Apart from being one of the most acclaimed
tourist destinations in the world, South Africa is internationally acclaimed
for its numerous, highly ranked and aesthetically designed courses. In the
Western Cape area alone there are more than 30 high ranking courses.
Golfing in the Western Cape
Visitors to the Western Cape quickly fall in love with the provinces amazing
golf courses which are set in some of the most scenic landscapes and offer
spectacular vistas. The fantastic weather, gorgeous accommodation offerings and
variety of non-golfing attractions and activities enable everyone to have a
fantastic golfing holiday in the Western Cape.
Golfing Holiday in Hermanus
Hermanus is a gorgeous coastal town located approximately an hour’s drive from
the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town. Each year tourists from all over South
Africa and the world escape the hectic pace of everyday life in this tranquil
and scenic holiday town. Hermanus is comprised of spectacular coastlines,
pristine beaches, lagoons and rivers and is home to two of the Western Cape’s
most acclaimed golf courses. What could be better than a holiday escape to a
picturesque location that offers excellent golfing?
The Courses
The Hermanus Golf Club is set amidst gorgeous sea views and a dramatic
mountainous backdrop. This 18-hole course was designed by Bob Grimsdell and is
one of the most popular courses in the country.
The Hermanus golf club has hosted several top golf tournaments and
exhibitions including the National Inter Provincial Match Play Tournament, the
SA Country Districts Tournament, the Boland Open, the Hermanus Open tournament
and the annual Walker Bay Classic. The course has hosted many golfing legends
including the likes of Bobby Locke, Peter Thompson, Sam Snead, Dai Rees, Ken
Bousfield, Bernard Hunt and Bobby Cole.
Whether you are a scratch golfer or simply someone who enjoys the
therapeutic effects of a few rounds of golf this course will fulfil your every
need. Whilst waiting to play your shot you can watch the whales breaching
in the ocean beside you, there could be no better way for a golfer to spend
a day. Having earned a South African rating of 62 this parklands golf course is
a favourite amongst both locals and tourists alike. The Hermanus Golf Club is
private, yet highly accessible to the public. The most challenging hole on the
course and quite possibly one of the toughest holes in the Cape is the sixth.
With an out-of-bounds on the right and trees to the left of this narrow fairway
this hole demands precision when playing into the wind. The green slopes uphill
from front to back and a water hazard looms close by on the right.
Appropriate golf attire and soft spikes are required on the course. Club
facilities include a Pro Shop, Graded Caddies, a halfway house, locker and
shower facilities and a fantastic bar in which to toast the successes of a
fantastic day on the rolling slopes of this magnificent course.
Located in Kleinmond, which is just a few minutes drive from Hermanus lies the
gorgeous Arabella Golf Course and Country Estate. Designed by Peter Matkovich
the courses theme is balance.
This 6381 metre course is bordered by the largest lagoon in Southern Africa
and the 9th, 17th and 18th run parallel to this gorgeous body of water. Each
hole on the course was designed to have a spectacular view; the mountain
backdrops, lagoon frontage and forests on the Arabella Golf Course and Country
Estate These provide for links, parkland and coastal aspects, while the
individual fairways provide natural corridors as vantage points to savour
nature’s true beauty.
The course was awarded the Golf Digest award for the best new course in
South Africa in 1999. In 2002, the course was rated number 9 in South Africa by
Golf Digest and number 5 in 2003. The club was also awarded the Compleat Golfer
Five Star award in 2003 and currently holds the 6th position on the South
African rating structure.
The Arabella is ranked amongst the ten most
beautiful courses in South Africa and is a highly sought after course amongst
both domestic and international tourists. While visitors are welcome the
Arabella requires every player to have an official handicap and a membership
card or handicap certificate must be brought to the club on the day of play.
All golfers are required to dress in appropriate golf attire and soft spikes.
The Arabella facilities include graded caddies, conference facilities, a gym,
practice area, a pool and a fantastic bar in which to enjoy the views of this
splendid course from.
What else to do whilst in Hermanus
Whilst golfers may praise this tranquil town for its beautiful golf courses
Hermanus is internationally renowned for being the “heart of the whale coast”
and for being recognised by the World Wildlife Fund as the best land-based
whale watching area in the world. The renowned Hermanus whale festival takes
place every September, coinciding with the Southern Right whale's breeding
season. Whales come here to frolic, nurse and breed and, some say, to show off
to Hermanus visitors! There are also several picturesque beaches, fantastic
restaurants, craft markets and pubs which can also be enjoyed whilst you are on
your golfing vacation.
During your golfing holiday to this gorgeous town say at the Windsor Hotel which is
situated on a cliff edge with spectacular panoramic views of the Indian Ocean
below. This Hermanus hotel is perfect for a relaxing seaside holiday break, and
the frolicking whales in the Indian Ocean will add to your enjoyment!
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