UNION FOCUS
a
PROVINCE
for golf
Championship courses. Wildlife adventures. Mountain escapes. Mpumalanga remains one of South Africa's most diverse and rewarding golf destinations
When golf travellers think of Mpumalanga, one course immediately dominates the conversation: Leopard Creek Country Club. And rightly so. Consistently ranked among the finest golf courses in the world, it is a bucket-list destination that has showcased South African golf to a global audience for decades.
But according to newly elected South African Golf Association Junior Vice-President Coenie du Preez and Womens Golf South Africa Vice-President Petricia Buurman, focusing solely on Leopard Creek means missing out on some hidden gems.
Both administrators recently stepped into national leadership roles after years of service to the Mpumalanga Golf Union, and both remain passionate advocates for the courses that continue to shape golf in the province.
Du Preez's journey into golf administration is an interesting one. After a career in the IT industry, he swapped keyboards for greens, mowers and fairways, building a reputation as both a respected administrator and golf course manager. Currently the General Manager at Mbombela Golf Club, he has also worked at Malelane and Lydenburg Golf Clubs and knows Mpumalanga's golfing landscape better than most.
'There are approximately 24 golf courses spread across Mpumalanga, offering everything from championship layouts and bushveld retreats to scenic highveld experiences,' says Du Preez.
'The Kruger National Park is one of South Africa's greatest attractions, and naturally Leopard Creek is the course everyone talks about. But the reality is that there are many exceptional golfing experiences throughout the province. Some are hidden gems, some are local favourites, and all of them offer something unique.'
Buurman, an independent financial advisor and aspiring law graduate, agrees.
'Mpumalanga offers far more than people realise. Every region has its own personality, whether it's golf among wildlife, championship layouts in the mountains or friendly community clubs where visitors are welcomed like members. That's what makes golf in our province so special – there's always something new to discover.'
Coenie du Preez
Du Preez, who has been involved with Mpumalanga golf since 1998, served two terms as President of the Lowveld Golf Association and two terms as President of the Mpumalanga Golf Union
'I am proud to have the opportunity to serve SAGA in this new role,' Du Preez said. 'One of my greatest mentors was Colin Mulligan, who started the Mpumalanga Golf Union and served in administration until his retirement in 2025. One of the biggest lessons I learned from Colin is that golf has the power to change lives, and I look forward to helping strengthen development structures and supporting the continued growth of amateur golf across South Africa.'
'The reality is that there are many exceptional golfing experiences throughout the province. Some are hidden gems, some are local favourites, and all of them offer something unique'
Leopard Creek may remain the province's headline act, but as Du Preez and Buurman are quick to point out, the real beauty of Mpumalanga golf lies in its variety. From championship layouts and mountain masterpieces to wildlife adventures and community clubs, the province offers enough unforgettable golf to fill far more than a single trip.
The challenge isn't finding somewhere to play. It's deciding where to start.
If Leopard Creek is already on your bucket list, consider adding these memorable Mpumalanga experiences to the itinerary as well.
Malelane Golf Club
Just beyond the gates of Leopard Creek lies one of South Africa's most charming small-town golf clubs.
Malelane Golf Club may only be nine holes, but it punches well above its weight. Situated on the banks of the Crocodile River, the course offers excellent conditioning, genuine hospitality and outstanding value for money.
It's the kind of place where visitors arrive as guests and leave feeling like members.
The adjacent campsite and relaxed atmosphere make it an ideal stop for golfers looking to combine golf, wildlife and a classic Lowveld getaway.
Petricia Buurman
Buurman became involved in golf administration in 2014 and was elected President of Mpumalanga Women’s Golf in 2024.
'I am honoured to have been selected as the Vice-President of WGSA, and I thank the unions for their incredible support. I am excited to be working on providing opportunities for everyone in South Africa to experience the game of golf, while respecting and upholding the values, honour and traditions of the WGSA.'
Kambaku Golf Club
A scenic 50-kilometre drive east along the N4 and the Crocodile River brings you to Kambaku Golf Club, one of the province's most unique layouts.
Originally a traditional nine-hole course, Kambaku has evolved into an innovative hybrid design featuring 14 holes and 11 greens, creating a routing of five par fives, five par threes and eight par fours.
Under the guidance of Harry van Dyk and his team, the course has become something of a local treasure. Immaculate conditioning, imaginative hole designs and spectacular natural surroundings combine to create an experience that feels distinctly Mpumalangan.
Like Leopard Creek, nature is not simply a backdrop here; it is part of the experience.
Mbombela Golf Club
While not located directly alongside the Kruger National Park, Mbombela Golf Club serves as an ideal gateway to the region and is well worth the short detour.
Originally designed by legendary architect Bob Grimsdell as a nine-hole layout, the course was later expanded into an 18-hole facility by Peter Matkovich.
Today it offers tree-lined fairways, warm hospitality and a distinctly relaxed atmosphere that has made it a favourite among both visitors and locals.
It is a course that perfectly reflects the spirit of Mpumalanga: welcoming, unpretentious and quietly impressive.
Skukuza Golf Club
Few golf courses anywhere in the world can match the stories produced by Skukuza Golf Club.
As the only golf course situated inside the Kruger National Park, Skukuza has become an internet sensation thanks to its frequent wildlife encounters. Lions on tee boxes, hyenas crossing fairways and hippos patrolling water hazards are all part of the experience.
Yet Skukuza is far more than a novelty.
The club celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022 with significant upgrades to both the course and facilities, creating an even better experience for golfers and non-golfers alike.
The nine-hole layout is played twice to form an 18-hole round, with alternate tees adding variety. And yes, signing the indemnity form before play remains part of the adventure.
If your golf ball disappears into the bush, consider it a donation to the ecosystem.
Highland Gate Golf and Trout Estate
If Skukuza represents bushveld golf at its wildest, Highland Gate showcases Mpumalanga's highland beauty at its finest.
Nestled in the rolling hills outside Dullstroom, the Ernie Els-designed masterpiece consistently ranks among South Africa's premier golf destinations.
The dramatic elevation changes, immaculate conditioning and breathtaking views create an unforgettable experience from the first tee to final green.
What makes Highland Gate particularly special is its balance. Despite its growth into a thriving golf estate, more than two-thirds of the property remains untouched, preserving the natural beauty that makes the venue so memorable.
For many golfers, it is worth the journey from Johannesburg on its own.
Bankenveld Golf Club
Overlooking the Witbank Dam and Nature Reserve, Bankenveld offers a completely different but equally rewarding experience.
Designed by Douw van der Merwe and opened in 2010, the modern championship layout winds through an attractive residential estate while making excellent use of the surrounding landscape.
Four holes hug the shoreline of the dam, while elevated vantage points throughout the course provide sweeping views across the estate and nature reserve.
It is a fitting reminder that Mpumalanga's golfing appeal stretches far beyond the boundaries of the Kruger National Park.
GNGU Website:
www.gngu.co.za
For general enquiries, memberships, and regulations, contact:
General Manager:
Taryn Davel
Phone: +27 12 667 1087
Email: manager@gngu.co.za
Office Hours:
Monday to Friday, 08h00-16h00
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