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LAID-BACK
Limpopo
Every month we invite golf clubs to contact us to be featured in The Golf Mag. Here we chat with the GM of Polokwane Golf Club, Attie Buitendach
CALLING
ALL CLUBS
Want YOUR
club featured
in the mag?
Contact us!
Where do we find the golf club and how old is it?
We are in the heart of Limpopo, and are one of South Africa's most respected golfing stop-offs. With a heritage spanning over a century, and surrounded by the beauty of the bushveld, the club is a place where history, sporting excellence and friendships continue to shape the experience.
What is the golf course itself like?
The course underwent a major modernisation during the late 1980s, before Peter Matkovich refined and upgraded the layout in the early 1990s. His design embraced the surrounding bushveld landscape while introducing strategic features that challenge golfers of every ability. Today the course is a par-72 championship layout, featuring immaculate bentgrass greens, wide Kikuyu fairways, 14 strategically positioned water hazards and beautifully sculptured bunkers. The course rewards smart course management rather than sheer power. Numerous dogleg holes require thoughtful positioning, and the course is relatively flat and easy to walk.
Our affiliate visitors green fees are as follows:
Tuesday & Thursday R240
Wednesday & Saturday R270
Fridays and Sundays R250
Non affiliated R360
Golfcarts R300
Caddy fee R300
Tell us about those at the helm of Polokwane GC
We have a dedicated Executive Committee committed to maintaining high standards, both on and off the course. Club President Aaron Segwapa provides leadership, focusing on the long-term growth of the club while supporting golf development throughout the province. Club Captain Len Olley oversees competitive golf, course standards and sporting excellence, ensuring members enjoy quality competitions throughout the year. Limpopo Golf Union President Neil Rathmann is an accomplished scratch golfer and administrator whose contribution extends beyond the club through his leadership within the Limpopo Golf Union. As Club Secretary, I (Attie Buitendach) play a role in the governance and day-to-day administration of the club. I'm an amateur golfer myself, and mix administrative duties with active participation.
Many top golfers have been members at Polokwane. Tell us about a few.
The club is internationally recognised as the home course of two-time US Open champion Retief Goosen, who grew up only a short distance from the course. As a junior he captured the club championship before overcoming a lightning strike at the age of 17 while playing on the course. Polokwane Golf Club has also produced outstanding amateur talent, including Springbok golfers Ray Earle and Callie Swart.
Is there an annual highlight?
Yes, the Baobab Classic was first played in 2006 and has evolved into one of Limpopo's flagship amateur golfing events. Now presented as the CFAO Mobility Toyota Limpopo Baobab Golf Tournament, it attracts more than 140 golfers each year. The event has become a showcase for both the club and the province, attracting corporate partners, business leaders and amateur golfers from around the country.
Polokwane Golf Club has long been recognised as a strong centre for women's amateur golf. Correct?
Indeed. Few names are more synonymous with the club than Desiree 'Desi' Earle (pictured). A 28-time Women's Club Champion, Desi has represented Limpopo with distinction for many years while managing the club's pro shop, continuing a proud family legacy established by her late father, Ray. The club's Ladies Section continues to flourish under the leadership of Ladies Captain and Limpopo Ladies President Hendriette Liebenberg, whose passion for growing the women's game has helped strengthen one of Limpopo's most competitive golfing communities. The success of the section was highlighted by the team's victory in the 2024 South African Women's Mid-Amateur Inter-Provincial Silver Division. Continuing that tradition of excellence, Desi, Hendriettte and Luanie van Rooyen were selected to represent Limpopo at the 2026 Women's Mid-Amateur Inter-Provincial Tournament.
What of the 19th hole vibe?
Overlooking the 18th green, the clubhouse combines traditional golf club character with South African hospitality. Members and visitors gather on the wooden deck to enjoy panoramic views while watching golfers complete their rounds. Inside, large televisions broadcast live rugby, cricket and golf, creating an atmosphere throughout the weekend. The bar offers a selection of South African beers, wines, spirits and refreshments, while the restaurant serves favourites including steaks, burgers, basket meals and traditional wood-fired pizzas. Golfers looking for a quick bite before or after their round are equally well catered for with breakfast rolls, pies and refreshments served throughout the day.
If you had to sum up Polokwane?
Our golf club represents far more than an outstanding championship course. It is a club built on history, sporting excellence, dedicated volunteers and a welcoming community spirit that continues to attract golfers from across South Africa. Whether competing in a championship, enjoying a casual round with friends or relaxing on the clubhouse verandah, visitors quickly discover why Polokwane Golf Club remains one of Limpopo's true sporting treasures.
DISTANCE FROM
Tzaneen 97km
Pretoria 265km
Johannesburg 321km
Mbombela 308km
Sun City 387km
Bloemfontein 719km
Durban 877km
Gqeberha 1394km
Cape Town 1720km
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
PREVIOUSLY FEATURED
Krugersdorp GC
Chrome GC
Marble Hall GC
San Lameer
Kruger Park Lodge
Milnerton GC
Bredasdorp GC
Mount Edgecombe CC
Skukuza Golf Club
Eagle Canyon CC
Vaal De Grace CC
George GC
visit website
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.
pOLOKWANE GOLF CLUB
