Golf’s back. And for combining seaside trips with golf action, KZN’s South Coast can’t be beaten. Rekindle your drives on these iconic courses.
WILD COAST SUN COUNTRY CLUB, PORT EDWARD
Course architect Robert Trent Jones II spent several months just walking around to see the topography before he started building it, and it shows. Situated across the Mtamvuma River from Port Edward, this course is all about rugged, undulating terrain incorporated into scenically spectacular, but shortish holes with coastal views. Beware the par 3, 13th. It’s called Waterfall, and there is one, right between the tee box and the green.
Proshop 039-305-2799/2870
You’ll love (or hate) The 6th Bent Wallet Bridge; The Waterfall – 13th
Off-course: On the hotel estate, Wild Waves Water Park has rides and slides for all ages; there’s horse riding or guided quad biking and Segway tours. The Riverside beach bar and water sport centre, offers kayaking, SUPs, motorised water sports and boat cruises. the-riverside.co.za
Do this in the area
Take a crop-to-cup tour at Beaver Creek coffee estate; there are several mountain bike trails on the property (beavercreek.co.za). At just 11 hectares of naked red soil surrounded by tropical vegetation, the Red Desert claims to be the world’s smallest. Explore on foot or mountain bike (reddesertnaturereserve.co.za).
SAN LAMEER COUNTRY CLUB, SOUTHBROOM
This championship course evolved out of a private nature reserve and was one of the first golf estates to be developed, back in the 1990s. The 200-hectare conservancy still has plenty of wildlife, so expect impala herds grazing on the fairways, but birdies are very rare. The front nine of this Peter Matkovich and Dale Hayes designed course gives sweeping sea vistas, while the back nine is ‘watery’ with the 18th green on an ‘island’.
Proshop 039-313-5141
You’ll love (or hate) The 9th down the hill to a Durban bunny chow at the clubhouse.
Off course The estate has tennis, bowls, squash, a floodlit mashie golf course and direct access to both Trafalgar and Marina blue-flag beaches. A 9,7-kilometre mountain bike track (suitable for walkers and joggers too) has recently been redone.
SOUTHBROOM GOLF CLUB, SOUTHBROOM
Compleat Golfer once rated this as the most popular club in KwaZulu-Natal and it’s an integral part of this holiday-village. Mostly unfenced, the 18 holes interlace with elegant mansions and village lanes. Golf Digest regarded it as South Africa’s Most Fun Course, but don’t necessarily equate ‘most fun’ with easy, when you tee off.
Proshop 039-316-6051You’ll love (or hate) The short (114 metres) but breathtaking 4th
Off course Shop in the jam-packed (with stock) proshop where Derek and Sheena James will see to your every need.
Do this in the area
The KwaXalo Cave Adventure is an exciting new activity on which you descend into a San cave, while clipped to a safely line (074-887-3742). There’s family fun and food at Mac Banana Estate (on the R61, macbanana.com). Kids will love the Riverbend Crocodile Farm (crocodilecrazy.co.za). There’s surf, a lovely swimming beach and tidal pool at Southbroom. Heading north (on the R620) stop for a treat – sweet or savoury – at The Waffle House in Ramsgate (039-314-9424).
SELBORNE GOLF ESTATE, PENNINGTON
Oozing history, the Selbourne estate has been several things in its past, including a dairy farm. The golf course, a regular stop on the Sunshine Tour, meanders through one of only two privately-owned coastal forests in South Africa on pristine but undulating fairways. Birds and antelope abound.
Proshop 039-688-1896
You’ll love (or hate) The 6th, with its pulpit tee boxes
Off course Enjoy fine dining at the Lord Selborne Restaurant or a pampering at the spa.
039-688-1800, selbornehotel.com
UMDONI PARK GOLF CLUB, PENNINGTON
What an undiscovered gem – and not just for golf. Umdoni Park is a trust-fund estate open to the public for trail running, mountain biking, a lovely family restaurant and, of course 18 sublime holes that run from up in forest down to the sea.
Proshop 039-975-1320
You’ll love (there’s nothing to hate) The 18th , from forest to sea
Off course Watch whales from the Umdoni Park Restaurant; on the estate, birdwatch, hike, mountain bike (10km forest track), horse ride or fish at Umdoni Point. Stay over in the historic Botha House built for SA’s first prime minister (umdonipark.com).
Do this in the area
Dive or snorkel with sharks at Aliwal Shoal (bluewilderness.co.za). Pennington Beach and tidal pool are great; grab a light bite at the beachside Impithi Kiosk or a seafood meal at The Submarine in the village. See the coast from above on a microlight flip with Wow flight school(072-117-5130). Crocworld has tours, snakes, birds, an animal farm and café (crocworld.co.za).
Plan a multi-day golfing holiday
Fit Trip Travel offers several stay and play golfing holidays with special gender specific treats and activities in between (think whisky tasting or massages), or create your own bespoke or family package (fittrip-travel.com).
Words & images: Catherine Hofmeyr
