THERE’S some good news emerging from the East Griqualand region.
Kokstad Golf Club traditionally hosts the East Griqualand Open as it’s the only 18 hole golf course in the region. This year it will take place on Sunday, March 5,
Last year it was so dry some players swore they spotted a few camels in amongst all the sand. Maybe it was just a mirage caused by Africa’s summer heat.
While the conditions last year were less than mint due to the drought, news from the area is that it is significantly more playable now.
Sean Baker, an EG stalwart for many years, tries to get in a game there once a week.
He says it’s the best it has been manicured for some time.
“The rough is not too long, and the fairways have been neatly cut,” he said.
The drought was severe last year and while the course is still in the process of recovering, rain has fallen.
“We had 35mm last week and the course has bounced back quite well,” said Baker.
General manager Connie Steyn and the course staff have done a good job.
Interestingly, while birdies are always on offer at Kokstad’s opening par fives (1st and 10th), watch out you don’t score a duck.
In the past year or so, the 18th hole has been redone to make space for a cricket field, covering the area where the old 18th green used to be, and reaching close to the 13th tee.
(That’s the par four going up the hill, in case you’re trying to remember).
“The 18th green is now almost in line with the clubhouse. The hazard that cuts through the fairway is about 10 metres away and there’s a bunker short of the green,” explained Baker.
The new green is now massive, elevated, and still rather firm. No doubt it will settle in time but you have been warned!
The ‘howzat’ appeal of a hopeful bowler is unlikely to put you off your stroke and watching a batsman caress one to the boundary may provide some welcome relief if you are having a rough day.
Despite the 18th hole undergoing some surgery that may have reduced its status, the cricketers have been welcomed and added a new dimension to the club.
So, things are going along quite well at Kokstad at the moment, all things being considered.
While Kokstad may not have greens as smooth as Cotswold Downs, you probably won’t need to pack an army shirt, hunting boots and gum-guard to survive the day.
Look, this is East Griqualand golf at the end of the day … so expectations need to be tempered.
But still it should be a fun time on a track that does have a beauty of its own, especially with those massive trees.
There’s usually a bunch from Southern KZN who make the trip to support the locals. Kokstad will welcome the city golfers too, with open arms.
Gavin Sole (Southbroom) has won the event on numerous occasions but the defending champ is Stephen du Plessis of Kloof.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033
