At the media launch of the 2026 Nedbank Golf Challenge, it was revealed that the Gary Player Country Club is about get a new larger than life 1st hole, along with a series of lengthened tee boxes throughout the course. This will make it the longest course in the country by the time the pros tee it up there this December.

The reason behind this is simple. 'Africa's Major' needs to be tougher. Gary Player himself was not too happy about Englishman Marco Penge hitting driver then 7-iron into the 550m par five 14th hole last year to use an example.

Making it tougher isn't as simple as making the fairways narrower and the rough thicker though. This would lead to pros clubbing down off the tee, and fans want to see them bang drivers. So by adding length, ultimately the score in relation to par becomes a little more protected in an entertaining tournament, and the course in turn evolves alongside the greater physical abilities of the players and the advancements of their equipment.

This doesn't mean that every course out there needs to be influenced by those with driver ball speeds of over 290km/h. Golf is so much more than hitting it far after all, and many of South Africa's shorter courses highlight this and should be celebrated more.

For courses below of the 6 500m mark, smart design, use of slopes and varying width of fairways, along with creating aesthetic charm, more than adds to the experience. There is also the undeniable truth that many of the older 'shorter' courses just have so much built-in character which you simply can't replicate.

A key aspect of 'shorter' courses is that they will naturally be at the heavier atmosphere of the coastal regions, where the ball doesn't fly like it does inland. Here land is of a greater premium too, so the ability to make big sprawling beasts just simply hasn't been possible. Add in the windy conditions, and you can see how 'length by design' is not always the most important element to focus on for course design – and re-design.

With this in mind, below are some short courses that are simply wonderful golf experiences:

Southbroom

5 509 metres (total distance back tees)

An integral part of the local village, Southbroom Golf Club is a special part of the KZN South Coast. The shortest of South Africa's top ranked courses, it has the genuine feel of a public park – which gives it a special character for members and guests who play it throughout the year. Accuracy is more the order of the day here, especially when the wind picks up. Water is in play for pretty much the whole of the front 9, so where you place it very much trumps how far you hit it. Then comes the quirky character with a tree in the 9th green, and then, theatrically, this short course ends with back-to-back par 5s.

Royal Port Alfred

5 732 metres

Mostly untouched over the years, this coastal icon has all the quirks and charms of a short course – complete with individually named holes, and a shed for a halfway house on the 8th which only opens on busier days. Playing further into the short-course appeal, many of the older members only play 13 holes of this seaside course, opting to retire to the clubhouse rather than taking on the more rolling terrain of the closing five holes. One of five 'Royal' clubs in South Africa.

Clovelly

5 794 metres

Nestled up against the Silvermine mountain range in the Fish Hoek Valley, Clovelly is the definition of a 'little gem'. With crystal clear water running through its streams, and windswept views of the ocean and surrounding mountains, it's lack of length in a modern sense seems to further enhance its natural charms. As a big hitter, there are times on this course where you can really try and take it on. But even on a still day this course is no push over as the layout leads you through one of the most enchanting strips of golfing land in South Africa.

Knysna

5 752 metres

Dwarfed by its better known (and naturally longer) estate courses in the coastal town, Knysna Golf Club feels like a place where you can really breathe, and enjoy the game in its purist form. Low lying on the level of the famous lagoon, the natural water hazards literally rise and fall with the local water levels. With occasional flooding a reality, modern raised greens complexes were built in the late 1990s and have added a great deal to the playability and character of the course. Wonderfully conditioned, with tall trees framing key shots in the round, it even has its own Amen Corner covering the 10th, 11th and 12th holes for added charm.

MARK SAMPSON | KNYSNA GC | CLOVELLY GC | ROYAL PORT ALFRED GC | SOUTHBROOM GC | FACEBOOK.COM