Since global golf course rankings became a mainstream undertaking in the 1980s, one South African course has consistently been in that revered top-100 list – Durban Country Club.

Though this iconic golfing home has experienced some ups and downs in recent years, there is much to be excited about again as it prepares to host a record 18th South African Open.

A GOLFING LANDMARK FROM THE BEGINNING

Durban Country Club first opened for play in 1922. Making the most of the coastal dune terrain, it was designed in a traditional links sense and first hosted the SA Open in 1924.

It was quickly seen as a premier course in South Africa and went on to host 16 more SA Opens, including the 100th edition in 2010 won by Ernie Els.

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MOVING INTO A BOLD NEW CENTURY

The club’s first 100 years drew to a rather unfortunate close with conditioning problems around the greens, and some general course fatigue from outdated maintenance systems. Then the course experienced exceptionally high flooding in April 2022.

Though seasonal floods are a constant reality at the course because of the lie of the land, this time the water stood for more than six weeks. Greens, fairways and tees were lost, plus the irrigation system was ruined. Big changes needed to be made, which then saw the course closed for pretty much the whole of 2023 for substantial renovation.

Naturally, this was a major setback for the members, but it was a vital undertaking. Not just to re-establish the course to former standards, but to also ensure it returned to being one of South Africa’s best courses.

The issues around flooding were addressed first by the creation of an innovative system of dams and burns that now snake their way through the course. Huge amounts of local scrub and bush areas were also cleared for a cleaner aesthetic and, most notably, all 18 greens were rebuilt, along with tee areas and the reconstruction of 43 bunkers to USGA standards.

The need to lengthen a few holes also came into play, which has given the course more of a contemporary championship quality.

The result has been nothing short of spectacular, and along with numerous other upgrades to the clubhouse and facilities, Durban Country Club is now a modern members’ club of high repute and quality.

THE MAN BEHIND THE PLAN

Though the upgrades to Durban Country Club have been a colossal team effort, one man in particular has been passionately behind the project from the start – third-generation member and chairman and CEO of the Jonsson Workwear Group, Nick Jonsson.

“After all the work put into the club recently, it’s tremendous to have the SA Open back here and for such an event to be back in Durban in general. My family’s history in the region dates back to my great-grandfather in 1860, so it’s great to be a part of something that is adding such value to the region and involving so many people who call it home.

“Tournament-wise, the way the pros approach the course this time around is going to be very interesting. In many ways, it is a totally new course compared to what has been experienced in the past. If the wind pops up, these new elements will certainly come into play a fair amount with our newly created greens and greater amount of water now in play.”

IMPACT OF HOSTING THE INVESTEC SA OPEN

With the return of the country’s national Open, the planning and efforts have not tapered off since the club was reopened in late December 2023. General manager, Desiree Stone, shares what it means to host an event of this magnitude.

“Hosting the 2025 Investec SA Open presents a wonderful opportunity to showcase all the changes we have made to the world. It also allows for Durban as a city to get excited about hosting a major sporting event again.

“The interest for such events is really there, and we have already seen a great deal of demand for tickets and an uptick of bookings from foreign guests before the tournament. The City of Durban has also been terrific in working with us to make sure the city is ready for the influx of people, and constant improvements in infrastructures in and around the city have been so encouraging.”

IMAGES: ERNEST BLIGNAUT/GOLFRSA