'The clubhouse sits on the highest point of the property with a full view of all 18 holes. The views are spectacular, and the sunsets are something else'

Explain to the first-time visitor at George GC what sort of golf course they can expect to encounter as a player?

George Golf Club is widely regarded as one of South Africa's great parkland layouts. First-time visitors can expect a traditional, tree-lined course where every hole offers its own challenge. The front nine features seven par fours, one par five and one par three, while the back nine has three of each. The closing holes, together with the 1st, bring water into play and offer memorable risk-and-reward golf.

What sort of player thrives on playing the George layout?

George rewards the thoughtful golfer. Accuracy, patience and good course management are just as important as length. Whether you are a low-handicap player or a social golfer, the course offers a fair and memorable challenge.

In May, the area was hit by severe storms. It was reported as: 'Gale-force winds uprooted more than 263 trees across the 120-year-old course. The 16th green was damaged. Massive trees, some believed to be more than a century old, were ripped from the ground. The storm has altered the landscape of the course.'

How are things looking now in the aftermath and recovery?

We officially re-opened the back nine on the 19th May, just one week after the storm, while clean-up operations continued on the front nine. All 18 holes re-opened on 5th June. Although the storm caused significant damage and many trees were lost, the course remains true to the tree-rich character and natural beauty for which George Golf Club is so well known. Visitors who have played here before will still recognise the distinctive layout, and many of the familiar 'problem trees' remain. The recovery has been encouraging, and we are grateful to our staff, members and the wider golfing community for their support during the clean-up and restoration process.

FAST FACTS

The club was founded in 1906, and the current course was created in the 1930s by Charles Molteno Murray.

George has held numerous men's and women's amateur tournaments, including several national championships.

The course record is 63 by member Jovan Rebula, then aged 15, in October 2012. He had 28 on the back nine with eagles at 11 and 14.

General Manager is Sandra Lennox, greenkeeper Vickus Filmalter, Club Captain Marlo Pienaar and Club Chairman Daryl Austin.

Due to its history, George is known as The Old Course in the area, despite the emergence of other courses. Do you think it shares any 'magic' with Scotland's St Andrews, which is also surrounded by many other courses?

George Golf Club certainly has its own special magic. It has history, character and a strong sense of place. It remains a must-play course for visitors to the Garden Route, and many overseas guests choose to play more than one round with us while they are in the area.

The Outeniqua Mountains. When are they at their finest: morning tee-off time or afternoon tee-off time?

The Outeniqua Mountains are magnificent throughout the day, but they are especially beautiful in the early morning and late afternoon. At those times, the changing light enhances the character of the course, and the mountain backdrop becomes truly spectacular.

What sort of grass is found on the fairways and greens?

The fairways are kikuyu, which provides excellent playing surfaces and suits the local climate well. The greens are a mixture of Bentgrass and Poa annua, offering good year-round conditioning and a consistent putting experience.

Gallery below

George is a busy golf club and course. How many rounds come through annually, when is it at its busiest, and how far in advance should visitors book a January tee-off time?

We host between 45 000 and 50 000 rounds annually. Our busiest period is from mid-December through to March, when demand is particularly high. For requesting tee times, it is advisable to book well in advance, ideally three to six months ahead.

What can visitors and golfers expect from the 19th hole?

Visitors can expect a warm, relaxed atmosphere with beautiful views and excellent value. Our 19th hole is known for affordable food and beverages, friendly service and a welcoming club environment. Breakfast is always popular, and our Friday steak special has become a favourite with both members and visitors.

Is the course best played by walking a round, or do most people get more enjoyment by using a golf cart?

One of the reasons George is so popular is that it is an enjoyable and easy walking course. Golf carts are available, but they are not compulsory. Many golfers prefer to walk, as it allows them to appreciate the layout, trees, views and atmosphere of the course more fully.

What is the Ladies membership section like, and how thriving is it?

We have a vibrant and active Ladies Section. Our Tuesday Ladies' Competition is well supported, our Ladies' League continues to perform strongly, and our seniors and Ladies@Home days are fully booked at every event.

DISTANCE FROM

Gqeberha 317km

Cape Town 434km

East London 602km

Bloemfontein 772km

Kimberley 818km

Johannesburg 1169km

Pretoria 1223km

Durban 1285km

Mbombela 1515km

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.

GEORGE GOLF CLUB