Langebaan

The links-style fairways at the Langebaan Country Estate overlook the 10 mile-long Langebaan Lagoon and the natural harbor of Saldanha Bay – where trains from the Sishen mines unload iron ore for export – and they’re set in a figure of eight around a large residential development.

The 393-yard 1st is a challenging par four to begin the round. Manatoka trees flank the fairway and it’s often played into a prevailing southeasterly wind. The par three 6th sits at the highest point on the property and tee shots have an intimidating area of fynbos to carry from the tee to the raised green.

On the back nine, the 158-yard 11th is another fine short hole, this time played a putting surface protected by water and waste areas to the right of the large green. The 452-yard 18th ends the round in fine style as it’s a short par five offering a birdie opportunity to those who can steer clear of the water that fronts the home green.

Located an hour’s drive north of Cape Town, the course was originally laid out by Bill Kerr, an associate of Bob Grimsdell, but the layout has recently been reworked by Gary Player Design, and they created four new holes (at 4 to 7), redesigning the remainder.