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Golf in the Berg: Champagne Sports Resort - The Sparkling Crown of the Central Drakensberg.
Champagne Sports Resort - The Sparkling Crown of the Central Drakensberg
Founded in 1996, Champagne Sports Resort has over the past 28 years clearly established itself as the resort of choice for those visiting the central Drakensberg.
Swimming Pools, Putt-Putt, Tennis Courts, Bowling Green, Trail Running, MTB Trails, Little Explorers, Game On!, Gym, Spa, Basket Ball, Volley Ball, Badminton, Squash Court Cathkin Trail and of course a championship 18-hole golf course make it a mecca for holiday makers who enjoy being active.
The golf course is simply magnificent and well capable of hosting big events. Designed by former South African professional golfer Hugh Baiocchi, it is tree lined with ample water hazards and strategically placed bunkers and all the while Cathkin peak and Champagne peak loom large in the not-too-distant background.
The signature par-3 fourth was a standout as well as the par-3 seventh which is so pretty as to almost be unreal.
On our recent visit we teed off on a beautiful Tuesday morning. Teeing it up in the mountains is a thrilling experience and the front nine was pleasantly challenging. The signature par-3 fourth was a standout as well as the par-3 seventh which is so pretty as to be almost unreal. The greens are of the highest quality and are planted with L93 bent-grass which has proven extremely suitable for the region, particularly in winter where the greens remain ‘green’, receptive and true to line.
The clubhouse offers panoramic views, and this must surely be one of the best vantage points in the country where one can enjoy a quick halfway house meal after nine holes and after eighteen a few beers and a bite to eat. The large, fully stocked pub offers golfers the perfect spot to compare notes on their experiences on this splendid golf course.
The back nine proved to be every inch as good as the front nine with standout holes being the 15th, 16th and the 18th which is a stroke 2, par-4 and a really, really good closing hole. With the sun shining brightly this was one of those days which made us look around and count our blessings.
It is no exaggeration to say that Champagne Sports Resort is a world class destination
It is no exaggeration to say that Champagne Sports Resort is a world class destination. The golf course is top notch, with one of the best clubhouses around, the pro-shop is well appointed with friendly staff, the accommodation and meals are superb and there is plenty to do for children.
This is Golf in the Berg personified!
