dispensing with beverage bottles for round catering since the 17th GRO and offer a refill system. We also do without starting gifts that offer no added value and quickly end up in the trash can, as well as multiple printed starting and results lists. The latter have also been available in digital form for all participants on demand since 2022.
Thus, we will continue to make further changes in the future in order to minimize our impact on the environment without losing sight of the value of the German-Rainbow-Open. We appreciate your understanding and even more your support of this approach.
Senior competition
With the 18th GRO we introduce a gender and class independent senior competition. Eligible for this new classification are participants aged 60 years and older.
The senior ranking will be played as a 9-hole tournament on both days (1x 9-hole on tournament day 1 and 1x 9-hole on tournament day 2). Participants in the senior ranking will therefore not be included in the class A-D rankings. The tournament will be played according to Stableford in a net ranking (net prizes 1-6).
Of course, eligible participants can also opt for the 18-hole competition (A-C) and thus not compete in the senior ranking. In other words, participation in the senior ranking has always been and will remain voluntary.
Rookies – 9-hole-tournament
Do you have a handicap between +36 and +54? Play anyway. That’s why we’ve created the rookie ranking. When you register, you select your handicap. If this is within the specified range, you will be shown the rookie packages. This means you can play 1x 9-holes per day. With this we want to make the entry into the tournament world more attractive for “rookies”.
You are probably wondering what will happen if you improve your handicap by the time of the GRO so that you no longer qualify for the rookie ranking. In that case we ask you to contact us, because then you are indeed qualified for the 18-hole tournament and have to play it (this then requires an additional payment to make up the difference to the 18-hole green fee).
Code of Conduct
Whether lesbian, gay, bi, trans, non-binary, fluid … we welcome you as part of the LGBTQI* community to the German Rainbow Open. We invite everyone who participates in our events to help us create safe and positive experiences for all. The Code of Conduct outlines our expectations for all who participate in our community and the consequences for unacceptable behavior.
Program 2025
What awaits you …
In keeping with the motto “back to the roots”, you can look forward to two of the best golf courses in Germany, a feel-good atmosphere on and around the golf courses, lots of smiles, wonderful conversations, new friendships and simply lots of fun in our community. Of course, you can also expect a few special features, as we are celebrating the 20th edition of the German Rainbow Open. So be curious!
Thursday October 2nd, 2025
evening:
Get Together at the reception area of WINSTONgolf
Self-payer/small card
5:30-7:30pm
WINSTONgolf – clubhouse entrance area
Registration
8:00pm
Golf-Restaurant / WINSTONgolf
Welcome of the participants by the board of the German-Rainbow-Golfers association
ca. 21:00
Clubhouse entrance area & online-Download
GRO starting lists for the first tounnament day
from 10:00pm
End of the evening at the bar in the hotel Schloss Basthorst
Friday October 3rd, 2025
from 8:00am
WINSTONgolf Golf receiption area: Issue of score cards, late accreditation
Captains-Briefing (planned)
On both courses tee-time start for groups A, B, C and D as well as Rookies & Seniors .
WINSTONLinks, classes A/B – 18-holes
9:00am time-start from tee 1
subject to change
WINSTONOpen, classes C/D – 18 holes
9:00am time-start from tee 1
subject to change
WINSTONOpen / (WINSTONlinks), classes Rookies & Seniors 9 holes
from around 11:00am time start tee 1 following classes C/D
WINSTONLinks, halfway-snack
Starter cottage Tee 10
WINSTONOpen, halfway-snack
Station close totee 10 close to clubhouse terrace
from around 3.30pm (optional):
clubhouse:
Get Together
7:00pm
1st evening event
Schloss Basthorst:
Champagne reception, dinner, award ceremony special prizes, TOMBOLA
from 9:00pm
Schloss Basthorst :
Posting of the GRO start lists for the 2nd tournament day
Open End
End of the Friday event
Saturday October 4th, 2025
from 08:00am
WINSTONgolf: Issuing of the scorecards
On both courses and for all groups tee times.
WINSTONOpen, classes A/B, 18 holes
Tee 1 from 10:00am
subject to change
WINSTONLinks, classes C/D & seniors
Tee 1 from 9:00am
subject to change
WINSTONOpen/ (WINSTONlinks), class Rookies
Tee 10 from around 11:00am
subject to change
WINSTONLinks, halfway-snack
Starter cottage Tee 10
WINSTONOpen, halfway-snack
Station close totee 10 close to clubhouse terrace
from around 4:00pm/5:00 pm
Clubhouse terrace,
“Welcome of the Champions”
7:00pm
PlayersNite
Schloss Basthorst
4-course gala dinner
around 8:00pm
Award ceremony of all handicap-groups of the 19th German-Rainbow-Open 2024, Pink-Jacket-Award, press photos.
Official closing and end of the 19th German-Rainbow-Open
from 9:00pm
PayersNite
Open End
Accomodation 2025
Having a heavenly sleep …
at our tournament hotel – Schloss Basthorst & Gut Vorbeck. For the 20th GRO we were also able to negotiate a large contingent of rooms and special conditions for all our participants. Single and double rooms as well as several apartments are available for us. The contingent can now be booked. First come, first serve.
Bookings for the two accommodations listed below must be made directly through the respective hotel – keyword “GRO 2025”
The special conditions apply in the following period::
Arrival date: October 02, 2025
Departure date: October 05, 2025
Schloss Basthorst
Special rate in a standard single room of € 130.00 per night and room
Special rate in a standard double room of € 158.00 per night and room
Special price in a luxury single room of € 150.00 per night and room
Special price in the luxury double room of € 178.00 per night and room
Special price in the junior suite single use of € 176.00 per night and room
Special rate in the junior suite double occupancy of € 204.00 per night and room
All prices include breakfast.
Basthorst also offers a selection of apartments which can be booked. For pricing please contact Schloss Basthorst directly .
Gut Vorbeck
Special price in a standard single room of € 130.00 per night and room
Special price in a standard double room of € 158.00 per night and room
Schloss Basthorst
Schlossstrasse 18, 19089 Crivitz
Tel.: +49 (0) 3863 – 52 50
info@schloss-basthorst.de
www.schloss-basthorst.de
Gut Vorbeck
An der Warnow 1,19065 Gneven
Tel.: +49 (0) 3860 502996
info@winstongolf.de
www.gutvorbeck.de
The cancellation conditions of the hotels apply, which can be requested directly from the hotel.
There are also several other hotels and guesthouses in the region.
Tournament announcement 2025
The official tournament announcement …
is available for you to download here. Please read it carefully to familiarize yourself with the terms and conditions of the tournament:
Download the tournament announcement …
Packages, booking and payment 2025
We have put together these packages …
WINSTONgolf offers fantastic courses and a special golfing experience. And all this at a proud price. In order to keep the cost increases for our participants as moderate as possible, the German-Rainbow-Golfers association will dig deep into its pockets for the 20th Open. Therefore, you can decide for each package whether you want to choose the package subsidized by the GRG association or the package at the calculated original price.
Booking
Please note the information under the menu item “Important update GRO 2025”. Before you make a booking, please make sure that you have read all the information on this website carefully.
After booking a package, you will receive a confirmation to the email address you provided. Please note that your start or participation place is only guaranteed if you have transferred the corresponding package price in full to the account indicated below. A few days after your booking you will receive an invoice. This includes a reference number, which you please indicate as reason for payment in the transfer.
Registration deadline: September 12th, 2025
Please note our GRO cancellation policy which has been updated for the 20th GRO.
Please note also that we have to charge an administrative fee of €10 for cancellations if the wrong package is booked (see FAQ for more details) and a cancellation/rebooking is subsequently necessary.
Payment
Payment of the package price at the latest 14 days after booking (confirmation by email):
Payee: German-Rainbow-Golfers e.V.
Bank: Deutsche Skatbank
Branch of the VR-Bank Altenburger Land eG | Altenburger Str. 13 | 04626 Schmölln
IBAN: DE82 8306 5408 0005 2462 70
BIC/SWIFT: GENODEF1SLR
reason for payment: first and last name, GRO2025, refernce number
If you have several invoices to pay (e.g. your registration or your membership fee or other liabilities to the GRG e.V.): Please do not combine them under any circumstances, but transfer all invoices separately. Also, please do not combine transfers, i.e. invoices for registrations for several people.
