8 ERINVALE
SOMERSET WEST,
WESTERN CAPE The round gets off to a thrilling start with this 420-metre dogleg right par 4. Gary Player designed a risk-reward beauty here. Long hitters can attempt a dangerous tiger line off the back tee across a reservoir to the fairway, cut- ting off a chunk of distance, while the average visitor will attempt something less daunting. But that does leave a long second shot to a remarkably narrow and long green which has been raised above the fairway. There’s a pond short right to take into consideration, and deep bunkers. The back of the green has width to it, but there’s a steep slope behind. 9 CHAMPAGNE SPORTS RESORT CENTRAL DRAKENSBERG, KWAZULU-NATAL The gold tee at this parkland resort lay- out is not used as often as it possibly should be, mainly because it’s hidden away to the side of the clubhouse. From there it’s a 605-metre par 5, one of SA’s longest holes. The tee shot is spectacu- lar, as you’re about 100 metres higher than the fairway, and it’s a long carry to reach it. The gold tee is 110 metres behind the white club tee. The tree- lined fairway slopes steeply to the left, towards the river that flows through the course. You need to flirt with the trees on the right to keep your ball in play. A solid drive should leave you at least 300 metres from a long, narrow green which again subtly slopes from right to left. 10 EAGLE CANYON GOLF & LIFESTYLE ESTATE JOHANNESBURG, GAUTENG Stunning views await golfers on the first tee of this “Quarry course” which is very different to the ubiquitous parkland layouts in Gauteng. It’s one of a few opening holes among Top 100 courses where water comes into play off the tee of a 398-metre par 4. A large lake flanks the left side of the fairway, which slopes towards the water, and in dry condi- tions propels tee shots in that direc- tion. A large fairway bunker sits in the middle of the hole, and it’s a big drive to carry it. Out-of-bounds is in play to the right. The approach shot plays uphill to an unusually large green which climbs from front to back.
A large granite koppie towers over the first green at Mbombela Golf Club.
GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA 69
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator