course prompted the closure of the front nine. Mature parkland layout with tree- lined fairways which places an emphasis on accuracy. Just four par 4s survive, along with three par 3s. There is a TopTrack range powered by Trackman. 17 SWELLENDAM Swellendam, Western Cape Overberg SCORE 39/60 Clubhouse 7.5 • Aesthetics 8 Conditioning 6 • Design Variety 6.5 Innovation 5 • Challenge 6 This pleasant course occupies a beautiful and tranquil site on a hill above the historic town, overlooked by the Langeberg mountain range. There are westward views over the surrounding Overberg countryside from this lofty position. There’s a natural rugged look to the tree-lined layout, which undulates softly towards a valley, its holes framed by a variety of mature trees and native grasses which form penalty areas. 18 MOOI RIVER Mooi River, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands SCORE 38.7/60 Clubhouse 6.5 • Aesthetics 7.3 Conditioning 5.5 • Design Variety 6.5 Innovation 6.7 • Challenge 6.2 Unusual setting on top of a hill, adjoining Treverton College, so prepare yourself for an undulating ride on the course and beautiful panoramic views. The final hole climbs steeply back up the hill to the clubhouse. Some interesting design innovations are a feature, notably at the opening hole which is both a par 4 (1) and par 3 (10) with alternate greens.
Zwartkop Country Club.
19 RIVERSDALE Riversdale, Southern Cape SCORE 38.5/60 Clubhouse 5.3 • Aesthetics 6.2 Conditioning 6 • Design Variety 7.5 Innovation 6 • Challenge 7.5 One of the oldest clubs (1911) in the Southern Cape, set in a quiet valley away from the town. Very flat, compact, and challenging 1950s course with 11 greens. Two holes, including the long seventh, border the Goukou River flowing past. Remnants of an old stone bridge from an earlier era have been converted into a tee for the par-3 eighth.
20 HEX RIVER VALLEY Near Worcester, Cape Winelands SCORE 38.3/60 Clubhouse 7.5 • Aesthetics 6.8 Conditioning 6 • Design Variety 7 Innovation 5 • Challenge 6
Short par-70 layout of 5 391 metres, close to the N1, with some stunning mountain scenery and quirky, fun holes. There are three par 3s on each nine, including No 7 over a dam to a large green. The two par 5s, No 6 and 8, are the only holes of any substance for longer hitters. 21 CERES Ceres, Western Cape SCORE 38/60 Clubhouse 7.5 • Aesthetics 6 Conditioning 6.5 • Design Variety 6.5 Innovation 6 • Challenge 5.5 As you crest Mitchell’s Pass into this picturesque town, the parkland course lies below the road. It is now part of a residential estate, and some holes have been modified. There is talk that holes 6 and 7 might be lost for a future housing phase which would be unfortunate. Strong closing par 4 with a stream to be carried with the tee shot. The estate came with a big modern clubhouse. Next to it is an old railway station from which steam trains still operate. 22 KRIEL Kriel, Mpumalanga Highveld SCORE 37.5/60 C lubhouse 7.5 • Aesthetics 5.5 Conditioning 6 • Design Variety 6.5 Innovation 5 • Challenge 7 Strong enough test to have hosted 2001 SA Senior Open where Allan Henning was over par in winning. Unusually there are three par 5s, three par 4s and three par 3s. No short par 4s, and the par 3s on back nine play 193, 195 and 187.
Swellendam.
GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA 63
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024
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