The Garden Route
Pinnacle Point Estate
The Garden Route
S P E C I A L F E AT U R E - T H E G A R D E N R O U T E
The Garden Route is a stretch of the south-western coast of South Africa, extending from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to the Storms River in the Eastern Cape. The name derives from the fertile and ecologically diverse vegetation encountered here and the abundant lagoons and lakes dotted along the coast. This stretch has a moderate climate, with mild to warm summers, and mild to cool winters. Temperatures seldom fall below 10 °C in winter and infrequently climb beyond 28 °C in summer. Rain follows year-round, with a slight peak in the spring months, brought on by the humid sea-winds from the Indian Ocean Ten nature reserves hug the varied ecosystems of the area as well as unique marine reserves, home to seals, coral reefs, dolphins and a host of other marine life. Various bays along the Garden Route are nurseries to the endangered Southern Right Whale which go there to calve in the winter and spring (July to December). The Garden Route is very popular with overseas visitors in the summer months and the numerous golf courses on the route are busy during this period. Things slow down a bit in the winter however and this is when excellent deals can be found. The weather is as good if not better and the golf courses are always in great condition. The strip map contains links to all the golf courses, contact them directly to see what winter specials they are offering or have a look at their respective advertisements. Summer or winter one thing is sure; the Garden Route is a veritable treasure trove for golfers!
N2 to Cape Town
Pinnacle Point Estate Mossel Bay
6 km
Mossel Bay Golf Club
44 km
Herolds Bay George
2 km
Oubaai Golf Resort & Spa Fancourt George Golf Club
63 km
Knysna Golf Club
Knysna
Simola Golf & Country Estate 32 km
Plettenberg Bay
Kingswood Golf Estate
5 km
Pezula Championship Course
Plettenberg Bay Country Club Goose Valley Golf Club
N2 to Port Elizabeth
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KINGSWOOD GOLF ESTATE
PLAY THE BEST GREENS ON THE GARDEN ROUTE
Southern Cape Affiliated Rates apply throughout the year.
Southern Cape Affiliated Rate: R280 green fees South-African Affiliated Rate: R480 green fees Visitor Non-Affiliated Rate: R585 green fees
Contact us to book your next round of golf! 0861 72 71 70 | www.kingswood.co.za | golf@kingswood.co.za
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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E - T H E G A R D E N R O U T E
KNYSNA - THE GARDEN ROUTE’S GOLFING CAPITAL Within its idyllic natural setting, the small, picturesque town of Knysna emerges as a vibrant mini-metropolis, offering a kaleidoscope of unforgettable experiences. From leisurely relaxation to high energy adventure, from sporting activities to shopping, from cappuccino to haute cuisine, from the famous Knysna oyster or a taste of the locally brewed beer, Knysna reflects the finer things of life, a synthesis of discerning sophistication and nature´s abundance. And as one of South Africa’s top golfing destinations, Knysna boasts some world class golf courses.
Pezula Championship Golf Course adjacent to Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa is a sweeping spectacle of fairways and greens rolling through the pristine Southern Cape landscape. This breath-taking, award-winning 18-hole course must rate amongst the best and the most scenic golf courses in the world. Keeping your head down at Simola Golf Estate might be a challenge; simply because the views around the course are awe-inspiring. It is clear to see why Simola takes its place as one continued on page 61...
PRICES VALID TILL END JUNE 2022
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of South Africa’s premier golfing destinations. It’s also the first Jack Nicklaus Signature course on the Garden Route, reflecting the maestro’s philosophy of attuning the layout and design to the natural lie of the land. The Knysna Golf course might not have the views of its luxurious neighbours but is a testing challenge among water hazards and tree-lined fairways, close to the Knysna estuary. An easy walk, it’s a pleasant club with excellent club house facilities. Knysna is also ideally situated to use as a base while playing other the other famous golf courses along the Garden Route.
