Royal Port Alfred Golf Club

Layout – In 1923 a visitor described the course as “A monument to the origins of golf played on a South African links next to a southern sea” Not much has changed since then. The undulating course snakes its way through thickets of pristine coastal forest and over hilly dunes always with the smell and sounds of the Indian Ocean close by whose blue waters offer the most panoramic views from many of the fairways. In true links tradition every slope, mound and dip remains untouched, demanding creative shot making and deft reading of angles. The course is fairly short at 5739 (ladies 5025) meters and on windless days can be vulnerable. However days such as these are rare and you are more likely than not to encounter the dominant westerly or less common easterly blowing up and down the coast. On one day you will be able to hit a little wedge to the short 11th, Punch Bowl but the next you will need a one wood. A favourite with members and visitors alike is the par 4 12th, “Greenmantle” where the views of the ocean from the back markers are superb. So taken with the view in 1925 the Prince of Wales attempted to drive a ball directly from here into the sea. The ball was recovered and is on display at the Club House. Adding to the allure and charm of the course is its resident wild life. Normally shy bushbuck will continue grazing contently as you walk by while springbok and impala pronk with delight. The blesbok, fallow deer duiker and giant tortoise peer at the golfers with suspicion and there is bird life in abundance.