Pollak Park Golf Club turns 100 years old this year and is celebrating this momentous occasion over the next few months with various functions and golf days.
These events will start with the Centenary Golf Day on February 27 and the day will include a round of golf, a flag-raising ceremony, a tree-planting ceremony followed by live music and entertainment.
Pollak Park Golf Club was founded in 1921 under the name of Springs Mines and West Springs Golf Club.
When first opened, it was a nine-hole golf course and was converted into an 18-hole course in 1930.
It is a three-star club with a ranking of 145th in South Africa (as per Golfers’ Digest 2016) and is now one of the key golf courses to visit on the East Rand.
Also read: A weekend at Pollak Park Golf Club
It was named after late mayor Pollak who was the then founder of Anglo American Corporation.
GH Moll was the first captain of the club and he planted the bluegum tree on the left side of the 18th tee box.
This tree has now grown well over 20m tall and seems to grow even larger as golfers line up their drive.
Anglo American Corporation handed over the club to members in 1975.
In 2005, Mark Muller assisted the club to undergo a bunkering programme and this made the course a little bit more challenging for the golfers.
Pollak Park Golf Club was given the prestigious award of Ekurhuleni course of the year in 2006 and now consists of 18 holes with a layout measuring 6 542m from the men’s tee boxes.
This par-72 course makes you think twice before taking out your driver – some holes you’ll find the smarter shot is to lay up instead of taking the risk.
Over the years, the club has also become a place for golfers to socialise and has expanded to include a clubhouse that is situated between the ninth and 18th green, a conference venue and two bars.
Also read: Rain not a problem for Pollak Park golfers
The lapa and braai facility was also upgraded to incorporate a mini-bar facility and covered braai area so functions taking place here are not hindered by the weather.
The veranda looks out onto the course having a great view of the players and a sunset to behold on later summer afternoons.
In anticipation of its 100-year celebrations, the clubhouse has been given a facelift and the course is being upgraded with the removal of some of the bunkers, changing shapes and lines of some of the holes, filling the bunkers with new sand and paving areas around some of the tees and cart paths, all funded by some generous donations from the members.
These facilities are open to members and visitors playing golf or attending functions.
All are welcome to join in the festivities.
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