Frontier: The Clarens Golf Course

Clarens, Free State

Your round of golf at The Clarens Trout & Golf Estate begins at the stylish clubhouse, strategically positioned to view the finish of both nines, as well as the magnificent Mount Horeb (Setlofe). According to Basotho legend, the mountain Setlofe is a shy maiden, betrothed to the warrior Matsa (Rhebokkop) who jilted her for another. This broke Setlofe's heart and even now, when she thinks about it, she draws her veil around her head and weeps. Thus, when Setlofe is shrouded in cloud, it will soon rain in Clarens.

Before you tee off, take time to absorb the setting of the picturesque town and the full 360 degree view of the mountains. All of the 18 holes meander along and across the tranquil river and its splendid series of trout dams, waterfalls and cascades.

The playing surface of the manicured Kikuyu fairways and Bent grass greens are framed by mature Willow and magnificent Lombardi poplar trees, characteristic of the area. This layout is a classic "risk and reward" design. With the fairways wide at the landing areas off the tees, one can easily reach the greens in regulation to your handicap. However, nearly every green hugs the water, so it’s a case of play safe to your handicap, or attack the flags to "go low".

Great care has been taken to ensure that each round of golf that you play will be as memorable, if not more memorable than the previous one, through attention to detail and beauty.

San Lameer Country Club

San Lameer, KwaZulu Natal

Manicured greens, undulating fairways and winding waterways...The centrepiece of Mondazur Hotel and Spa's magnificent domain is the 18-hole championship golf course. The layout winds through pristine coastal flora and the tastefully constructed villas. Its fairways clad in a strain of Cynoden called Sahara, a grass which provides an excellent playing surface and which compliments the large, undulating Country Club-grassed greens. There is certainly an interesting blend of holes on this tight economical layout, all memorable and all capable of frustrating the player who throws caution to the wind. Besides the impenetrable bush, there is an abundance of water on the course, but conservative playing routes are always available. It has often been said that no finer collection of par 3s exists anywhere, and the 4th hole, interestingly, is almost a carbon copy of Augusta National's famous 12th. The elegant Clubhouse restaurant overlooks putting green numbers 8 and 18. You can also savour the comfort of the lounge, possibly the most beautiful location of the Estate. Rated among the country's top 10 toughest courses by Compleat Golfer it is consistently ranked in Golf Digest's top 30 best courses.

Graceland Country Club

Secunda, Mmpumalanga

Flat savannahs and highly challenging...The 18-hole championship course at Graceland Hotel, Casino and Country Club makes use of natural features as the front and back nines follow paths along opposite sides of a valley. The course features a mixture of significant elevation changes, water hazards, rolling fairways and a strategically placed bunker.  The golf course is a typical inland links course with undulating greens and relatively steep, grass-faced bunkers. Two streams twine through seven of the holes and several dams attract a variety of birdlife. The signature hole is the par 3, 15th, a short but treacherous hole where only a well placed tee shot will be rewarded. The green is well guarded with a water hazard short and up the right side of the green, while two well placed bunkers at the back of the green catch any shot that is even a little bit long.  Crenshaw Bent grass and Kikuyu provide ideal playing surfaces. The Augusta Club Lounge with views of the entire course and the Palm Terrace, beside the swimming pool, serve as a halfway house. A pro shop, a driving range and a pitch and putt course is also offered. 

Orkney, Eagle's Creek or Klerksdorp Golf Clubs

The City of Matlosana

In Klerksdorp, Rio spoils golfers with a choice of three fine local courses. The 46^th ranked championship course at the Orkney Golf Club presents a good test;  it is a tree-linked parkland course with many holes running parallel to the Vaal River, with additional water features and 31 bunkers in all.  Also nearby, and well worth a round or more, is the course at the Stillfontein Golf Club at the Eagle's Creek Golf and Nature Reserve, offering a stunning setting, and the historic course at the Klerksdorp Golf Club.  Accommodation is at the 3-star Peermont Metcourt at Rio, where you will also find the Copacabana Restaurant, The Escapades Theatre, a cocktail bar, and great gaming action.

Leopard Park Country Club

Mafikeng, North West

The Leopard Park Golf Club course has a superb modern layout and has often played host to senior tournaments. Situated in dry and dusty Mmabatho, this skilfully-constructed course is like an oasis in the desert with water coming into play at eight of the 18 holes. The course has flat, narrow kikuyu fairways, true bent grass greens, many grass bunkers and water hazards, and a stunning island green at the 18th. Facilities include a Pro Shop, Club hire, Cart Hire and driving range. Nearby Mmabatho Palms Hotel Casino Convention Resort offers players a well earned respite from a day on the green with four-star accommodation, gaming, dining and entertainment options.