THE WILDEST GOLF COURSE IN THE WORLD SKUKUZA
T he Skukuza Golf Course, situated on the outskirts of the Skukuza Rest camp within the Kruger National Park, was built in 1972 as a recreational facility for the park’s personnel. It has subsequently opened to visitors who can enjoy playing the 9-hole golf course in an unfenced environment. There are tales and sightings of all the species in the park. Hippo, warthog, and impala are a daily sight, with buffalo, lion, leopard, elephant, wild dog, and hyena appearing from time to time. Since the golf course opened, Skukuza Golf Club has hosted the Lowveld region’s popular annual golf event, “The Joke,” serving as a sanctuary for golfing friends to enjoy a few days in the wild. The Joke has carved out a storied legacy that draws interest from all parts of the country and abroad.
up with Mark Wiltshire Golf (MWG) to upgrade, operate and manage the golf club at Skukuza. The upgrade of the clubhouse and golf course started in August 2022, and they officially relaunched the golf course in March 2023. The clubhouse underwent a remarkable makeover, embracing a contemporary bush aesthetic theme with an outdoor deck. The pro shop relocated closer to the first tee, with new shop fittings and fixtures displaying various merchandise. They upgraded the changing rooms, and a new addition to the clubhouse is a Founders Lounge, where members can relax with friends. Henry’s Restaurant and Bar has quickly established itself as a leisure destination for golfers and non-golfers alike. There is an abundance of outdoor seating on the deck, a new shaded area and a well- stocked outdoor bar, and the view over Lake Panic is spectacular. The menu is
quite diverse, serving breakfasts, light meals during the day and dinner, with provision for a kids’ menu as well. On the golf course side, MWG’s brief was to re-design the greens, install a new automated irrigation system and general upgrade. To illustrate that this a unique golf course, the automated irrigation system is as much an exercise in water conservation (water at night to avoid excessive evaporation during the day due to the heat) as it is a safety issue. The greenkeeper does not have to operate the system manually on foot at night with predators lurking around. They cordoned off the greens with electric fences during the rebuilding process, as the newly germinated greens would serve as a feasting delicacy for wildlife. Another interesting fact about the golf course is that it features no bunkers. Animals like warthogs would use them as “playpens.” With the re-design, the finishing hole (par 3) directly in front of
In 2022, SANParks awarded a 20-year concession to Indalo Hotels, who teamed
the clubhouse is shaped like the African continent.
From its humble beginnings to the recent upgrade of the golf course and clubhouse, the Skukuza golf course remains a cherished destination for golf enthusiasts seeking the excitement of playing golf in an unfenced location in the Kruger National Park. Golfers can truly say they have played the wildest golf course in the world.
DP WORLD’S FIGHT AGAINST ILLEGAL WILDLIFE TRADE (IWT) DP World, by collaborating with United for Wildlife and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), aims to significantly and actively contribute to safeguarding our planet's wildlife through the United for Wildlife network. PROTECT WILDLIFE, PRESERVE THE FUTURE:
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