Package A18 – Groups A-D
GRG association subsidized price: 365 EUR | Orginal price: 455 EUR
Starting gift
2x 18 hole tournament
all evaluations
small lunch package (bring your own bottle for refill) & 2x halfway catering
2x evening events with buffet & PlayersNite
Welcome of the Champion
Award ceremony with prizes
Paket A9 – Group Rookie
GRG association subsidized price: 300 EUR | Orginal price: 370 EUR
Starting gift
2x 9 hole tournament
all evaluations
small lunch package (bring your own bottle for refill) & 2x halfway catering
2x evening events with buffet & PlayersNite
Welcome of the Champion
Award ceremony with prizes
Package S9 – Seniors from 60 years of age
GRG association subsidized price: 300 EUR | Orginal price: 370 EUR
Starting gift
2x 9 hole tournament
all evaluations
small lunch package (bring your own bottle for refill) & 2x halfway catering
2x evening events with buffet & PlayersNite
Welcome of the Champion
Award ceremony with prizes
Paket F – Fun
GRG association subsidized price: 190 EUR | Original price: 220 EUR
Start gift
small lunch package (bring your own bottle for refill) & 2x halfway catering
2x evening event with buffet & PlayersNite
Welcome of the Champion
Award ceremony with prizes
Hall of Fame
winner 2024
Theresa, Hamburg
Heiko, Hamburg
winner 2023
Nina Benning, Essen
Ondřej Vrátný, Prag
winner 2022
Theresa, Hamburg
Andreas Iken, Hamburg
winner 2021
Theresa, Hamburg
Christer Shipley, Stockholm
winner 2019
Tina Ehorn, Lüneburg
Christer Shipley, Stockholm
winner 2018
Stefanie Sperber, Hamburg
Andreas Iken, Hamburg
winner 2017
Theresa, Hamburg
Andreas Iken, Hamburg
winner 2016
Petra, Bielefeld
Andreas Iken, Hamburg
winner 2015
Stefanie Sperber, Hamburg
Stephan Zimmermann, Frankfurt
winner 2014
Anne-Kristin Gerlach, Seevetal
Gordon Munro-Sönksen, Versmold
winner 2013
Anemone Synomyme, Hamburg
Gordon Munro-Sönksen, Versmold
winner 2012
Stefanie Sperber, Hamburg
Markus Ortlieb, Heidelberg
winner 2011
Inger Giwer, Berlin
Gordon Munro-Sönksen, Versmold
winner 2010
Tina Ehorn, Lüneburg
Gordon Munro-Sönksen, Versmold
winner 2009
Inger Giwer, Berlin
Gordon Munro-Sönksen, Versmold
winner 2008
Anke Braunschweiger, Achim
Gordon Munro-Sönksen, Versmold
winner 2007
Inger Giwer, Berlin
Michael O’Brien Kelly
winner 2006
Anke Braunschweiger, Achim
Gordon Munro-Sönksen, Versmold
winner 2005
Inger Giwer, Berlin
Gary Langdale, Weston-super-Mare, England
Picture galleries
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
I haven't been playing golf for very long and I'm not sure if I should take part...?
Of course, take part. As long as you already have a handicap and are part of our LGBTIQ+ community, we would be very happy to welcome you. All handicaps are represented and there is a separate category for each handicap range. If your handicap is still between +36 and +54, you will play in the rookie category, 2 x 9 hole
Can everyone book every package?
Yes. The subsidized packages are also available for every participant to book.
Why are the participation fees for the 20th GRO so high?
Expensive is relative, and golf is not exactly a cheap sport. In general, costs have risen in all areas of life, including in the golf environment (wages, energy, food, etc.). You will have noticed this even outside the GRG, for example when participating in “normal” golf tournaments at your golf club. Furthermore, at WINSTONgolf we are confronted with very high green fees (despite the discount already granted) and additional costs for the event organization, even after several rounds of negotiations. On top of that, there are the costs for round catering, the evening events at Schloss Basthorst (food, decoration, room rental, staff, etc.), costs for IT and advertising expenses, prizes, DJ, decoration on and around the courses and Schloss Basthorst, and and and... You see, many individual parts make up a whole.
