Golf Guru Group

27/06/2024

I have a consistent pre-shot routine.
Stand behind the ball facing where I’d like to go, practice swing also at 90 degrees behind the ball, then address the ball keeping an eye on where I’d like to hit the ball. Mostly it works.
Who has a pre shot routine and what is yours?

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18/06/2024

Took this little video of this incredibly cute little girl having a go at golf, with Afriyea Golf Academy
Popped it on Twitter as we spent some time with this amazing charity in Uganda. We are so proud to know about this charity and incredibly humbled to play such a small part by getting involved for the few days we spent in Fort Portal.
At a time when golf is watched by thousands, with some petulant high paid golfers who grace our tv screens setting an example, this like snippet completely shows the real value of golf- the giving value of golf.
We’ll be posting more about our minor involvement a little later. Stay tuned, or if you can’t wait, just message me

04/06/2024

Here’s a lovely golf estate with more than golf! Langebaan Is on the west coast of South Africa and has not only an 18 hole Mashie (par3) course but an 18 hole Gary Player design course too, accommodation in your own house or dine out for amazing food at the restaurant. Plus there’s a local beach and bikes you can explore with.
Check out our short you tube video review below, or if you prefer to read and get more images and details, try our popular blog of nearly 55k
https://travellifestylegolf.blogspot.com/?m=0

https://youtu.be/C4-9XUoCsjM?si=A6ZEomvFmnJ2DaLV

Driving our Landrover Defender Andi, we stumble upon this wonderful golf resort , Langebaan on the West Side of South Africa, ticking off a couple more of ou...

03/06/2024

We’re loving travelling around Africa in Andi the landy- here’s a few non golf photos to whet your appetite. Enjoy

30/05/2024

Love this little write up by The Bush Company- not to mention the tent and awning are simply the best

30/05/2024

playing the golf club, you could stay at the 19th hole golf villa. Perched high above the course the views over the roof tops towards the lovely heathland style golf course.
A welcoming family do everything to make your stay a mentionable one, breakfast served to your liking when you want and good sound advice.
A pool if you like to swim and decent warm showers after your game. Plus a comfortable bed too in a large room.
The perfect location for golf in Worcester,South Africa
&play &B

21/05/2024

Our latest video conveys a beautiful area of South Africa most might miss. Overlanding and golf is pretty much what it’s all about so please enjoy this few minutes of fun as we travel around Africa
Includes Oudtshoorn, Western Cape Swartberg Pass
And much more
Thanks for watching
Sarah and Steve

As we continue on our travels to play 100 African Golf Courses, we have decided to move a little North of the Garden Route, leaving the ever popular coastal ...

05/05/2024

Follow your nose though the white washed buildings that make up St Francis bay and you’ll find yet another wonderful golf course. Originally 9 holes it was extended to 18 in 1999.
As such it’s split over two pieces of land after hole 10 for just 5 holes.
Hole 12 is memorable. A par 4 handicap 4 with the forward tees having a menacing bush sticking out from the right- a bush you’d need to keep close to if you’re in with a chance to get to the green in two. The narrowing before the green at around 100 yards out leaves you with a dilemma of flying it over, or chip and run it down the gap- it’s not obvious but as you go through this gap the green is slightly off centre with the ocean views beyond. Crossing back over the road the first couple of holes are a bit weak and lacking character, but they do bring you back to the clubhouse, so it’s clear to see how and why they were put there. Pot hole bunkers remind you of your location and greens that rolled well and we’re consistent. Monkeys were present and their beefy inquisitive little eyes watching our every move as we had a snack following our extra early tee time. Interestingly some of the greens were big and some small, but all rolled well. The new holes across the road had a links feel about them, probably as they were flattish and fairly open, but of course the road noise was present too.
A nice course offering two styles of play, parkland and links.
#29/100

