FAIRWAYS & BEYOND
Southern
ODYSSEY
In the second of a two-part series, The Golf Mag shares some tips for your golfing trip to Kruger National Park, featuring the southern side of this national treasure
By Ben Karpinski
When you think of golf and the Kruger National Park, Skukuza and the western reaches of the park may offer the quintessential golf and bush experience, as we shared with you in our last issue.
In part two of our Kruger Park golf feature, we showcase the southern perimeter, where sweeping views of the majestic Crocodile River draw you to a property that is almost unfathomable in what it offers as a world-famous golf destination ‑ Leopard Creek Country Club.
This incredible course also provides a gateway to some unique clubs that will undoubtedly leave you with memories for a lifetime. This broader southern region offers a little something for everyone, and is the kind of area you can visit at different times of the year and enjoy totally different and unique experiences.
LEOPARD CREEK – THE JEWEL IN THE SA GOLFING CROWN
Opened in 1997, Leopard Creek is a course in South Africa that everyone wants to play. As the home of the Alfred Dunhill Championship and R&A Africa Amateur Championship, it is also a destination that some of the best of the game (future and present) set their sights on each year.
We could wax lyrical about the meticulously designed and conditioned course, and all the things that make it so special. It does, after all, have a practice facility that you could travel the world and still not find an equal. Together with an incredible nine-hole par-three course, it really does have all the makings of a golfing heaven on earth. The question everyone has, though, is ‘How do you get to play it?’
Even though it is essentially an exclusive members club and facility, guests are welcome with some off-peak tee times offered subject to availability on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sunday afternoons.
Visitors looking to book available rounds must stay at associate lodges in the region listed on their website. These lodges will then facilitate the potential bookings for them.
‘KRUGER SOUTH’ COURSES TO PLAY
KAMBAKU GOLF CLUB
The reality is that not everyone can play Leopard Creek. It’s a genuine bucket-list course and experience, but for a more accessible golf experience in the area, the 50km trip east on the N4 along the Crocodile River to Kambaku Golf Club is the go-to option.
Originally a charming nine-holer, it is now a sort of hybrid layout, with 14 holes and 11 greens providing a routing of five par fives, five par threes and eight par fours. Harry van Dyk and his team have gone above and beyond to make this course something special. The conditioning and unique nature of the feature holes in particular are something the locals are incredibly proud of. Much like Leopard Creek, the natural setting is enhanced wherever possible.
Many Leopard Creek members and guests make regular appearances at Kambaku Golf Club which also has what is generally thought of as the best restaurant in Komatipoort.
With views of the golf course and the imposing river, it’s a place you want to spend a day at, and return to in future.
MALELANE GOLF CLUB
This little nine-hole course is the epitome of a small-town course everyone should visit. Very much understated, it’s just a stone’s throw from Leopard Creek. The conditioning is always impressive, the facilities allow for an enjoyable time to be had after your game and it offers terrific value for money. Situated on the banks of the Crocodile River, it is also connected with a popular camp site.
MBOMBELA GOLF CLUB
Although this isn’t technically a course in the immediate proximity of Kruger like the others we have featured, Mbombela Golf Club is an hour away and en route to the rest. It’s warm hospitality and picturesque tree-lined holes add to its appeal and make it well worth considering.
Originally a nine-holer drawn up by legendary designer Bob Grimsdell, it’s a genuine bushveld gem transformed by Peter Matkovich into the 18-holer you can enjoy today.
WHERE TO BASE YOURSELF
While you can make a base for yourself within Kruger National Park at either a SANParks Rest Camp in the far south, or one of the more exclusive concessions (especially if planning on playing at Leopard Creek), the best value for money and versatility is in and around Malelane.
This town has everything you need as a base on the major N4 road, with amenities from shopping malls right through to spa facilities.
From here you have easy access to the courses, and to Kruger National Park through the Malelane Gate.
HOW TO TACKLE A DAY
When you are blessed with the opportunity of golf and game drives in the same day, both should be enjoyed as there really isn’t anywhere else in the world where this is possible.
Whether through the Malelane Gate, or just over 40 minutes further east at the Crocodile Bridge Gate, you can explore the southern region defined by the Crocodile River early in the morning. This offers great year-round sighting opportunities. As the day starts to heat up, you can then ease into your afternoon golfing plans.
The other reason to schedule golf in the afternoons is that the local courses are places where you can enjoy a bit of clubhouse and/or restaurant time afterwards. Especially in the summer months where the lazy evenings are best enjoyed with a cold beverage while looking back on your round in this most unique setting.
Depending on your choice of accommodation, the afternoon golf also leads wonderfully into a self-catered braai against a backdrop of the setting African sun.
GAME DRIVE OPTIONS
Whether you choose a leisurely self drive at your own speed or would prefer a guided drive, the two park gates mentioned would be your starting points.
Plan ahead if you opt for the guided drives, as these are arranged through the SANParks staff and range from early-morning drives through to night drives that offer something different.
If you are planning a slightly longer stay, a form of guided expedition is certainly worth it to enjoy a broader experience of the park, along with added insights and information from an experienced ranger.
GETTING THERE
To experience the southern side of Kruger from a golfing perspective, it is easily accessible from a self-drive perspective, or for those who would need a flight/rental car combo.
From Johannesburg, Malelane by car should be reached comfortably in less than five hours.
Like other trips to Kruger, the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport on the outskirts of Mbombela is again your best bet to arrive at by domestic air travel, with a connecting drive from there to Malelane taking just an hour on the N4.
ERNEST BLIGNAULT/GOLFRSA/GRANT LEVERSHA/CARL FOURIE/SUNSHINE TOUR/TYRONE WINFIELD/PERFECT EXPOSURE/MBOMBELA GOLF CLUB
