GOLF ARTICLE

Golfing Holidays in Hermanus
by Sarah Manners

Apart from being one of the most acclaimed tourist destinations in the world, South Africa is internationally acclaimed for its numerous, highly ranked and aesthetically designed courses. In the Western Cape area alone there are more than 30 high ranking courses. Golfing in the Western Cape Visitors to the Western Cape quickly fall in love with the provinces amazing golf courses which are set in some of the most scenic landscapes and offer spectacular vistas. The fantastic weather, gorgeous accommodation offerings and variety of non-golfing attractions and activities enable everyone to have a fantastic golfing holiday in the Western Cape. Golfing Holiday in Hermanus Hermanus is a gorgeous coastal town located approximately an hour's drive from the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town. Each year tourists from all over South Africa and the world escape the hectic pace of everyday life in this tranquil and scenic holiday town. Hermanus is comprised of spectacular coastlines, pristine beaches, lagoons and rivers and is home to two of the Western Cape's most acclaimed golf courses. What could be better than a holiday escape to a picturesque location that offers excellent golfing? The Courses The Hermanus Golf Club is set amidst gorgeous sea views and a dramatic mountainous backdrop. This 18-hole course was designed by Bob Grimsdell and is one of the most popular courses in the country. The Hermanus golf club has hosted several top golf tournaments and exhibitions including the National Inter Provincial Match Play Tournament, the SA Country Districts Tournament, the Boland Open, the Hermanus Open tournament and the annual Walker Bay Classic. The course has hosted many golfing legends including the likes of Bobby Locke, Peter Thompson, Sam Snead, Dai Rees, Ken Bousfield, Bernard Hunt and Bobby Cole. Whether you are a scratch golfer or simply someone who enjoys the therapeutic effects of a few rounds of golf this course will fulfil your every need. Whilst waiting to play your shot you can watch the whales breaching in the ocean beside you, there could be no better way for a golfer to spend a day. Having earned a South African rating of 62 this parklands golf course is a favourite amongst both locals and tourists alike. The Hermanus Golf Club is private, yet highly accessible to the public. The most challenging hole on the course and quite possibly one of the toughest holes in the Cape is the sixth. With an out-of-bounds on the right and trees to the left of this narrow fairway this hole demands precision when playing into the wind. The green slopes uphill from front to back and a water hazard looms close by on the right. Appropriate golf attire and soft spikes are required on the course. Club facilities include a Pro Shop, Graded Caddies, a halfway house, locker and shower facilities and a fantastic bar in which to toast the successes of a fantastic day on the rolling slopes of this magnificent course. Located in Kleinmond, which is just a few minutes drive from Hermanus lies the gorgeous Arabella Golf Course and Country Estate. Designed by Peter Matkovich the courses theme is balance. This 6381 metre course is bordered by the largest lagoon in Southern Africa and the 9th, 17th and 18th run parallel to this gorgeous body of water. Each hole on the course was designed to have a spectacular view; the mountain backdrops, lagoon frontage and forests on the Arabella Golf Course and Country Estate These provide for links, parkland and coastal aspects, while the individual fairways provide natural corridors as vantage points to savour nature's true beauty. The course was awarded the Golf Digest award for the best new course in South Africa in 1999. In 2002, the course was rated number 9 in South Africa by Golf Digest and number 5 in 2003. The club was also awarded the Compleat Golfer Five Star award in 2003 and currently holds the 6th position on the South African rating structure. The Arabella is ranked amongst the ten most beautiful courses in South Africa and is a highly sought after course amongst both domestic and international tourists. While visitors are welcome the Arabella requires every player to have an official handicap and a membership card or handicap certificate must be brought to the club on the day of play. All golfers are required to dress in appropriate golf attire and soft spikes. The Arabella facilities include graded caddies, conference facilities, a gym, practice area, a pool and a fantastic bar in which to enjoy the views of this splendid course from. What else to do whilst in Hermanus Whilst golfers may praise this tranquil town for its beautiful golf courses Hermanus is internationally renowned for being the "heart of the whale coast" and for being recognised by the World Wildlife Fund as the best land-based whale watching area in the world. The renowned Hermanus whale festival takes place every September, coinciding with the Southern Right whale's breeding season. Whales come here to frolic, nurse and breed and, some say, to show off to Hermanus visitors! There are also several picturesque beaches, fantastic restaurants, craft markets and pubs which can also be enjoyed whilst you are on your golfing vacation. During your golfing holiday to this gorgeous town stay at the Windsor Hotel which is situated on a cliff edge with spectacular panoramic views of the Indian Ocean below. This Hermanus hotel is perfect for a relaxing seaside holiday break, and the frolicking whales in the Indian Ocean will add to your enjoyment! 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