These 10 spectacular courses are why the KZN South Coast is the Golf Coast of SA
I don’t profess to know much about golf, but I have had occasions to visit some of these iconic golf clubs for some excellent meals and sundowners – many with scenic views of the Indian Ocean as backdrops, and can only imagine what a treat it would be to play on some of the most beautiful greens in the country.
10 Courses to choose from – all on a 100 km stretch of KZN coastline
Stretching from Umkomaas to the Wild Coast, these magnificent courses combine ocean views with coastal forest, fabulous hospitality – and of course one of the mildest year-round climates in SA.
Umkomaas Golf Club
Image: Facebook
Umkomaas Golf Course was first constructed as a 9-hole layout in 1913 but was expanded to 18 holes in 1926. In 1932, renowned course designer Robert “Bob” Grimsdell redesigned the course, capitalising on the natural contours of the land and taking advantage of the glorious sea views (most holes offer great views of the warm Indian Ocean). The course layout has remained largely unchanged, and as a result, one of Umkomaas’ unique features is the raised greens, thanks to more than 100 years of top dressings and treatments.
Bookings: 039 9731042 | umkomaasgolf@gmail.com | https://umkomaasgolf.wixsite.com/umkomaasgolf
Scottburgh Golf Club
Image: http://www.scottburghgolf.co.za/
This undulating golf course has a most attractive setting with views and sounds of the Indian Ocean always in the background. Comparatively short at 5323m, it boasts two par 5s and five spectacular par 3 holes, with the par 4 third hole being the most talked about hole on the course.
Bookings: 039-976-0041 | finance@scottburghgolf.co.za | http://www.scottburghgolf.co.za/
Selborne Park Golf Estate
Image: https://www.selbornegolf.co.za/
Designed by Denis Barker, its beauty has been compared to that of Augusta, and the challenges that may be found here have been the downfall of many players during the Sunshine Tour. The course provides a real contest for golfers of every ability, and water is a prominent feature on the majority of the holes. The driving range is superb and sits alongside Africa’s biggest putting green with a resident pro on hand to offer advice and guidance.
Booking: 039-688-1800 | reservations@selbornehotel.co.za | https://www.selbornegolf.co.za/
Umdoni Park Golf Club
Image: https://umdonipark.com/
Umdoni Park Golf Club, one of the hidden treasures of the South Coast, boasts breathtaking sea views from 70% of the golf course and is situated in 200 hectares of indigenous coastal forest. The par 5 eighteenth and par 3 sixteenth holes are both elevated tees, which makes the length judgment critical.
Bookings: 039-9751615 | veni@umdonipark.com | https://umdonipark.com/
Port Shepstone Country Club
Image: https://pscc.co.za/
Voted Best Golf Course for seven years in a row in the South Coast Herald’s Readers’ Choice Awards, Port Shepstone Country Club stands tall today as one of South Africa’s favourite golfing courses and estates. The course is set alongside the stunning Umzimkhulu River and the Indian Ocean.
Bookings: 065 699 4624 | https://pscc.co.za/bookings.html | https://pscc.co.za/
Margate Country Club
Image: https://www.margatecountryclub.co.za/
The Margate Country Club hosts one of the finest golf courses on the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal (East Coast of South Africa). Situated on the outskirts of Margate, they are right in the heart of KZN’s Hibiscus Coast and just over an hour’s drive from Durban, with quick and easy access off the R61.
Although challenging at times, it is also a forgiving course – especially for golfers just starting out at this amazing game. Keep an eye open for the large variety of wonderful wildlife and birdlife found in this area.
Bookings: 039 317 2340 | Email: proshop@margatecountryclub.co.za | https://www.margatecountryclub.co.za/
Southbroom Golf Club
Ranked #1 in South Africa’s Most Fun Courses (Golf Digest December 2012), Southbroom Golf Club boasts one of the most popular golf courses on the lower South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. As an integral part of the Southbroom village, the course is a rare South African layout and if it wasn’t for all the palm trees and tropical foliage, you’d think you were in Britain or Ireland.
Only a stone’s throw from the Indian Ocean, Southbroom Golf Club affords golfers impressive views of pristine beaches and the sea; the tranquility of playing alongside the lush indigenous vegetation of the Frederika Nature Reserve; and an opportunity to feel the pride of the Southbroom village as the course meanders past elegant coastal residences.
Bookings: 039-316-6026 | play@southbroomgolfclub.co.za | http://southbroomgolfclub.co.za/
San Lameer Golf Course
Image: https://www.sanlameer.co.za/golf/
Set in the heart of a unique natural environment, San Lameer offers you everything you would include in a dream course. Eighteen memorable holes that weave a natural challenge through the open glades, forest and wetlands with the relaxed roar of the Indian Ocean cheering you on.
The course itself, designed by Peter Matkovich and Dale Hayes, is sculptured around one of the last remaining wetland forests on the South Coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal. It was designed to avoid areas of sensitive vegetation and utilizes the indigenous plants and shrubs in the natural features of the course.
Bookings: 039-313-0111 | Email: marketing@sanlameer.co.za | https://www.sanlameer.co.za/golf/
Port Edward Country Club
Image: https://portedwardgolfclub.co.za/
The Port Edward Country Club boasts a scenic 9-hole, 18-tee box, par 72 golf course with reputedly the friendliest atmosphere on the South Coast. Carla’s Country Kitchen Restaurant, delicious breakfasts and golf carts are available for hire.
Bookings: 039 492 0508 | info@portedwardgolfclub.co.za | https://portedwardgolfclub.co.za/bookings.html
Wild Coast Sun Country Club
Image: https://www.suninternational.com/wild-coast-sun/activities/golf/
Famed for being one of the top golf courses in South Africa, the Wild Coast Sun golf course extends over rugged terrain along the Indian Ocean. Creating a dramatic golfing experience, this breathtaking golf course in Port Edward is played over hills, ravines, rivers, dams and waterfalls making it a challenge for professionals and amateurs alike.
Right from the opening hole, which sweeps down towards a lagoon, to the 18th with the Indian Ocean as its backdrop, the par-70 golf course makes golfing at Wild Coast Sun an unforgettable experience.
Bookings: 039 305 2799 | wcsgolf@suninternational.com | https://www.suninternational.com/wild-coast-sun/activities/golf/
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sasha Wyatt-Minter
