Course
Opened – JUNE 1996
Course Designer – GARY PLAYER
Course Superintendent - DEREK MUGGERIDGE
Special Features - A new practice putting green has been constructed for this year’s event. The course is set in the edge of the Kruger National Park, and incorporates much of the characteristics of the local area. The course winds among trees, bushes & grass land and include several water hazards ranging from large lakes and ponds to brooks and streams set in rocks and cascading waterfalls. The signature hole would be Hole 13 a long Par 5 with a babbling brook on the left and the green framed against the Crocodile River with the plains of the Kruger national park beyond. The tournament back tee on Hole 15 is set high above the fairway and offers unbelievable views in all directions over the hills and National Park.
Greens
Type of grass - BENT (Crenshaw + A1)
Height of cut - 2.9 mm
Speed/stimp reading – 10.5 (Monday)
Any specific comments – Greens collars cut at 6mm
Fairways
Type of grass – KIKUYU
Height of cut – 12 mm
General width and contouring – 20 – 35 m depending on hole shape/ type
Any specific comments -
Tees
Type of grass – tees - BERMUDA
Height of cut - 10 mm.
Any specific comments -
Collars
Type of grass - BENT
Height of cut – 6mm
Any specific comments -
Rough
Type of grass – KIKUYU
Semi-rough - Height of cut – 25mm
Intermediate Height of cut – 50mm
Rough - Height of cut – 70mm
Any specific comments –
Weather
In advance – Very hot and humid (40c).
Forecast for tournament – Possible localised storms
Other Features
The course has many forms of wildlife on it. A hippopotamus (named Harry) resides in the lake on Hole 16. A leopard is rumoured to live around Hole 6. Waterbuck, Aardvark, Kudu, Impala and Giraffe all feature on and around the course. Crocodiles reside in the dam at holes 5 & 7, 9 & 18 & 16. There is excellent tiger fishing in the dams around the Clubhouse. Each teeing area has a unique bronze statue of a leopard in various poses mirroring his day. These are the work of the young South African sculptor Dylan Lewis. Dylan Lewis also creates a unique bronze trophy for the winner each year. The spectacular colonial style clubhouse sits behind the greens of 9 & 18 offering superb viewing for the Club members
