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LINKS
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This month we visit Milnerton Golf Club, where we speak to their president Peter Pretorius
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Why is 2025 such a special year for Milnerton?
We're celebrating the milestone of 100 years. The course opened in 1913, closed from 1914-1925, and re-opened 1925. The 'nine-out, nine-in' links layout was changed in 1995 to accommodate the housing estate, while the clubhouse and the bowls club remained in the same location. The club celebrated with a Festival Week from 3-9 November.
Tell us about your association with Milnerton GC.
I started playing golf in 1980 and was a member at Clovelly until 1990. I then took a four-year break and went windsurfing. My brother was the reason I joined Milnerton Golf Club in February 1995 and I've have been a playing member for 30 years. In 1999 I was asked to join the committee and to manage the marketing portfolio. I have served on the committee or board of governors for 18 years. I served as captain in 2006, 2007, 2018, 2019 and 2020 and also as president in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2021 and 2025.
One imagines you get to play the golf course a lot. What's your favourite hole?
My golf used to revolve around weekends due to work, but since retiring two years ago I play more, off a handicap index of 10.1. I've played in many leagues, with Harry Solomon being my favourite. My favourite hole is the seventh, a short par three. On a calm day, the green is 135 metres from yellow markers or 115 metres from the white markers. When the south-easter is howling that hole plays into the wind or across you and you suddenly have a three to four club variance. It can be a silent killer of a short hole.
VISITOR GREENFEES
Affiliated
(9 holes) R450
Affiliated
(18 holes) R550
Non-affiliated
(9 holes) R900
Non-affiliated
(18 holes) R1250
Year-round special: Mon/Tues Affiliated special R350
(Rates exclude a R20 water levy which all golfers must pay)
Golf carts
(9 holes) R300
Golf carts
(18 holes) R550
Is Milnerton officially a links course?
Yes. The Atlantic Ocean is on the one side and Diep River is on the other. The course is a straight nine holes out to the halfway house and the turn back the clubhouse. The test is the wind element. The course will allow you to shoot a great round on a calm day, but on a windy day you will need to understand how to hit low shots into the wind, hitting into a four-club difference at particular holes, and master the putting on slick greens. A great example of the variance was in 1979, when Calvin Peete played in the South African Masters. He shot 63 in the first round and remarked, 'Mickey Mouse Course'. The next day he shot 83!
Apart from the wind, or no wind, what can the first-time visitor expect at Milnerton?
They will experience a true links-course set up, and hopefully the south-easter will show its teeth. The clubhouse is situated next to the Atlantic Ocean and the 19th hole overlooks the beach and has a view of Table Mountain. The course offers a warm-up range run by Loots Golf, golf carts or pull trolley, hire clubs and caddies. The pro shop is stocked with the latest clothing with Milnerton embroidery and many other items for purchase. We also have a Bossa Restaurant on the premises.
What grass can be found on the fairways and greens?
The greens are Poa bent mix and the fairways are a mix of Poa blend/cynodon/kikuyu. The greens are generally fast and at times can run at 11 on the stimpmeter. Due to the seasonal changes, the greenkeeper ensures they are not cut too short. The course is in great condition. One would expect sandy conditions to be next to the ocean, but it's not the case unless you hit a wayward shot close to the beach holes. The course has seldom been closed due to poor drainage. On the day the Cape Town Marathon was cancelled due to the weather, we were open!
Being 100 years old, some famous names must have played it?
We've had numerous great names and 'celebs'. From Gary Player to Sir Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, Nick Price, Tony Johnstone, Dale Hayes, Mark McNulty, Calvin Peete and more.
How many rounds per year are played and do you have a flexible membership structure?
We play in the region of 50 000 rounds annually. The membership categories are vast, catering for long-serving members, junior members, social members, full members, lady members, under 30 years and a few more. Rounds can be pre-purchased or pay as you play for members.
DISTANCE FROM
Cape Town CBD 10km
Paarl 54km
Gqeberha 750km
Durban 1628km
Bloemfontein 994km
Kimberley 946km
Johannesburg 1390km
Mbombela 1736km
Milnerton was ranked number 99 in the 2025 Top 100 courses list. What is required to move further up the list?
The criteria set demand high expectations from clubs and also financial implications to remain in the top 100. At Milnerton we need to add value to the total golf experience from arrival to completion of your round, and a visit to the 19th hole. The club continues to find new solutions to add more benefits and value to our members, visitors and groups. The course is constantly being assessed for improvement and change where required. The importance of having a course in top condition throughout the year is a clear goal for MGC. Membership retention is high and that is a sign that we are holding onto our loyal members and able to encourage growth for new membership.
What is the 19th hole experience like?
As mentioned earlier, you finish your round of golf and move to the bar where you are met with breathtaking views of the ocean and Table Mountain. Robben Island is in the distance and the bay is filled with ships of all shapes and sizes. Around you, the discussion of the shot making, the three-putts and the wind will make you realise that everybody is talking about the experience on the golf course. Should you overstay your 19th hole visit you will be met by a stunning sunset.
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.
MILNERTON GOLF CLUB / SUPPLIED
