Huddle Park back for good

The public course — established in 1939 — closed down in 2004 and quickly became a central point for crime and illegal squatting.

The course re-opened in November last year, through the restoration efforts of Huddle Park director of golf David Bagg, and now provides a number of facilities ranging from golf, trout fishing, mountain bike trails and a dog-walking area.

“People told me I was mad when I said I wanted to restore the course,” Bagg said.

“After the course had closed, hijackings and crime increased in the area as the criminals would run into overgrown grass areas where the course used to be. So it was a hotbed for crime.”

The course is owned by the City of Johannesburg, and Bagg said the club had signed a 60-year lease.

“In two years, we have achieved what most people said was impossible.

“This has been achieved with a lot of hard work and money. We believe we are bringing new blood into golf because of the affordability we offer in what is perceived to be an expensive sport.”

– Sapa