A+ for Golf Coast
Rain played a role, and we had to close our course on December 24 as we had 175mm of rain in 24 hours.
The South Coast still offers great value for money as a golfing destination, with (mostly) lovely weather, very good golf courses which are not overly expensive.
Golf has proven over the years to be a vital driver for tourism so it’s good news in trying times that visitors are still eager to play on our beautiful Golf Coast.
We asked the various club pros, directors and/or managers for their feedback.
MARGATE CC
Andrew Curlewis:
Very good season, rounds were way up on last year, but that’s in part due to the hard lockdown called after Christmas last season.
Overall, courses are in good nick and everyone seemed happy. Now if our two municipalities can get the roads fixed, keep the water flowing and if Eskom can keep the lights on, the coast should pick up again.
We need more seasons like this, and already bookings look promising.
PORT SHEPSTONE CC
Jesse Verster:
It was a time of blessing. We had a good season, up on rounds and income. Rain had a say on a few days, but overall it was a good time with a lot of visitors from upcountry all enjoying the club and the course. I think one thing that did contribute was our new fleet of Club carts. We now have 35 beautiful vehicles, looking great and operating smoothly.
SAN LAMEER CC
Pierre van Vuuren:
We had a great season and golfers were out in full force and all of our events were fully booked. The course was busy throughout and our mashie course was a hub of activity for families and non-golfers.
We did the most rounds over this holiday time for the past 10 years.
The overall condition of our course and the overall experience has certainly been a contributing factor.
We saw the course and estate getting busy from December 10, which is about a week earlier than last year.
Rain played a role, and we had to close our course on December 24 as we had 175mm of rain in 24 hours.
We also had rain on the 31st of December that affected the rounds. However, we do see our restaurant fill up on rainy days as visitors can`t go the beach.
SCOTTBURGH GC
Deane Jooste:
It’s been a very good season, especially compared to last year. Was wonderful to see the course fully booked and carts going out.
Even January is booked up on weekends, so that is a good sign.
Our 5-star chef has turned things around in our now full restaurant and there’s been an excellent vibe at the club.
SELBORNE PARK
Ryan Johnson:
Despite the initial hesitancy from upcountry folk to travel – waiting to hear what the President would announce regarding another possible lockdown – we had a really good season. It kicked into full force from December 20 and was choc-a-block, with hotel, villas and course pretty much packed. We had rain on about 10 or 11 days, but it didn’t hurt us too much.
Pro shops sales were solid, with positive signs in terms of spend per head. It was really great to see folk relaxing, enjoying their golf, and then seeing families walking across the fairways in the evenings, some out fishing in the dams. Overall, you got the feeling there was something of a return to our ‘new normal’.
SOUTHBROOM
Derek James:
It was one of the most wonderful seasons in a while. This was clear by the number of people who came into the pro shop to share their joy of a ‘best round ever’, or to comment on what they had liked. It’s a player friendly course, although the wind can make it challenging.
The course was in great shape and the whole Southbroom experience, sitting on the verandah, enjoying pizzas and taking in the view was just great. We had some pro golfers visit and they also very much enjoyed the Southbroom experience.
Now, we are looking forward to welcoming the ‘swallows’ golfers from Europe.
UMDONI PARK
Rynardt Crous:
We’ve had a cracker season, very similar to last year. We hit all our targets for the pro shop, rounds, restaurant Botha House (accommodation). In all honesty, we really can’t complain and are very pleased with the response we have had. Even our club membership has spiked, so things are going well.
I think it has helped having our own water on site. We’ve had a fountain on the premises for something like the last 100 years and so are not affected by some of the municipal water supply issues others in town have faced.
UMKOMAAS
Francois Rossouw:
We’re very happy and can say we have had a good December holiday.
We always try and accommodate all golfers and work hard to be known as a friendly, helpful club.
There was also a trend emerging where people are more positive about life and less anxious about going and having a game of golf (amid the pandemic).
The course is nice and green after the rain and we received many compliments.
WILD COAST CC
Benjamin Leonard:
All in all we had a great season with guests coming in from far and wide. We lost some business due to the weather on December 24, fortunately it was just the one day. The real challenge was getting the course ready for play again on Christmas morning as there was severe flooding and our bunkers were out of play from washouts for a few days.
The team really pulled together to get the course opened and play resumed as normal on the 26th.The interruption was barely noticed as our guests seemed to enjoy themselves thoroughly at the club, with festivities often running late into the night.
We also noticed more groups of younger players (17 and under) coming through which is always a positive sign that there is more young blood coming in and ensuring our sport stays relevant for generations to come.
HAVE YOUR SAY
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