29/04/2024

When you bake a cake, you test it by lightly touching to check the bounce back- the greens at Royal Port Alfred we’re just like that- a tight little spring which responded so well to the incoming golf ball, large and nice on the roll too with no hidden last minute turns as the ball held its line on its way forward to the hole. Golf course 26 of our Africa 100 challenge, and a change in format- we’re now playing match play for the next 25 courses following stableford for the first 25.
A chilly start for our fairly early tee time gave way to near perfect golfing conditions. Unusually and especially so in South Africa is the course turned on 13, with hole 8 having a refreshment hut at the back of the downhill pretty par 3 with its obscured green by big trees- in fact I played one tee box back, from the blues as it landed neatly on the green.
Springbok and Impala with their jumpy ‘oh my goodness, a human!’ approach to life, their obsidian black eyes showing fear at our every move we’re dotted around the course, with the blessbok commanding centre stage and an unwillingness to move as we sauntered by in the golf cart, three old ladies unwavering in the pitch. A wide open almost innocent course which plays like a links with a commanding layout as it tantalises you with ocean views, wild animals and a just all round great course to play and enjoy.
And when you’ve finished playing this great course, stop by the restaurant to grab the breakfast fit for kings- so long as the royalty isn’t on a diet!
Video and blog coming soon
#26/100

24/04/2024

Our trip around Africa continues to flourish as we play our 25th golf course of our African 100 challenge.
One of the best golf courses we’ve played so far Wild Coast Sun appeals to the golfers, non golfers and families too.
Take a look at our video on You Tube and click to subscribe to see more of our Africa 100 challenge

https://youtu.be/YwiicqWgTdk?si=fgke1xC6mXc6iFm_

21/04/2024

Within South Africa there are so many good golf courses and places to stay, but we think we've captured and are now showing one that pretty much has everything from a great golf course to something for the non golfers and their families.

The Wild Coast Sun is a multi faceted resort with one of the best golf courses we’ve played whilst travelling around Africa in our landrover defender, Andi t...

12/04/2024

Sitting atop a hill, I’m wondering- what do you want to see from us as we travel around Africa?
1. Golf, all things golf?
2. Where to stay, dine etc?
3. What else to do other than golf?
4. landrover life
5. All of the above, ie carry on as we are
6. Something else- if so what?

Do you watch our you tube videos? If so what do you think? Too long/short, perfect/rubbish?

Comment below or please feel free to DM me - to offer encouragement, support or advice - all welcome. We work hard to bring you what you want, so your feedback is really helpful- are we hitting the mark?

05/04/2024

Africa continues to surprise us and as we’ve popped back into South Africa we’re determined to show where you can go- other than the garden route.
Amazing golf along the east coast of South Africa is currently being shared on Instagram and also on You Tube with our short succinct, tell all videos
There is more to South Africa than you might realise, starting with the Dolphin Coast and heading south
Please share this on your friend and your page and please consider subscribing to our you tube channel for some unique golf and lifestyle adventures

This time we explore the East coast of South Africa. With the goal of topping up our golf course count and showing some incredible places on route, plus our...

20/03/2024

1 Comfortable lodge
2 Golfers
3 Amazing golf courses
‘4 reasons to visit the dolphin coast’ now on You Tube
Link in bio for our latest video

04/03/2024

If you like to read please check out our adventures in Andi the landy around Mozambique- let’s just say no off roading experience needed!
Some beautiful ocean side campsites and a nature reserve which is tropical and different.
Enjoy

golf lifestyle travel forrest golf guru travelling lady golfer female specialist journalist writer YouTube

16/02/2024

Our third and final round of golf in Harare
Harare Golf Club - there is always something quite special about playing a Royal course, and as we’ve been lucky enough to play a few of them, we knew we’d be in for a treat. We were also lucky to mingle with some of the female members of the club, who were so chatty and welcoming, and of course curious as to what we were doing, offering suggestions for our remaining route in Zimbabwe.
An early tee time, after being chastised for making sure we kept up with the group in front or let them through - hello! We finally set off down the first, whereupon a 1 ball came up quickly behind us, so we let him through and didn’t see many other golfers after that. I think he was sneaking a quick game before work, so we weren’t going to hold him up anyway.
Hole number one had a deer wandering across the fairway, ambling along as if no worries, he even dotted back into playa few more times, which made me think, this deer is walking round as if a golfer, here there and everywhere.
As tranquil as a golf course can get with the first opening its arms to what laid ahead, and we took that course embrace with gusto. Hard to believe it was next to an army barracks, no gun fire, or evidence of army life, just the stillness of the golf course. Some of the flat top trees gave it away as a little tropical paradise. Being tree lined the varying shades of green offset each other to taper to the putting surface. Large and smooth to the ball rolling, running true, they were a pleasure to putt on. Royal Harare isn’t a course that has hills, it is easily walkable and with he amount of shade from the trees, there was plenty of respite from he sunshine too.

