9-HOLE COURSES SOUTH AFRICA'S BEST
OUTH AFRICA is likely unique in the world in having an equal proportion of 18- and 9-hole courses. But be- cause the 9-holers are mostly situated in remote, rural communities, they are played by a tiny
percentage of our golfers. I have been as guilty as anyone in not paying closer attention to these cours- es, as if they were unworthy of our pa- tronage and support. I’m not alone in sharing that attitude. A substantial majority of golfers the world over would consider a 9-holer an inferior product to any course with 18 holes. Yes, we are addicted to play- ing 18 rather than 9, but part of the problem has been the absence of qual- ity full-length 9-hole courses in our metropolitan areas which could have altered our outlook about them. Those few that exist in the cities are dismal in comparison to the bigger layouts. At a time when a growing number of 18-hole clubs are under financial strain – some closing their doors – I’m surprised that more haven’t downsized to 9 holes. Two recent examples have been Zwartkop CC in Centurion, and Sakabula in the KZN Midlands. The popularity of 9-hole golf is on the rise though. Fancourt opened The Links Experience in 2025, nine holes on the same footprint of land where the Bramble Hill 18-hole public layout used to meander. It’s an excellent ad- dition to the golf offering at Fancourt; a course which is a fun challenge for good golfers, but on quiet days will be inviting for beginners and resort guests who want only 9 holes. The Links Experience is in one re- gard unconventional. Fancourt stress that golfers are only expected to play 9 holes. To go out again you would need to book another tee time. The Links Ex- perience doesn’t have alternate tees for a “back nine.” Instead, there are four tee colour options to choose from. The course can be played at anything be- tween 1 884 and 2661 metres, or as a Par 3 course.
ATTRACTIVE ISOLATION
and isolation that makes them attractive. Several clubs have built their holes in rugged empty terrain, a refreshing contrast to city courses surrounded by houses and busy roads. A walk around them reminded me of venturing on to a hiking trail.
10 NEW ENTRIES Vryheid at No 7 Fancourt at No 11 Standerton at No 18 Helderberg Village at No 22 Chrome at No 25
Six years ago, when I launched the SA Top 100 Courses website, I was determined to learn more about our 9-holers. Traversing the country by road I began stopping at every 9-hole club of interest I could
Hartswater at No 35 Jan Kemp at No 38 Heidelberg at No 44 Malmesbury at No 45 Lydenburg at No 50
It must be said that conditioning at most 9-holers is a weakness, although you clearly cannot expect courses with so few members to offer up pristine
find, even if it meant a detour to rustic “dorps” from my intended route. Many are lonely places, used mainly at week- ends, and yet it is their very remoteness
PHOTOGRAPHS BY STUART MCLEAN
108 GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
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