Hans Merensky - Limpopo - South Africa

Gem South Africa - Best in Area
Hans Merensky Golf Estate,
Club Road,
Phalaborwa 1390,
Limpopo,
South Africa

  • +27 (0) 15 781 3931

  • Jeff Jackson

  • Robert Grimsdell

  • Sean Pappas

The former mining town of Phalaborwa is situated on the western edge of the Kruger National Park, a couple of hours drive away from the Mozambique border. The town has reinvented itself as a modern tourist destination and one of its major attractions is the Hans Merensky Golf Estate.

Named after the German mining geologist who came to South Africa in 1904 to make his fortune discovering tin, platinum, diamonds (and more locally, phosphates and copper), the Hans Merensky course was established in 1967 as the place “where golf meets African wildlife.”

The course was designed by Bob Grimsdell and it’s considered one of his best layouts. It hosted a Sunshine Tour event in the 1980s which saw regular confrontations between golfers and animals.

For golfers who choose to stay here, there are thatch-roofed chalets discreetly positioned beside the 11th and 12th fairways. The four par fives on the scorecard are all very good holes, particularly the 16th where a pulled or hooked drive will end up in the Park next door!

Don’t be surprised to see elephants, antelopes, giraffes, monkeys and baboons in and around the perimeter of fairways, whilst hippos and crocs can be found at some of the water hazards. Cameras are not mandatory equipment at Hans Merensky but they are highly recommended!

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Reviews for Hans Merensky

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Description: Don’t be surprised to see elephants, antelopes, giraffes, monkeys and baboons in and around the perimeter of Hans Merensky's fairways, whilst hippos and crocs can be found at some water hazards! Rating: 4 out of 6 Reviews: 1
TaylorMade
Paul Jakeman
They were doing quite a bit of work to the complex (ahead of the world cup in 2010) when we stayed and played here – and the accommodation was definitely in need of some TLC. However, if they bring it up to the same standard as the restaurants and leisure facilities I’m sure it will be fine. You really are in the wild in this part of South Africa – and I’d recommend staying in the complex for a few days to make the most of it. It’s remote – but well worth the trip. We came across plenty of wildlife on both days we played (Impala, Warthogs, Monkeys, Hippo and Crocodiles) – and this feels about as African as you’ll ever get. Although it’s almost too hot (believe me, whenever you go it’ll be hot), I would still recommend taking a caddy, they’re good company and will certainly help with some of the shots where you need to clear water. Anyhow, if your ball isn’t on the fairway you do not want to go in the rough looking for it - your caddy on the other hand will have no such qualms! I almost forgot. The course is pretty good. But this is more about the experience of playing a true African golf course right on the edge of Kruger National Park in the blazing South African Sunshine. A really great experience.
December 02, 2010
4 / 6
Hans Merensky
Reviewer Score:
TaylorMade

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Willie
April 26, 2014
I suggest a re assessment this course unfortunately has just gone backwards since your last assessment. It will now not even make the top 200 courses in South Africa.