FAIRWAYS & BEYOND

TREASURE

trove

Look no further than the North West province for superb on- and off-course enjoyment 

By Ben Karpinski 

When you think of the North West province as a golfing and leisure destination, Sun City instantly comes to mind. This month, we also go beyond this one-of-a-kind resort, though, and present what else awaits in the region for a trip worth taking.


Hartbeespoort Dam and surrounds offers a terrific variety of places to stay and play, all within 100km of Johannesburg. These four courses in close proximity to the dam provide the ideal golfing itinerary.

PECANWOOD GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

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This Jack Nicklaus-designed championship course was the Golden Bear’s first on the African continent. Pecanwood ushered in the beginning of a new wave of golf estates that provided an almost larger-than-life golf experience from the late 1990s.


It’s an impression that still stacks up today. A tremendous practice facility flows out from the clubhouse, while large fairway bunkers and even more elaborate greenside bunkers create an ongoing test and dynamic aesthetic. Water comes into play nicely on the back nine via the Hartbeespoort Dam and a large internal water feature.


The par-three 13th hole stands out the most in this regard, playing along the edge of the dam, where the seemingly natural addition of palm trees adds to the unique appeal of the hole and course.


There are accommodation rental options on the estate, which can make it a base for a weekend getaway, should you not want to do any additional driving once you arrive.

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MAGALIES PARK GOLF COURSE

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A friendly country course where parkland meets bushveld in style, this was the first 18-hole course to be built near Hartbeespoort Dam. With five par fives and five par threes, together with eight par fours, it may not be a lengthy course, but it is full of character and playability.


With many of the tees raised, the holes are well framed and allow for you to enjoy the natural surroundings.

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MOOINOOI GOLF CLUB

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Consistently rated as one of SA’s finest nine-hole courses, Mooinooi is the very definition of a local gem. A variety of tee options make for an enjoyable 18-hole experience, where the tree-lined fairways and immaculate greens will certainly leave a lasting impression. A regular stop on the Sunshine Tour’s ‘winter’ stretch back in the day with the Platinum Classic, it regularly hosts amateur events, while its thriving local membership adds to the fun of making your way out there.

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SEASONS GOLF COURSE

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The old Brits Golf Club, Seasons GC at the Seasons Eco Golf Estate offers a unique golf experience with two rather different nines – one hugely undulating and scenic winding through the estate, the other flatter and more understated, surrounded by the local farmlands.


You can play a competitive round of golf here with some strong holes, or just enjoy a leisurely nine with a couple of drinks on the golf cart before heading back to the accommodation units for a nice braai.

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RUSTENBURG AND SUN CITY COURSES

A little further out from the courses mentioned, Rustenburg Golf Club sits on the outskirts of the major town in the region. A top-ranked course in years gone by, Rustenburg is another delightful bushveld course built on the original design of Bob Grimsdell. Well worth the visit if you are in the area, or if you are looking to make a trip to Sun City and the two main courses there, which are, of course, Gary Player Country Club and Lost City Golf Course.


Gary Player Country Club has a special feel to it, having been in the spotlight since 1981 as the home of the Million Dollar Challenge, and now the Nedbank Golf Challenge. It’s a true test from start to finish from tee to green, meandering through a storied layout walked by the greats of the game over the past four decades. It’s the original bushveld golf experience, but as refined and well-manicured as anything else in the country. The local caddies also add so much to your experience, and will be very much needed to make sense of the mesmerising greens.


The Lost Citycourse, which is a slightly more casual affair, is also within the Sun City resort. Golf carts are the order of the day here, with greater elevation changes than at Gary Player CC. It’s more dramatic in every sense, with raised tee areas giving great views of the surroundings and dramatic par threes that, of course, also house resident crocodiles. The Lost City course brings you closer to the bush, with the occasional sighting possible along the fence line to the Pilanesberg National Park.

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WHERE TO BASE YOURSELF

With it being such an established getaway ‘venue’ as it were, there are numerous places to base yourself around Hartbeespoort Dam that offer stay and play options, along with your usual mix of hotels and self-catering establishments.

SEASONS GOLF, LEISURE AND SPA

The spa at Seasons is a fantastic attraction in the area, and a great 'stay' option when combined with the accommodation units and other family-friendly facilities on offer. Secure and tranquil, it’s an accessible retreat that is close to everything you need in the vicinity.

MAGALIES PARK GOLF RESORT

If you are looking for something a little closer to Hartbeespoort Dam, Magalies Park offers reasonably priced one-, two- and three-bedroom self-catering chalets. The facilities offer just about everything you could ask for, including a great dining establishment with a sprawling deck area, a spa, additional sports facilities and a dedicated kids' club.

LEOPARD LODGE

For something a little quieter and away from the conventional in more ways than one, Leopard Lodge could be a more suitable option. Boasting the best view of Hartbeespoort Dam, the 248ha private game farm has a variety of two-bed sleepers and a four-sleeper with fully equipped kitchen. There is also an on-site restaurant and bar. As it is a venue popular for weddings and occasional events, booking ahead of time is recommended.

OFF-COURSE THINGS TO DO

The area is famous for natural beauty and wildlife experiences.


Hartbeespoort Dam Elephant Sanctuary: A sanctuary for African elephants, you can walk with these friendly giants, as well as participate in feeding sessions seven days a week. With experienced staff on hand to educate you and provide an engaging experience for all ages, it’s a must-visit.


Cruising on the dam: Whether in a big group or just looking for a couples’ sundowner cruise, there’s a variety of options available for you to enjoy the dam and magnificent scenery.

Hartbeespoort Aerial Cableway: Come for the views, stay for a whole host of activities and facilities you may be surprised to find in one spot, starting with the lookout deck at the top of the cableway 1 400m above sea level and 360deg restaurant offering wraparound views. There is also a spa, kids’ area and walking and mountain bike trails at the summit.


Pilanesberg National Park: A trip into the park is highly recommended. Home to Africa’s Big Five, with ample chances to view white rhino in particular, a visit here is a mini-break in itself and exposes the wilder side of the North West.

GETTING THERE

Your nearest commercial airport is Lanseria. From here, it’s a mere 35-minute drive to Hartbeespoort Dam, and a variety of accommodation and golf courses. Driving from Pretoria or Johannesburg is a bit further, but still easily reachable within an hour on the road.


From here, with Harties as your base, Mooinooi GC is an additional 45 minutes away, with Rustenburg and Sun City’s golf options an hour and a half away. To enjoy the open expanses of the Pilanesberg National Park from a base at Hartbeespoort, a leisurely two-and-a-half drive will get you into the park.

TYRONE WINFIELD/SUNSHINE TOUR/ERNEST BLIGNAULT/GOLFRSA/MAGALIES PARK/RUSTENBURG GC/SEASONS GC/HARTBEESPORT DAM ELEPHANT SANCTUARY/SUPPLIED