club corner
Setting The
STANDARD
This month we visit San Lameer Country Estate on the KZN South Coast, where we speak to the golf operations manager, Eben Zietsman
Give us a brief history of San Lameer.
In the 1980s, San Lameer was one of South Africa’s first golf estates as a pioneering model of integrated golf and lifestyle living. The 18-hole championship golf course, designed by Peter Matkovich and Dale Hayes, was officially built in 1992. Since its development, San Lameer has grown into a benchmark for environmentally conscious estate living.
What sort of golf course can first-time visitors expect to encounter?
Use a golf cart! The front nine is hilly, and from the par-three 4th hole onwards, accuracy becomes key and strategic shot placement is more important than power. On the back nine, things get interesting, with several dams and winding rivers that come into play. This half of the course is shorter and tighter, rewarding smart course management and precise tee shots.
There’s said to be interesting animal life on the course.
Absolutely – and it’s one of the things that makes San Lameer special. Don’t be surprised to share the course with impala, reedbuck, bushbuck, and the red, grey and blue duiker. You might even spot a nyala watching from the trees. There are also 195 species of birds, including the crowned eagle.
As golf ops manager, the perception is that you are out on the course most days. Is that the reality?
Not quite! I actually spend just an hour or two out there each day. My focus is on doing general checks – looking at course set-up, ensuring our maintenance standards are being met and that everything is running smoothly. We’re fortunate to have the Matkovich Group handling our greenkeeping. Our greenkeeper, Clinton Fouché, has been with us for eight years. So, while I’m involved in overseeing course presentation and operations, I trust our team to keep things in top shape.
How does a typical day map out for you?
I’m up by 5:30am, and since I live on the estate, I’m in my golf cart and at the Pro Shop by 5:50am, ready to open at 6am. From there, I do the morning prep: printing weather reports, setting up welcome signs and cart signs for groups, and checking on the carts, caddies and halfway house. The rest of the day is a mix of emails, guest check-ins, phone calls and bookings. I also spend an hour or two on the course. But my primary role is to ensure the customer experience matches the San Lameer standard. Every detail counts. The security check-in should feel easy and welcoming, there should be someone ready to help at the bag drop, and every cart needs to have tees, a pencil, a scorecard and a pin sheet.
Gallery below
San Lameer has hosted many events over the years. Are there any that the members still talk about?
Yes! We’re proud to host several standout events that have become part of the San Lameer identity. One of the big highlights is the SA Women’s Masters, which returned to our calendar last year and is back again this November. We’re hoping that from 2026 it will regain international status. We also have two signature events that are popular with amateurs – the Men’s 4×4 Team Challenge, which has grown into one of the premier amateur events. Every year, 34 teams compete across four rounds. Then there’s our Tee for Two couples’ event, which is one of the highlights of our calendar, drawing couples from across the country.
Are there accommodation options at San Lameer for visitors?
Definitely! If you’re looking for space and flexibility, we have self-catering villas, ranging from bachelor units to five-bedroom luxury villas. For those who prefer hotel-style comfort, the estate is also home to a 40-bedroom, four-star boutique hotel. It offers beautifully appointed rooms, many with views over the lagoon and the swimming pools.
VISITOR GREENFEES
Affiliated
(9 holes) R265
Affiliated
(18 holes) R435
Non-affiliated
(9 holes) R330
Non-affiliated
(18 holes) R570
Golf carts
(9 holes) R250
Golf carts
(18 holes) R395
How many members do you have at the club, and what is the structure of your membership?
We have a unique membership structure due to the nature of the estate. We have over 1 000 members, but this includes different membership categories. We have around 400 full members of San Lameer Country Club. Then there’s the syndicate membership option, which applies to villas with multiple owners. We also offer family membership, as well as a pre-paid or unlimited golf membership for those who play frequently.
San Lameer was ranked No 56 in the 2025 Top 100 courses, up three places from 2024. What is required to move further up the list?
We need to keep building on our strengths and delivering an exceptional customer experience. Our GM has been focusing on long-term planning to ensure steady improvements. Key projects under way include upgrading tee boxes through the ‘tee box project’, improving course drainage and paying close attention to the finer details that enhance playability and aesthetics. One of the biggest upcoming changes is the gradual transition to bentgrass greens. In the longer term, we have a ‘bunker project’ in the pipeline, and we’re in the planning stages of introducing padel. We’re also exploring a few other ideas to enhance the playability of key holes on the course, particularly the 6th and 13th.
DISTANCE FROM
Durban 147km
Pietermaritzburg 213km
Mthatha 297km
East London 529km
Johannesburg 707km
Bloemfontein 770km
Mbombela 829km
Kimberley 929km
Cape Town 1 468km
What are the biggest challenges when it comes to attracting visitors and new members?
As you rightly pointed out, many people don’t know where Marble Hall is. Being ranked as the ninth-best nine-hole golf course in South Africa has helped, and we are attracting more visitors. I also organise and run golf specials to attract more visitors, as I believe finances are the biggest challenge for most people who want to play. We have a special on Sundays where greenfees are only R100 for nine or 18 holes for affiliated and non-affiliated members.
What is the 19th hole atmosphere like and what is the most popular meal on the menu?
On a big golf day, the 19th hole is filled with music and the laughter of people watching the golfers finishing their round. Healthy banter echoes through the clubhouse with a true bushveld hospitality atmosphere. We have several favourites on the menu, the biggest being our chicken schnitzel, eisbein or a grilled steak. Our restaurant and bar areas are managed by Nellie Veldman, who is also your go-to person when you need to arrange the perfect menu for your function. We not only host golf days, but also corporate golf functions, prize ceremonies, weddings, school functions, baby showers, family gatherings and more.
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 club’s president, executive member, general manager, PGA pro, greenkeeper... 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.
SAN LAMEER/SUPPLIED
