|  ERINVALE
was laid out by Gary Player at the foot of the picturesque
Helderberg Mountains. It was the venue for the 1996 World
Cup
of Golf, which Ernie Els and Wayne Westner won for the host
nation.
It comprises nine flat holes and nine on the mountain. That
works up an appetite for lunch, I can tell you.
Then there’s STEENBURG, set in the
rolling vineyards of the Constantia Valley, where wine production
dates from 1682, though last year’s tasted pretty
good to me. Only 25 minutes from Cape Town, it was designed
by Peter Malkovich, one of South Africa’s best course
architects, who was also responsible for the ARABELLA
at the Western Cape Hotel, recently voted best new course
in South Africa. While you’re at Steenburg, take a
couple of hours at least to visit the famous Kirstenbosch
Botanical Gardens – you might get some good ideas
for your garden back home.
HERMANUS is another course that has become
very popular with visiting British golfers. In September
and October, you are quite likely to see whales in the bay
and you also have
the chance to stay at what is rated one of the country’s
best hotels, The Marine.
|
And I couldn’t overlook
SPARREBOSCH, which itself has breathtaking
views overlooking Knysna Lagoon and the Indian Ocean. Can
there be anywhere on earth better than this to play golf?
I don’t think so. But after a week or so of golf,
you might want to take a diversion into one of the game
parks and go on safari. It would be crazy to go all that
way and not do.
Most golf clubs in South Africa insist on softspikes and
you should take your handicap certificate with you. It might
be needed at some of the more traditional clubs. Weekend
tee-times at some clubs may be more difficult than midweek,
but the resort courses are open for visitors at all times.
Caddies are inexpensive and can be very good, and although
golf carts are available everywhere, you’ll find it
much better
to walk. After all, it’s good for you. Drink plenty
of water to avoid dehydration, use sun-block (the African
sun is much stronger than ours, even bearing this past European
summer in mind) and wear a hat. Tailored shorts are allowed
– in fact, almost all the locals wear them, so go
and get some sun on those legs.
The exchange rate for the rand is pretty impressive, so
you’ll find that golf clothing and equipment are much
cheaper in South Africa. Of course, you’ve then got
to get the stuff through customs without paying too much
when you return! Spring and autumn are probably the best
times to go to the Cape area. Although you can comfortably
play golf there at any time of the year, their winter (our
summer) can be a bit
chilly, so it’s surely best to stay here for our summer
and go there in our winter. |
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