Joburg Tourism
A feature from the IAGTO Directory 2013
Joburg Tourism
Joburg Tourism Golfing in the City of Gold Johannesburg is traditionally one of South Africa’s lesser-known golfing destinations, yet of late has started attracting more and more interest amongst the golfing fraternity. Perhaps it’s the fascination with the history of the city, often called “Egoli”, which means “Place of Gold” in Zulu as gold was discovered in Johannesburg in 1886. The region then became the biggest gold-producer in the world and soon after that, in 1905 the world’s largest diamond, the Cullinan diamond, was found. Hence the name Joburg Gems was coined, made up of Joburg’s finest golf courses and hotel establishments on offer for locals and internationals alike to enjoy.
Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club
It could even be a fascination with the beauty of the city, as Johannesburg is the world’s largest man-made forest, with an estimated 10 million trees. You certainly won’t feel as if you are in the middle of Africa’s most powerful commercial centre, and South Africa’s financial capital, when playing on any of Jozi’s 32 beautiful parkland layout courses. Bryanston Country Club
Perhaps it’s the great year-round weather with minimal windless days and a year-round average of 8.7 hours of sunshine per day, or because the golf ball travels so much further at altitude – golfers simply love playing golf in Jozi. More than likely, the reason why golfers are requesting a night or two in Johannesburg either at the beginning or end of their trip to South Africa is the absolutely superb golfing facilities that are extremely cost-effective and value for money. A round at a top course in Johannesburg costs approximately 30 euros for the green fees!
info@joburgtourism.com www.joburgtourism.com Call +27 11 214 0700 Find us on: 32
Joburg Tourism
Joburg Gems - who’s who Bryanston Country Club www.bryanstoncc.co.za Founded in 1948, the Bryanston Country Club is located in one of Johannesburg’s most attractive areas, enjoying a rich heritage and quality of life. The club has a distinct family atmosphere with facilities that include a full service clubhouse complete with restaurants and an array of function venues. Also to be enjoyed are the 18-hole golf course, swimming pool, bowling greens, squash and tennis courts. The golf course was designed by Charles H Alison in 1949 and remains one of the most enjoyable layouts in Gauteng province. Glendower Golf Club www.glendower.co.za In 1935, 10 businessmen joined together, formed a company and purchased the Glendower farm with the purpose of creating a country club. The club opened in March 1937 and, after only two years, played host to its first major tournament. It has since hosted numerous prestigious events including the South African Open. Extensive course renovations were made in the 1980s and again in 2008, resulting in Glendower Golf Club being named one of the top 10 golf courses in the country. Randpark Golf Club www.randpark.co.za Winner of a recent Best of Joburg award, Randpark offers golfers of varying ability an unforgettable experience on two of the finest layouts and bestmanicured golf courses in the country. The older of the two, Bushwillow, was designed by SA’s best-known course architect, Bob Grimsdell, while the younger Firethorn course, opened in the early 70s, has hosted two South African Opens. Club facilities include newly-renovated function rooms and boardrooms, as well as a two-tier, floodlit driving range. Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club www.royaljk.za.com The Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club is regarded as one of the most prestigious golf clubs in South Africa due to its almost 130-year heritage and for having hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including seven South Africa Opens. Both courses (East and West) have enjoyed high positions on the country’s national rankings. The club has an abundance of forested woodlands and in 2005 was proud to be the first golf club in South Africa to be accredited as a Certified Audubon Environment Sanctuary. The Fairway Hotel & Golf Resort www.thefairway.co.za Situated on the Randpark golf course, this five-star hotel within the Guvon Hotel & Spa Group provides the ultimate destination for golf, wedding, conference and leisure guests. There are 62 hotel rooms and 14 double-storey Golf Villas, complete with four en-suite bedrooms. Hotel facilities include the Fairways Spa, a gym, private pool, conference centre, ballroom, wedding chapel, Verve bar and the Balata restaurant, a fine-dining dream. The resort was the proud host of the Brazilian football team during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. 33
Joburg Tourism
Glendower Golf Club
Some other reasons to visit Joburg are the great cultural experiences that the city presents, including finding out more about the fascinating history of South Africa, by visiting the Apartheid Museum, or the famous Vilakazi Street in the township of Soweto - the only street in the world to have housed two Nobel Prize winners: Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu. Other attractions to visit include the Cradle of Humankind, Gold Reef City, Sandton City and some of the wildlife parks close by. Whatever the reason, Joburg Tourism, the four premier golf clubs in Johannesburg, Joburg’s only golf resort - The Fairway Hotel and Golf Resort - and PelePele Travel & Marketing, which markets the route, welcome you to this vibrant, dynamic city of gold, or rather city of golf! For more information and bookings, please contact Natalie van Blerk on natalie@pelepele.co.za or by calling +27 82 805 6643. Randpark Golf Club
Copy supplied by Joburg Gems
The Fairway hotel and spa entrance
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Cover Photo: Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Golf Resort***** • www.terre-blanche.com
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