Golf
With our "in house golfer" Richard on a mission to test and play all of South Africa's courses in his lifetime - here are some real favourites and honest advice from the passionate heart of a golfer.
De Zalze Golf Club - Stellenbosch
A recent round of golf at De Zalze for our MD Richard and two of his friends from the UK confirmed his earlier impression that this is one of the best courses in the Cape. Not only this but with three of the top ten restaurants in South Africa (Terroir, Overture and Rust en Vrede) close by and an array of stunning vineyards, it is the perfect location to combine a full day of golf, food and wine tasting. Read more...Pearl Valley Golf Estate - Franschhoek
This really is a top class golf experience, now host to the South African Open and designed by Jack Nicklaus. If you love your golf this is a must play, quite pricy for South Africans but great value if you bring pounds or Euros and almost worth it just to sit on the veranda with a glass of wine afterwards and watch the sun disappear behind the mountains. They also have a great spa for the non golfers.Atlantic Beach - West Coast
A controversial choice as most Capetonians either love it or hate it with a passion. We happen to love it. What everyone agrees though is that standing on the 12th tee, you get arguably the best view from a golf course in the world!! A stunning 5 star estate course on the West coast, with views back across Table Bay to the city it is a links type lay out that is famous for wind, wind and more wind. You will lose some balls, but you will also see over 40 springbok on the course. Last year Richard stood on the 13th green, watching a mongoose fighting a cape cobra. You need to play this course!Clovelly- Fish Hoek
Nestling in a valley on the slopes above Fish Hoek on the south coast, this popular course winds its way around a river so there is plenty of water. Peaceful and tranquil on the course with a dozen peacocks adding to the colour, the 19th hole is always a busy and lively place. A really enjoyable day's golf and if you want to buy some golf clothing, the recently renovated shop is the place to do it. Our favourite hole is the 4th, it's not long, a par 4 but with water in front of the green. When the wind is pumping, you need to be brave or crazy to go for the green in two.Arabella - Kleinmond
Another one of our absolute favourites, this is 5 star golf out of the top drawer. The resort connected to the Westin Cape Hotel and Spa, is in Kleinmond and hour from Cape Town on the way to Hermanus. Don't let this deter you though, as the course is wrapped around a lagoon with stunning scenery. The eighth and ninth holes will stay in your memory for ever, especially if you manage to drive the 9th over the lagoon. However our favourite hole is the short 17th, the lagoon on your right and the wind into your face will have your knees knocking.Royal Cape - Cape Town
A throw back to what colonial golf must have been (and still is) at the oldest golf club in South Africa. The course is always in superb condition, tree-lined and surprisingly tight, it may not be the best golf course in the Cape but it is worth playing for the historic and exclusive feel alone.King David - Cape Town
Totally underrated, in our opinion this course is a hidden gem, but fails to get the nod due to its location in one of the less salubrious areas of Cape Town. Criticized previously for lack of conditioning, this course is now going places and for those looking for a friendly game away from the pomp of the top courses, it is an absolute "must". You will remember the sixth hole, that tees off from a high tee, down a tree lined fairway with Table Mountain in the background.Milnerton - Cape Town
Another links course on the West Coast, just out of town. A flat layout where wind again is a major factor (this could be the understatement of the year). Really friendly and enjoyable for those who like their golf simple and uncomplicated. Take your camera for the view from the 12th tee.Erinvale - Somerset West
Not strictly in Cape Town this 5 star estate course is 45 minutes away just outside Somerset West on the South Coast. It's just so good we had to include it. Regularly host to the South African Open this is a great golfing experience, fabulous conditioning, fast greens and we guarantee the three finishing holes will remain long in the memory. A golfer's golf course.Simons Town
If you are looking for something different, but enjoyable, then try Simons Town on the South Coast. It's nine holes, rough and ready, but offers the friendliest unpretentious welcome and stunning views over False Bay. It's golf but not as you know it!! Located next to the famous Boulders Beach penguin colony, the last time we played there we sent the penguins scurrying for cover with some errant drives, but we also watched killer whales leaping out of the ocean. Another course affected by wind, you have been warned!!Our golf tip: Get a copy of Cape Town golfing guru, Larry Gould's "Guide to golf in the Cape" or see his web site www.golfincapetown.co.za