We might be getting used to playing on green courses, as the weather warmed and bought some rain (and on-course watering) but one can never get used to the smack in the face that we got with all three of the Harare courses we played.

16/02/2024

18/100 Golf course number 18 of our Africa 100We are on a roll and sharing our second golf course in Harare, Zimbabwe
Borrowdale Brooke Golf Estate is slightly out of Harare in a gated community, so a pass code needs to be arranged with the golf club in advance. An upmarket golfing community, beautifully maintained with planting to be the envy of your neighbours. The few glimpses of the golf course as your drive in do little to let you know how good this course really is. Book a golf cart with Kingsley, though the club, complete with a detachable sat nav system, and once checked in you’re ready to go. The first hole is the start of a series of networks that offers golf and estate living in harmony. Quality shines through and by the time you reach hole number 4, you’re warmed up and ready to take on the next challenge. If the first three holes were akin to elevator music, from hole 4 is much more punk rock. Not that the verdant green has gone away, its just been chopped up by sways of green fairway as opposed to one continuous one. Dissected by water courses which luckily for us the were empty at the time, placement for the golf shots became more of a priority. Humps and bumps in play gave greater emphasis the the shape the course was now taking - humps and bumps which may help or hinder the rolling ball. As seen with other Peter Matkovich designs, he does like to shape and hide the bunkers, and whilst fairly shallow with good sand, hole 6 had a clever hidden bunker. With a modern built half way house under the shade of the trees and a clubhouse to greet the weary golfer at the end, Borrowdale Brooke also offered a tasty menu to enjoy. As we played early, we took a late breakfast option, which set us for for the rest of the day and replenished some of the lost energy when playing.

16/02/2024

The first of three exceptional golf courses in Harare, Zimbabwe. Plus we show you where to stay and dine whilst in Harare.
Chapman Golf Club is in spitting distance of the heart of the metropolis of Harare, hard to believe with very little road noise whilst playing and a course which brings pretty much every challenge a golfer might want but maybe not need at the time! The front and back nines play very differently, with big shapely greens which didn’t resist the roll of the ball. The gentle undulations on the greens - the type that you’re on the way to pick the ball out of the hole, and it takes a little turn off centre and misses the hole by a fraction, adding another shot to the hole! A clever design and pleasing on the eye. Straight or swaying fairways, narrow or wide and some with water in play. Various tee positions to suit your golf game set in a little tropical oasis amidst the turmoil of the capital. It did seem to me that the forward tees often had more to negotiate around, such as overhanging tree branches. But as I lost maybe I’m looking for excuses. Back into the friendly clubhouse, members chatting happily and including us in their conversations, we then got one of the best foodie treats from Chef Lincoln, a talented chef based at Chapman Golf Club. Chef Lincoln has travelled the world and bought his wealth of international expertise and culinary flair to share at this beautiful location. Such a treat for golfers and non golfers alike. We dined overlooking the 18th green, a great finishing par 5 hole, with a table decorated with petals, this was the start of our gastronomic feast which left us feeling satisfied, full and amazed at the tastes beautifully presented to us, course after course. The package is complete when you stay at St. Tropez apartments. Recently renovated, this complex of buildings offers multiple apartments in varying styles. A place to call home away from home, with its differing decor in each unit, you could self catering, well that is, if you could resist Chef Lincoln’s repertoire that is!. With Chapman Golf Club being a few minutes walking distance from the St Tropez apartments, it’d be difficult to not join Chef and his team for every meal. Great golf, great food and great accommodation. Whilst basing yourself at St Tropez, you can explore Harare, and reach the other golf courses too - coming up: Borrowdale Brooke and Royal Harare golf clubs.

