There are roughly 88 golf courses in KwaZulu-Natal, with some of the most enjoyable and welcoming found along a special 100km strip of the province’s south coast.

This strip spoils you with some of the most spectacular scenery in the country and weather that allows for 12 months of play. It’s no mystery then as to why this has been a popular destination for golfers and holidaymakers over the years.

Let’s have a look at the main courses and attractions in the region, and perhaps give you the nudge you need to book your next trip there this year.

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THE COURSES

From Umkomaas down to San Lameer, you have a solid mix of golf courses that aren’t only enjoyable to play, but will also endear you to the region. For generations, these layouts have been major attractions of the small towns and communities along this coast, and home to some of their most beloved characters too.

As time is sadly always a major factor with modern-day schedules, you can break this region up into smaller sections.

First up, on the top side, you have Umkomaas and Scottburgh golf courses. Both were designed by the legendary Bob Grimsdell and have been a part of this stretch for over 100 years. They may not appear among the highly rated course lists in the country nowadays, but they warrant a reason for a golfing getaway.

The bottom part of the stretch gives you the highly sought after cluster of the San Lameer, Southbroom and Margate courses. All with enough character and charm around the clubhouse alone to justify a visit, they are also great examples of natural tropical vegetation meeting breathtaking ocean frontage.

In the middle, you get a delightful contrast of the two, with Selborne Golf Club and Umdoni Park Golf Club in Pennington. Selborne has more of an inland golf estate feel and is a terrific championship-type course. A short drive towards the coast from there is Umdoni, which is an underrated gem of the whole region.

No two holes feel the same here, with some parts being open, to others feeling tight and demanding thanks to the thick forest-type surroundings. This memorable golfing journey then opens up to the signature 18th hole ‑ a beautiful par five with an elevated tee that plays down to the ocean. It delivers spectacular views and the most suitable finishing hole, with the iconic clubhouse to the right of the green to welcome you after your round.

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UMDONI PARK GENERAL MANAGER, RYNARDT CROUS

While other golf clubs do what they can to be bigger and better in every way, this South Coast gem sticks to its strengths – providing a hugely enjoyable golf experience, an escape from everyday life and an atmosphere where every visitor feels at home.

Umdoni’s GM, Rynardt Crous, has been at the club for 12 years and is a major driving force behind its ethos.

“At Umdoni we don’t think in traditional club terms of members and visitors. To us, our visitors are just as important, and it gives us great pride to see people from all over South Africa and the world playing here and returning,” he says.

“We are never going to be a club that competes with the other more well-known ones in the region, but we can confidently say there is only one Umdoni out there, and we do what we can to keep it like this,” he adds.

The off-course appeal at Umdoni includes arguably one of the best restaurants in the greater South Coast. Recently fitted with extended glass doors to make the most of the incredible ocean views, it can comfortably seat up to 140 people and is open seven days a week.

For those wanting to enjoy the experience even more, the opportunity to stay at Botha House, which was completed in 1920, is an absolute must.

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IMAGES: ERNEST BLIGNAUT/GOLFRSA/HEINRICH HELMBOLD/TYRONE WINFIELD/SUNSHINE TOUR/ANGELA BUCKLAND/NDIMBULELE KHASIBE/SASHLIN_NAICKER/UMDONI PARK