Compleat Golfer's prestigious 5-star awards are only handed out to the very best golf courses in the
VIDEO -- Find out more about the 5-Star Experience!
The search has again begun to find the very best golf experiences in South Africa, and while competition is stiff, only the truly exceptional facilities will earn the coveted Compleat Golfer 5-Star Golf Experience Award, proudly brought to you by Volvo.
BLOG -- South Africa has long claimed to be an attractive option for the golf tourist, and although the country can boast some exceptional resorts and traditional facilities, we often fall short of foreigners’ expectations
South Africa has long claimed to be an attractive option for the golf tourist, and although the country can boast some exceptional resorts and traditional facilities, we often fall short of foreigners’ expectations, writes John botha.
BLOG -- Critical to the success of any golf club is its number of member and the amount of visitor rounds. The relationship between price charged and perceived value will make or break a club, as more are discovering during these tough economic times.
Critical to the success of any golf club is its number of member and the amount of visitor rounds. The relationship between price charged and perceived value will make or break a club, as more are discovering during these tough economic times.
BLOG -- In an attempt to impress golfers, be they members or visitors, club managers have come up with all manner of innovative ideas.
In an attempt to impress golfers, be they members or visitors, club managers have come up with all manner of innovative ideas, but without the right attitude to service and hospitality, they are unlikely to achieve 5-Star status.
BLOG -- How important is the clubhouse?
The design of club houses have become ever more elaborate in recent times, and as new estates open and older clubs spend considerable amounts revamping their facilities, Compleat Golfer looks at what really constitutes a truly 5-Star facility.
Presenting our brand new Volvo 5-Star Experience microsite! Telling you more about the search, the winners and what we look for in a golf club. Visit the site for videos, pictures, contact details and more! http://www.compleatgolfer.co.za/volvo-5-star-experience/
BLOG -- A club's practice facilities play a key role in that all-important first impression.
Although a club's practice facilities count for only six percent of the total marks when a club is evaluated for our 5-Star Experience, proudly brought to you Volvo, these facilities play a key role in that all-important first impression.
BLOG -- One of the traditions of golf is to take a break at the halfway house. Do we really need them?
One of the traditions of South African golf is to stop playing in the middle of a game to take on fuel before completing the round. Do we really need them?
BLOG -- Find out how the golf course layout will be judged.
At the risk of stating the obvious, John Botha explains that golfers mostly go to golf clubs to play the game, but he does point out that a great golfing experience is not purely dependant on the quality of the course’s design, and that several other factors come into the reckoning.
ARABELLA -- Despite the feeling that this is primarily an estate with hotel and spa that happens to have a golf course, the experience here does warrant special mention. What the rather modest golf clubhouse lacks is made up for by a fine course that is always well-maintained.
BLAIR ATHOLL -- This is by far the finest, low-density estate situated near a major metropolitan area. Brilliantly designed, making the best of the property’s attributes of space and beauty, the course is still improving, but is already acclaimed by most as one of the best.
COUNTRY CLUB JOHANNESBURG -- Considerable expenditure by the club on the clubhouse facilities and both golf courses keeps this famous facility near the top of our list. Consistently good service and home to one of the best pro shops in the business.
DURBAN COUNTRY CLUB -- The newly-revamped clubhouse has made a considerable difference to this famous club, and although the welcome and service does not rival the best, the overall experience certainly warrants the award.
ERINVALE -- The quality of golf course and high levels of service here befits one of the Cape’s premier estates, and this is one a few facilities where one is guaranteed of consistency in all departments.
EBOTSE -- This course is a masterpiece in terms of rehabilitating a disused quarry, and must rank as one of the finest inland links layouts anywhere. It is home to a modern clubhouse with staff by an enthusiastic, efficient group that understands friendly service.
FANCOURT -- One of the great resorts that made everyone sit up and take notice, and barring a brief period when standards did seem to slip slightly, this resort and estate is back to its most impressive. All three golf courses are one of South African golf’s special treats, and well worth the cost.
