LOST CITY GOLF COURSE

Some  10  years  after  the  completion  of  the  Gary  Player  Country  Club,  the  popularity  of  Sun City  demanded  another course be built. Again the pro was commissioned, his challenge being to create a very different experience. The course defies being bracketed into any particular genre having touches of mountain, desert and even African parkland in its make-up. Here, the golfer can choose to tackle the course from its championship tees (suggested only for the longer hitting, single-figure handicappers), the standard markers or forward tees. Even playing the shortest route presents a great test as the approaches to the greens – clad in bent grass and protected by bunkers – demand careful judgment.

CHAMPAGNE SPORTS RESORT

Located in the beautiful Drakensberg area, this course has to be rated as one of the most scenically memorable golf layouts in South Africa. Designed by Hugh Baiocchi and Kevin Curren, it successfully blends the natural attributes of the terrain and the surrounding beauty with the modern demands of a quality course. It undulates up and around the contours of a valley that nestles under the dominant peaks of Champagne and Cathkin Peaks and incorporates several holes with blind tee  shots. Professional and novice alike will appreciate the 84 well-appointed bunkers that line the fairways and greens. The quality of the greens is accredited to Trevor Livesey whose passion remains unabated. Though the drama of the mighty mountains dominates the eye, the course also enjoys gentle vistas where the lower hills create a kaleidoscope of colour blessed with trees, rivers and dams to add even more of a challenge.

DURBAN COUNTRY CLUB

Built by George Waterman and fellow professional golfer Laurie Waters, the Durban Country Club was established in 1922 and has a  proud  history.  The difficulties these men faced  were  immense  as  all  earth-moving  had  to  be  done manually, giant sand dunes were flattened and dense bush  and trees chopped down and carted away. Renowned for its classic Cape Dutch architecture, lush vegetation, undulating fairways, sand dunes and beautiful setting overlooking the Indian Ocean, the Club has been the venue of choice for many an important celebration in its rich history.

ROYAL SWAZI

This spectacular championship course is one of the most scenic locations found in the world. Opened in 1966, it has been laid out on the slopes of the Lebombo Range that curves gently down into the valley. The first nine holes are comparatively level but the second nine fully exploits the mountainous terrain. Challenging features include lakes, gullies thick with vegetation, out-of-bound areas running  close to fairways, swirling breezes, clusters of magnificent trees and indigenous plants and wickedly sited bunkers – one is so steep it requires steps to facilitate access.