What sort of membership uptakes have you had?

The unique experience which any level of golfer is offered, is to be able to play a round of golf in the unfenced confines of the Kruger National Park, and has resulted in a huge increase in membership. Competitive membership rates and playing fees have resulted in our membership now exceeding 220 members, with many of the current Proteas cricketers taking up membership and enjoying our facilities during their time off from their full schedules.

The question on everyone's lips: What awaits a visitor at Skukuza?

A vast array of animals and birdlife species can be encountered, which is bound to lift your spirits ... even if the golf is not always going according to plan. The restaurant and bar also offer exquisite meals and beverages to relax and enjoy on our vast and picturesque deck – if your desire to avoid the frustrations that golf brings and you want a bit of time out. The hippos, crocs and birdlife in the dam in front of the clubhouse all add to this wonderful experience, while you watch the golfers take on the daunting 157m signature par three 18th – across the dam to the green in front of the clubhouse. For overnight guests staying in the Skukuza Rest camp and wanting to enjoy a romantic evening dinner on the deck, we offer a very popular shuttle service (free of charge) to and from the camp reception area after gate closing times.

How strong is the competitive side of the golf club?

While still a relatively young club with few local players to draw from regularly, we boast the recent achievement of being, not only the winners of the past year's Lowveld League, but we also went on to win the overall Mpumalanga League. For both it was the first time in the club's history and we were unbeaten the entire season. Last April and again for the first time in the history of the club, we will be hosting the Lowveld Open, with golfers from all over SA participating in this prestigious event.

What competitive events are held at the golf club?

We have a number of repeated and annual events. Our biggest
tournament held annually is the 'Joke of the Lowveld' (this year, 4-7 March), which is the 47th edition of it being played. One returning member has
never missed an event. We also host a Skukuza Open every year just after
our Club Champs.

Geographically, what other attractions are nearby for a visitor to take in?

Being strategically placed in the Lowveld, there are numerous places of interest. In close proximity is Bourke's Luck Potholes, God's Window, Sabie
Gorge and many nearby courses to play for those golfers wanting to
arrange a golf tour.

DISTANCE FROM

Hazyview 54km

Mbombela 120km

Pretoria 435km

Johannesburg 462km

Sun City 580km

Durban 815km

Bloemfontein 857km

Cape Town 1 859km

How often do you go to the club?

I am fortunately retired and I am about to enter my fourth year as club captain. I live 300m outside the Paul Kruger Gate entrance to the Kruger National, which is 13km from the course. Whilst I do traverse the course on days when I am not playing, it is more a case of being able to enjoy the environment when time allows, or to see how projects are coming along. I normally play in the Wednesday and Saturday competitions and the odd sponsored day as a guest.

Tell us about your wider role as club captain.

I tend to leave the course and maintenance up to our greenkeeper and his staff, and make suggestions and observations occasionally. Prior to each competition, I set the nearest the pins and longest-drive positions. I conduct prize giving, chair committee meetings and assist in starting and hosting visiting golf events and their prizegivings and functions. There are also monthly reports which must be submitted to the Lowveld Golf Association. Organising and running all annual club competitions and events and being in the Lowveld and (presently) falling under the auspices of the LGA, there is quite a bit of travelling to Lowveld committee meetings, normally held in Nelspruit (Mbombela).

What is the 19th hole experience like?

Sitting out on the deck after hours (and after gate closing times) is a privilege for the staff living in Skukuza. The night life sounds and the odd hyena strolling past, makes it a very special place.

VIDEOS

ABOUT LAST NIGHT …

It is pretty unique when the ninth-green action is animals guarding their kill – and then seeing a croc come and chase the hyenas and lions away to finish off the scraps.

Gavin Goldman says: 'I took these videos from a distance of 18 metres, from the deck in August 2024 whilst finishing off our drinks just after 7pm.'

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.

Simply email us on contact@thegolfmag.co.za

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.

SKUKUZA GOLF CLUB | GAVIN GOLDMAN