Why does it take a few days to receive an invoice after registration?
We organize the Open on a voluntary basis and therefore have limited time. Therefore, we cannot issue an invoice immediately after each registration. In addition, we usually wait 1-2 days, as it is not uncommon for a registration to be canceled a short time later - unfortunately, this generates a not inconsiderable amount of work.
Why do you charge a processing fee if the wrong package has been booked?
The answer is simple – a cancellation means a lot of work. On the one hand, we have to cancel the original invoice and send it to you, and also issue a new one because you want to rebook. This also has to be sent to you again. In addition, we have to update the registration list and communication within the organization team and with our partners (golf club/catering) is necessary.
I want to register for the rookie ranking. What happens if my handicap improves to below +36 before the Open?
By registering for the rookie classification, you agree to the “rookie consent”, which states that if your handicap improves below +36, you will participate in the 2x18-hole classification. This then requires a corresponding surcharge to the A18S or A18O packages. You can find out exactly what to do under “Important changes” on this homepage.
Is it true that anyone aged 60 or over MUST play in the senior category?
No, no and no again. Unfortunately, the rumor has spread that this is the case for some people. Since the introduction of this scoring category, every senior has been free to participate in the regular 2x18-hole scoring or in the senior scoring, which is played over 2x 9 holes. When registering, you enter your date of birth and if you meet the age requirement, you will be given the additional option of selecting the senior ranking or the corresponding package on the form.
I would like to book a round of warm-ups. How do I do this and how much do they cost?
Please book your warm-up rounds directly with WINSTONgolf. WINSTONgolf offers daily prices that may vary, as well as occasional offers. So keep an eye out and book when it suits you. As the organizer of the GRO, we have no influence on the warm-up rounds.
I would like to book more hotel nights. Are there special conditions for this?
The conditions listed on our website are only valid for the period mentioned. For extensions (before or after), please contact the hotel directly to find out what conditions can be offered to you.
How far away from the golf courses are Schloss Basthorst and Gut Vorbeck?
It's just a stone's throw away. It takes about 10 minutes by car from Schloss Basthorst and even less from Gut Vorbeck.
Why did you adjust the terms of cancellation?
As a non-profit organization, we are incurring high expenses with the 20th GRO, which we provide to all participants from our association funds. At the same time, we are faced with strict cancellation and business conditions from WINSTONgolf. We have to protect the association and therefore we have to adjust our conditions.
Why have you introduced a code of conduct?
We want every participant to feel comfortable and safe with us. Tolerance, inclusion and respectful interaction are very important to us. Each and every one of us has their own background, character and sensitivity. What is normal for one person (e.g. a hug) may not be normal for someone else or may cause discomfort. With this Code of Conduct, we want to raise awareness, NOT discriminate and NOT sanction. We are not alone in this. Many associations, sports clubs and other organizations have adopted a similar code of conduct to create an inclusive environment characterized by mutual respect.
Is there any carpooling?
As an association/organizing team, we cannot afford this. If you are interested in a carpool, you are welcome to join forces with other tournament participants. If you contact us (exclusively at info@german-rainbow-golfers.com), we can try to connect you with participants from your region. This way you can arrive at the tournament relaxed and together!
What happens during the tournament?
You can find the exact tournament schedule in the invitation. To make sure you don't miss any of the program, we will guide you through the schedule during the event days and will be available to answer your questions at any time. You can also find the schedule for the entire event on this homepage under Program 2025.
Can companions be present?
Absolutely! Your companions can be up close to the action and follow the round of golf live. If golf is not your thing, there are alternatives: relax in the hotel, in the wellness area, explore the Mecklenburg Lake District or visit the beautiful city of Schwerin.
Before contacting us with questions about the GRO, please first read the "Frequently Asked Questions" page.
Questions about the tournament (venue, game mode, announcement, competition categories, etc.) should only be directed to tournament@german-rainbow-open.com.
For other inquiries, you can reach us at info@german-rainbow-open.com.
Please note: Questions about the GRO that are sent to email addresses other than those mentioned above cannot be answered.
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