Golf Coast offers birdies and beauty

The KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, which boasts 11 idyllic courses within its 120km coastline stretch – and inland to Harding – is well-known as the country’s ‘Golf Coast’.

Vicky Wentzel, Director of Southern Explorer said that as part of its marketing rollout “we plan to draw the world’s attention to the fact that we not only live in paradise but you can play a round of golf every day of the week on a brilliant course at extremely favourable prices”.

Whether it’s for a dedicated golf tour or merely a seaside holiday with a few rounds of golf thrown in, the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast is a prime golfing destination.

Umkomaas GC
Initially established as a nine-hole course back in 1913, the renowned golf course designer, Robert Grimsdell, was brought in to re-design the course, which he did by incorporating the natural contours and maximising on the beautiful sea views.
This course has remained almost untouched in close on a century, and remains challenging for all players, particularly when the sea winds blow.

Scottburgh GC
The undulating 18-hole course of Scottburgh is one of the most attractive settings on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast.The 3rd hole has one of the narrowest fairways found anywhere, with out-of-bounds on the right of the coastal forest, especially tricky when the wind blows.

Umdoni Park GC
This breathtakingly beautiful golf course offers golfers 18 holes of striking terrain, with nine holes running adjacent to the coastline, followed by the back nine traipsing through the dense indigenous coastal forest.
Umdoni golf course is an undulating space which, when the wind hits, can make for quite a challenging round.
However, the endless sea views and sightings of indigenous wildlife make up for any challenges on the greens.

Selborne Park GC
The scenic town of Pennington on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast is home to the world-class Selborne Golf Estate. This 18-hole, par-72 course has been voted one of the top 100 courses in southern Africa, designed around perfectly-manicured fairways, around one of only two privately-owned coastal forests in the country. Established back in 1987, Selborne is also South Africa’s first residential golfing estate. This challenging but rewarding golf course is located on the 80ha eco-estate, with golfers able to view indigenous wildlife in between stunning sea views.

Port Shepstone CC
Set alongside the Mzimkhulu River and the Indian Ocean is this KwaZulu-Natal South Coast golfing gem. The club originated in 1912 with the first nine holes, with expansions and upgrades turning it into the magnificent course it is today. It’s a regular championship host, and has been voted the ‘Best Golf Course’ five years in a row by the South Coast Herald’s Reader’s Choice Awards. With the family-friendly feel, beautiful club and many activities on offer – outside of golf – this is a must-visit destination.

Margate CC
In the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast is Margate Country Club, a scenic 18-hole golf course that boasts some surprisingly difficult, yet enjoyable hole. The par three 11th over the waterfall require pin-point accuracy, as does the 4th on the front nine.
The 15th, formerly an airstrip, can play very long into the wind.

Southbroom GC
Rated by Golf Digest as the country’s ‘Most Fun Course’ in 2012, as well as the province’s most popular club by Compleat Golfer, KwaZulu-Natal South Coast course is a must-try, 18-hole course. Established in 1938, Southbroom Golf Club has a consistently manicured appearance, with constant upgrades expanding the size of the course.
Players can enjoy impressive ocean views with tranquillity promised by the lush vegetation of the surrounding Frederika Nature Preserve.

San Lameer CC
Set upon a magnificent conservation site is this resplendent golf course, home to some 195 bird species, and an abundance of wildlife, including duiker, reedbuck and bushbuck.
San Lameer is a championship golf course, with 18 memorable holes that weave a natural challenge through open glades, forest and wetlands.
The course was designed by the renowned Peter Matkovich and Dale Hayes, sculptured around the beautiful KwaZulu-Natal South Coast wetlands.

Wild Coast Sun CC
One of the country’s top golf courses can be found just outside of Port Edward. The Wild Coast Sun golf course is a dramatic golfing experience that sees golfers navigating hills, ravines, rivers, dams and waterfalls, making it a challenge for professionals and amateurs alike.
The 18-hole, par-70 course, designed by Robert Trent Jones II, sweeps majestically down towards the lagoon.

Port Edward CC
The nine-hole layout is great for a quick round, with duplicate tees enabling golfers to enjoy a full 18-hole game. The course includes a combination of water hazards, with the coastal wind bringing in another challenge to reach par.

Harding CC
The wind-protected Harding golf course, a nine-hole course with double tee boxes to make for a pleasant round of golf. The fairways are flanked by majestic trees, and the course has a relaxed atmosphere with great views of the countryside environment.

Visit www.thesouthernexplorer.com for more information or mail director@thesouthernexplorer.com to find out more about our exciting golf packages.

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