club corner
NATURE
calls
This month we stop off at Chrome Golf Club in Limpopo and speak to chairman Thinus Labuschagne
Tell us about the history of the golf club.
The ‘Tubaste Golf Club’ was formed around 1975 by some farmers and businessmen in the Steelpoort area, which is known as Tubatse. It was planned as an 18-hole course, designed by Gary Player. Only three holes were constructed in the beginning, with the help of local farmers Joe and Bill Language and Lappies Labuschagne, assisted by businessmen Mac McCarthy, Adam and Stoffel Mathee. Local businesses like Steelpoort Transport helped with transporting sand and heavy ground-working equipment. The final nine holes were completed in 1976-77.
What sort of experience awaits the first-time visitor to Chrome Golf Glub?
We are known as one of the best nine-hole courses in the region, a bushveld club that blends natural beauty with a golfing challenge. The bushveld layout winds through rugged terrain and indigenous flora, with roaming wildlife often adding a touch of safari magic. Each hole presents a test of skill, offering a variety of challenges that keep novice and seasoned golfers engaged. Whether you're here for the game, the scenery or the serene atmosphere, Chrome Golf Club is an unforgettable destination for anyone seeking golf with a wild twist.
Those who have played Chrome say there's a lot of wildlife on the course.
Absolutely! Wildlife roams freely and don't be surprised if you spot impala, giraffe or gemsbok watching from the rough. The course is also home to kudu, waterbuck and nyala, adding a true safari feel to every swing. Keep your eyes peeled for the occasional klipspringer perched on rocky outcrops or a curious warthog trotting across a green. This unique blend of golf and wildlife creates a one-of-a-kind experience.
You are a top golfer and have been club champion at Chrome. How does everything come together?
I have been blessed to have a committee and membership base that always assists, and this has helped me become the golfer I am. When we needed practice facilities, Samancor and numerous local businesses stepped up and provided us with them. As a club of 158 members we have numerous professional players and more than 10 provincial golfers calling Chrome GC home. Every year the Club Champs is a big event.
Gallery below
Tell us about your administrative journey.
I started in 2007 when I returned from the UK to do my PGA Diploma. We moved to Steelpoort and I joined Chrome. Not long after that I was elected club captain and loved every second of it. This meant I represented the club at the Limpopo Golf Union and went through the ranks until I was elected president of Limpopo Golf Union and then represented Limpopo at the SAGA NEC. In 2024 I was selected as second vice-president of SAGA.
What sort of competitive events have been staged at Chrome?
Our calendar is highlighted by the Chrome Masters, the biggest event of the year, inspired by the traditions of The Masters. The tournament begins with a Par 3 Challenge on day one. In addition to our signature events, we have hosted numerous Limpopo Golf Union tournaments. A standout was in 2023 when we hosted the prestigious Limpopo Golf Union Toshiba Cup Finals.
Are there places in the area for visitors to stay?
You can stay at the course! We offer 26 rooms, with options on the golf course for stunning views and immediate access to the fairways, as well as in the nearby Chrome Residence for a quiet, restful retreat. Whether you're here for a tournament, a bushveld break or just a love for the game, Chrome provides the complete golf-and-stay experience — right in the heart of Limpopo.
VISITOR GREENFEES
R150
Member’s guest
(18 holes)
R200
Affiliated guest
(18 holes)
R300
Visitor
(18 holes)
What are some of the differences in managing a nine-hole facility as opposed to an 18-holer?
OK, here’s my sales pitch [laughs]. Maintaining nine holes instead of 18 significantly reduces demands on water, manpower, fertilisers and maintenance equipment. A nine-hole layout offers a closer-knit, community atmosphere, allowing for better engagement with members and guests. Nine-hole courses are perfect for hosting compact, dynamic tournaments such as our Chrome Masters. They also appeal to tourists and casual golfers looking for a round in a wildlife-rich environment. A nine-hole course is less intimidating and more approachable for beginners, families and juniors, making it a fantastic platform to grow the game.
What plans do you have for Chrome Golf Club?
We're committed to growing the club into a dynamic, all-round lifestyle destination for golfers, families and outdoor enthusiasts. Among our upcoming additions is a dedicated mountain bike route, allowing visitors to explore the bushveld landscape on two wheels. We're also introducing park runs and we're hoping to bring padel courts to the club. One of our key projects is our irrigation fundraising campaign, which will allow us to manage water usage more efficiently and sustainably — ensuring the course remains in top condition all year round.
Tell us about the 19th hole and the atmosphere.
We serve the best steak in the region and Hole 19 offers a wide variety of drinks, ice-cold refreshments and a menu that keeps guests coming back for more. Our other culinary highlights include wood-fired pizzas, made fresh to order, and two local legends: the Famous Bosvelder Rump and the Flambé Fillet. The experience is elevated by our deck overlooking the first fairway, offering panoramic views of the surrounding bushveld.
DISTANCE FROM
Polokwane 158km
Mbombela 178km
Pretoria 302km
Johannesburg 330km
Bloemfontein 725km
Durban 736km
East London 1 284km
Cape Town 1 726km
CALLING ALL CLUBS
As industry leaders, we at The Golf Mag are committed to being the hub of the South African golfing community. With this in mind we are reaching out to golf clubs in the country to highlight them in the magazine.
This could be in the form of an interview with the golf club’s president, executive member, general manager, PGA pro, greenkeeper... basically anyone you would like us to focus on.
CALLING ALL CLUBS
As industry leaders, we at The Golf Mag are committed to being the hub of the South African golfing community. With this in mind we are reaching out to golf clubs in the country to highlight them in the magazine.
This could be in the form of an interview with the golf club’s president, executive member, general manager, PGA pro, greenkeeper... basically anyone you would like us to focus on.
We are encouraging all golf clubs to contact us and nominate themselves for a mention in the magazine. To feature in the mag, simply email us on contact@thegolfmag.co.za explaining who you would like to represent your golf club.
SUPPLIED/CHROME GOLF CLUB