22/01/2024

15/100 Bulawayo Golf Club is just outside the beautiful Town of Bulawayo, Zimbabwe and is our 15th course of our Africa 100 being played.
Harping back to golf clubs of yesteryear, the warmth of the club is overwhelming despite its slight dilapidated state in places. Their history by honours boards display proudly - well not to everyone as they are in the men’s changing rooms- don’t ask me how I got to see that!😂
The greens might have looked big but getting closer you soon realise that the green extension of about a meter around the edges wasn’t the green at all- maybe they are looking to increase their size? Tall trees help to shape the course which is easy to navigate and flat, but the presence of the tall trees tell the story of the age of the golf course being the first official golf club founded in 1895.
Water courses dissect fairways and come into play many times.
A surprising little nugget of a course which served us well as a stop over as we moved from Victorias falls to Harare- we moved very slowly on the road to Bulawayo as it was horrific! But you’ll see that on our You Tube video out now.
Thank goodness for nice member’s! Colin saved our day by loaning us his private buggy as the golf pro was on the course playing and didn’t want to come in! but the manager, Bernie was friendly and fun and totally understood our mission- so we’re delighted to include Bulawayo
We did love was the colour green on the course - a strange thing to say about a golf course, but when you’ve played so many sun burnt, dry or winter courses awaiting rejuvenation by the water- the colour green is a pleasure and one we didn’t really appreciate until we didn’t have it!
Bulawayo has wide streets, often adorned with bougainvillea and other planting of bright colours, lined with some remaining colonial buildings, walking around was not only safe but a pleasure too- the roads are wide to allow for Ox to turn when pulling a wagon and remain as a delightful reminder of the past which seems to have been embraced by all.

17/12/2023

We really did love Travelling around Botswana in Andi the landy, but our latest video shows a whole new side to the country- we hope you enjoy watching - the lion is so funny too, well we think so!

An unexpected roadside safari as we travel through Botswana in Andi the Landy, our lovely home from home landrover renovated just for our travels around Afri...

20/11/2023

‘A passion project’ is what Glynne the owner of Pomegranite golf calls his course.
Curious as to the name, I was expecting fruit trees or at least granite rock scenes due to the spelling, but the fairly lacklustre reason made us smile- it was a shelf company he bought- that was the name, they bought it 😂
A quaint course set just outside Francistown in Botswana, unusually green for the time of year, but maximising the next door sewerage water is paying dividends- and not too smelly either!
It can’t be that bad if Impala and baboon grace the fairways happily munching the sweet grass in the unofficial role of ‘green keepers’
A technically difficult 9 hole course with its fairly tight fairways and small target greens.
Pomegranite Golf Resort & Spa
Our 11th course of our Africa100 and a nice friendly half for the series.

In contrast Khama Rhino sanctuary, was dry, dusty and sandy- the landrover didn’t seem to mind though as it happily trudged through the deep sand sliding along its way.
The white rhino sighting is some of the best we’ve ever seen but once down on the pans, we also got to see the elusive black rhino and other animals living in harmony by the depleted water hole.
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26/10/2023

9/100 Golf at Sun City is world renowned. Playing the wonderful Gary Player golf course is quite different to the Lost City course, as shown previously. Both offer good challenges, with the GP course showing better due to larger quantities of water being dolloped on it (so we were told). That said, being a GP signature course, maybe it deserves a little more kudos. Starting on the back nine, as the championship events are played, we were playing in front of the newly erected stands - empty - but giving the true feel for the hemmed in greens the professionals have to navigate up to and on. Being told we weren't allowed buggies we set off , feeling quite refreshed, loaded with camera, drones and golf equipment, but with quite long distances green to tees, this wave of gusto soon diminished, leaving us flagging after nine holes, whereupon we were allowed to use buggies - weird! Course design was one of GP's stronger ones, with as much interest as a golf designer could muster to fox the golfer or pat them on the back, whichever game comes out that day! The design lends itself for hardly any parallel fairways, with only 9 and 18 running side by side. Nice friendly polite caddies with good knowledge on the front nine and a buggy on the back nine - I know which one I'd prefer in the SA sunshine! Whilst I played Ok, 34 stableford points Steve did better and won with 37 points. Overall score Steve 6.5, Sarah 2.5 for our Africa 100. Couple accommodation at Bakubung Lodge a short 5 min drive away and the Pilansberg National Park on the doorstep of Bakubung (as you've seen previously) This is the perfect combination of golf, quality accommodation and not over crowded game park (we also camped one night at Bakgatla but maybe that's enough said about that, although they did have a pool!) #9/100

