FAIRWAYS & BEYOND
HAVE CLUBS, WILL
TRAVEL
In the second of a two-part series, we continue our tour of the Southern Cape and the spectacular Garden Route
By Ben Karpinski
This section of the Garden Route is probably more of a secondary one golfing wise. However, it does more than make up for this with the off-course attractions, and for those wanting to enjoy longer stays, it’s the golfing getaway you really need.
The Garden Route golf tour is understandably often centred around George, but once you drive into Knysna and take in the sweeping views of the Knysna Lagoon, you will be happy you have ventured a little further out.
Starting from a golfing perspective, the famous lagoon is the gateway to five notable courses.
SIMOLA GOLF ESTATE
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It’s really difficult to try and describe Simola in just a few sentences. The Jack Nicklaus design sprawls stunningly over two valleys. One providing views towards the lagoon and coast, the other looks over the Knysna River and inland hills. Views aside, the elevation changes make it really memorable in a playing sense. From start to finish, every hole provides its own beauty and challenge – so much so that it is a course that can be easily played on back-to-back days for a mini tour of its own.
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PEZULA GOLF ESTATE
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Providing a wonderful contrast to Simola, Pezula is set on the eastern of the two Knysna heads. With two distinctly different nines, its back nine is what the course is most famous for. Playing down to the coast here, the course is really open to the elements, which can provide a stern test for any level of golfer. It’s also a place where the local baboons may take an interest in one or two of your tee shots.
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KNYSNA GOLF CLUB
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Though somewhat unknown compared to the other courses in the town, Knysna Golf Club is not to be missed when in the area. Beautifully framed by trees throughout, the holes provide a great variety from start to finish – both design and aesthetic. It even has its own Amen Corner from holes 10-12, with three wonderfully challenging holes.
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PLETTENBERG BAY COUNTRY CLUB
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Another absolute gem in the region, meandering through a nature reserve set back from the coastline. This is a true holiday course in that the vibe is relaxed and picturesque. It does, however, also provide a stern golfing test throughout. It is a popular course that sees a fair amount of traffic throughout the year. It has enjoyed some key upgrades in recent times, raising its conditioning and playability all year round.
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GOOSE VALLEY GOLF CLUB
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On the other side of Plettenberg Bay, en route to Nature’s Valley and beyond, the Goose Valley Golf Club is another must visit. Opened in 2002, it has really made Plett more of a standalone golfing destination. Initially a nine-hole course, there are distinctly different sections to the course: It is links like in nature on the coastal facing holes, while tree-lined and more parkland like as you move inland. Designed by Gary Player, it is also a place where the Black Knight has a family home.
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WHERE TO BASE YOURSELF
Simola Golf Estate: You will struggle to find better golf tour accommodation than the golf villas at Simola. Set high up on the hill, you have terrific views over the course and surroundings. They are well designed and appointed, meaning you never really have to leave the estate. A short walk also sees you at the clubhouse with even better views, and of course a festive bar with restaurant facilities. The pre-round breakfast at the club with views down to the Knysna heads is also another major plus of staying here.
Plettenberg Bay: Plettenberg Bay gives you two golfing options, and the 30-minute drive to Knysna provides three more. The major appeal in basing yourself here is of course the beaches and restaurants. There are three great beaches in the town, with a variety of accommodation options around them, ranging from high-end boutique hotels to more relaxed self-catering options.
Under Milkwood: For something a little extra special in the area, Under Milkwood is a place tucked under ancient Milkwood trees on the shore of the Knysna lagoon at The Heads. One of the longest standing lodgings in Knysna, you have direct beach access from the 16 wooden chalets. It’s the perfect place to unwind with the sounds of nature.
OFF-COURSE THINGS TO DO
Thiessen Island: A thriving heart of Knysna nowadays, Thiessen Island is a home for locals and international holiday seekers. With the overseas inhabitants, so came the demand for higher-end eateries and shops, which are well worth a visit here on any trip.
Noetzie Beach: There are some terrific beach options on this stretch of the Garden Route, ranging from vast expanses to secluded coves. A great example of the latter is Noetzie Beach, 10 minutes outside of Knysna. Uniquely famous for the residential castles built there, it really is a one-of-a-kind place perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
Robberg Nature Reserve: A great place for a hike or a trail run, and an even better place to enjoy one of the most pristine coastlines in the country. Though the town of Plettenberg Bay has grown significantly in recent times, this nature reserve still allows you to get away from it all without having to drive too far from the town and your accommodation base.
Bloukrans Bungy: If you like a bit of adrenaline with your leisure activities, a short drive east of Plettenberg Bay gets you to the Bloukrans Bridge. Africa’s highest bridge, and also the place where you can enjoy a 216-metre plunge with Bloukrans Bungy. If that is a little too much for the heart rate, there is the zipline and SkyWalk Tour to enjoy.
GETTING THERE
The main airport for the Garden Route is George, with a 45-minute scenic drive taking you to Knysna, and a further 30 minutes from there getting you to Plettenberg Bay.
Should you enjoy a bit more of a drive, the other option is to land in Gqeberha. From here it’s a 90-minute drive to get to Plettenberg Bay and the start of the golfing options in the region.
Alternatively for those living in the Western Cape, it is a leisurely self-drive from Cape Town to George taking around five hours.
NEIL FANTOM / OSSEWA / MARK SAMPSON / GOOSE VALLEY / PEZULA / SIMOLA