GLENDOWER -- Joined the ‘5 Star clan’ last year for the first time, and has continued to improve in many areas. One of the most popular clubs in Johannesburg, and while the 19th hole may lack atmosphere during members-only events, the many visitors keep the staff busy.
HOUGHTON GOLF CLUB -- This historic club was long considered as one of Johannesburg’s best, and after inexplicably falling on hard times, its problems were compounded by an ill-fated development. The new-look club has bounced back with a newly-positioned clubhouse and a Jack Nicklaus-designed course. Welcome to the 5 Star club.
LEGENDS -- There is a lot more to this resort than the imposing mountain that dominates the backdrop – there are some excellent holes, and as the course matures it will certainly improve. Great service by dedicated staff ensures a memorable experience.
LEOPARD CREEK -- No problems with consistency here, and both the immaculately-maintained golf course and the superb clubhouse set new standards of excellence in Africa. In a unique location, well managed and very hard to fault except for the expense of getting there and playing as a non-member.
OUBAAI -- Like many new golf courses, this one may have opened too soon, but once construction near to the entrance had been completed, and the course had settled, there was no question that it came into its own. This is a true coastal beauty that must be played.
PEARL VALLEY -- Unquestionably one of the best conditioned courses in the country, and despite a few quirky holes and an even quirkier but not unimpressive clubhouse, this facility can be highly recommended to the most discerning visitor. Not big in the value-for-money department.
PECANWOOD -- The worsening quality of the water in the Hartbeespoort Dam and some well-publicised feuding between the developer and home owners of this estate has not detracted from the fact that this is a beautiful course with a well-appointed clubhouse.
PEZULA -- Even a couple of less-than-perfect holes cannot detract from the joy of playing this layout which has some truly spectacular views. Another facility that has suffered from the inconsistency issue, but this has been resolved.
PRINCE’S GRANT -- This estate golf course on the North Coast of KZN as long been considered to have an excellent golf course but service levels have at times have fallen short of our high standards. But over the past two years there has been a vast improvement in this department.
RANDPARK -- For some time Randpark “lipped out” for their award, but since the clubhouse’s revamp, which included re-organising the flow of golfers, this facility has improved considerably. Despite the high number of golfers that this club accommodates on both courses, the levels of service are beyond reproach.
ROYAL JOHANNESBURG AND KENSINGTON -- There is wonderful sense of history at this club that boasts two great golf courses and a clubhouse that has kept pace with the changing times and demands of golfers. Occasionally the food and beverage service could be improved, but overall an outing here is unlikely to disappoint.
SERENGETI -- The modern, cavernous clubhouse may lack the feel of golf club, and the course’s putting surfaces may be a little too contoured for some tastes, but the service here is excellent. Full marks to the golf operations team that seldom miss a trick. Food and beverage comparatively pricey, but not exorbitant.
SIMBITHI -- This executive course is a true gem, and with its modern clubhouse with a casual feel that fits well with the surroundings, there are few more relaxing 19th holes. Simbithi offers an affordable, unique experience that doesn’t take all day.
SIMOLA -- Probably still deserving of the title: Best 19th Hole View.
SUN CITY -- Both the Gary Player Country Club and the Lost City’s course are very much ‘must-play’ layouts, but neither facilities are exempt from inconsistent service and at times extremely slow play. The GPCC remains a world-class experience, even the halfway house could be better.
ST FRANCIS LINKS -- This beautiful course is a radical departure from the normal Nicklaus design, and shows the great man’s love of the classic linksland where the game originated. Well designed clubhouse, tastefully decorated and where visitors can be guaranteed of royal service.
STEENBERG -- This is one of the best addresses in Cape Town, and the opulent clubhouse mirrors this. Top-notch service adds to the experience to playing a course that always neat, if unspectacular.
ZEBULA -- This is a truly ‘African’ experience with a course that is very playable without being a pushover. A great clubhouse that affords views over the bushveld and a resort that offers a lot more than golf for an affordable price.
ZIMBALI -- The success of this estate on the North Coast of KZN would suggest that it has got a lot of things right, and playing golf always feels like a special treat. The clubhouse may lack the feel of a traditional club, but there are few complaints when it comes to service
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