22/10/2023

Playing the arguably second Gary Player designed course at Sun City didn’t disappoint.
It only really felt like the second course as the main course at the resort, we were told, was taking the lions share of the water allocation for the upcoming golf competitions it’s hosting.
So let’s focus on the design as the course didn’t look it’s best- just our bad timing when we visited.
Becoming slightly more knowledgable on Gary Player course designs, we were privileged to play the lost city course with its slightly Disney-esque clubhouse facade - inside the clubhouse was quite different though, very geared up for the visitors. The showy par 3 over water encircled with fences- only to realise that crocodile had been bought in for added drama- both of us got on the green so didn’t realise what was on the water until we went past it 🐊
Lovely elevation changes always give shape to an overall design. Both tee boxes and greens were in good condition despite the hot weather - I think they had been watered whereas the fairways had suffered a little as mentioned before. The bunkers were consistent, which I think is always difficult to achieve.
That said, as is the case when dry winter hits SA, the course playing condition is rarely affected, glad to report it was the same for the lost city course.
A great course and obviously not the second course with as much thought given to it’s individual design as his other courses we’ve played.
We didn’t stay at sun city, instead we favoured Bakubung on the edge of the Pilansberg National Park- perfect partnership for everything you’d need as a golfer or as a non golfer with everything being on your doorstep- game drives, luxury accommodation and great golf..
#8/100

09/10/2023

Spot the difference
First three pictures taken before the ‘African facelift’ on
Final pictures taken after being made bush ready in South Africa.
There are 12 differences- not all are that visible but to give you a great start we’ll give you two of them being 1. Jerry can and 2. Second Jerry can😂
Can you spot the remaining 10 differences- DONT say what they are- just put your number in the comments below- we’ll share the answer shortly - Wi-Fi depending!
This isn’t easy- we don’t think!

30/09/2023

7/100
Still in the midlands in South Africa, we were invited to stay and play at Gowrie Farm. Perfect from the friendly welcome to the inviting and comfortable rooms with views to die for. As the weather was slightly colder there was definitely a Scottish feel about the course which has been designed in a links style. We’ve witnessed that before and not all achieve this successfully but Gowrie Farm have.
Currently 12 holes, whilst there we witnessed plenty of work on the course, new holes added, existing holes being re-routed and a shed load of bunkers being made (may be too many?) to create a credible 18 hole course with great accommodation.
A family feel about the clubhouse and restaurant, where you feel as though you matter was lovely to see.
With some water in play, some wide fairways which were being narrowed by bunkers left little escape for any errant golf balls, that said the marsh/wetlands were a great.
Nice undulating greens were lovely to putt on too- good thinking greens!
We weren’t so keen on topless carts as it was cold with no respite from the bitter wind- however when it’s hot and sunny they offer no shade either, which we think is a must in SA! That said we can’t wait to see the 18 holes completed- it’s going to be special.
Off to Durban next- not for golf - yet- but to get Andi - finally!
#7/100 ̇fe 🔥

24/09/2023

Course 6/100.
It doesn’t get to be the best nine hole course in South Africa without reason!
With the ability to play Bosch Hoek as an 18 hole course and the corresponding front/back tees rarely from the same position means the visit is definitely worth the trip and at just an hour and half from Durban, it’s very do’able too.
Being higher up and not too far from the Drakensberg the course was lush for the time of year we visited, with clever use of seasonal planting which would only get more stunning as the weather warms up.
There was everything a good course design gives in the dedicated 18 holers.
Fairly flat with water running through it, Bosch Hoek welcomes visitors with open arms, enhanced by the friendly feel in the clubhouse.
It was a bit chilly on the day we played, the open fire was welcome at the end of the game!
One to add to your bucket list and don’t be put off by it being a 9 holer - think of it as a mini version of a lovely looking, great layout golf course whose ‘half way house’ memorial shelter- More of an entertainment area overlooks the water next to the 5th tee is more akin to a peaceful garden - peaceful until you hear the anguished golfers cry as the ball drops into the water of this epic par 3. We also liked the par5, 3rd as the not overly wide fairway snakes through trees for the drive and careful consideration for the second or third with a stream running across the front of the green.

#6/100

18/09/2023

For the golfer and their family who like everything in one place
Course no.5 of our Africa100 challenge.
Being a resort caters for everyone in the family. We had a lovely old style thatch roof two bedroom place, each with its own bathroom and a communal living area in the middle with a great kitchen, dining and soft seating area (with TV). This spilt out onto a large covered patio and BBQ area to it’s right- everything you’d need for a family or golfers retreat.
The 18 hole golf course waxed and waned itself around the Drakensberg with the far reaching views being spectacular, showcasing tier mountain ranges which shed different light at different times of the day. A golf course which offers a good challenge, dog legs, water and good greens, despite the end of winter sleeping yellow grass. It’s all here.
#5/100 ̇fe