Half an hour away is Plettenberg Bay Country Club with its 18-hole golf course set in a private nature reserve. Close by is the Goose Valley Golf Club - a Gary Player designed 72-par, 18-hole golf course where golfers can experience breath-taking views of the Keurbooms Lagoon, Indian Ocean, Tsitsikamma Mountains and Robberg Peninsula. Approximately 45 minutes from Knysna is the beautifully manicured, 72-par, 18-hole George Golf Club - one of the oldest courses in the country. Also in George is the international award-winning Kingswood Golf Estate which is frequented often by the Sunshine Tour Players even when they are not on tour. Further afield is Fancourt with its three Gary continued on page 63...
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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E - T H E G A R D E N R O U T E
Nestled at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains and centrally located in George, Pine Lodge Resort is near the golf courses of Knysna, Simola, Pezula, George, Kingswood, Fancourt, Oubaai, Mossel Bay and Pinnacle Point. All our rooms and chalets are spaciously designed and are equipped with comforts and amenities enhanced by an excellent breakfast from our à la carte restaurant, while our charming garden provides a serene setting for you to enjoy a barbecue or a delicious breakfast.
+27 (0)44 871 1974 / info@pinelodgegeorge.co.za /www.pinelodgegeorge.co.za
SEDGELINKS GOLF CLUB AND RESTAURANT
Tel: 044 343 2379 Sedge Links Golf Course, Sedgefields premium short course. Rolling fairways and testing greens boast a natural setting nestled next to the Swartvlei lake with the Outeniqua mountains in the distance. This short course is the perfect place to hone your short game and putting skills. The course has 18 tee boxes, each with junior, intermediate and advanced tees. The club house has a beautifully crafted Blackwood bar and lounge, a pizzeria, coffee bar and ample seating outside under the covered deck. The outside braai area has 3 built in braais for a more relaxed atmosphere or informal function. Sedge Links is your next go-to destination.
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Player-designed golf courses – Montagu, Outeniqua and The Links - offering something special for every golfer. A few kilometres from this global golfing landmark, is Oubaai Golf Course - the first Ernie Els Signature course in South Africa. Over in Mossel Bay is one of the most unique and scenic golf courses in the world, Pinnacle Point Golf Club, which was designed by Peter Matkovich and 2011 Open Champion, Darren Clarke. Nearby is the Mossel Bay Golf Club which is famed for having a view of the Indian Ocean from every tee.
of other activities to offer. Experience the thrill of mountain biking or horse riding through indigenous forests or dive the depths of the lagoon. Hire a kayak to tour the winding Knysna River or raise the heartbeat soaring through the forest canopy. Take a hike along beautiful coastlines and deep into the forest, tracking signs of the indigenous elephants on your way. Try fly fishing, rock-and-surf angling or deep-sea fishing. Or, for the daring, dune-surf down sandy waves, kite surf on the waters of the lagoon or paraglide over the hills and lakes. So come and tee off in the Garden Route’s golfing capital!
In addition to golf, Knysna also has a multitude May | June 2022
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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E - T H E G A R D E N R O U T E
Stay & Play with Raw Africa Boutique Collection – the ultimate escape destination South Africa’s favourite holiday destination, Plettenberg Bay - a traveller’s paradise that offers the sea, sunkissed beaches, indigenous forests, water sports, hiking, biking, walking, golfing, restaurants and hotels and Raw Africa Boutique Collection’s 5-star Sky Villa Boutique Hotel and The Bungalow. Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Plettenberg bay Sky Villa Boutique Hotel, aimed at the discerning traveller seamlessly blends world-class luxury with warm hospitality. From the moment you enter Sky Villa’s opulent entrance hall with its sweeping staircase you will be captivated! Being one of the best places to stay and play in Plett, what you will love most are the beautifully designed and well-kept rooms - 14 well-appointed luxury rooms include a presidential suite, a honeymoon suite and the popular (for the views) sea and mountain-facing suites, the amazing food - Sky Villa’s team of chefs constantly strive to create a culinary experience to be remembered, the exquisite grounds with beautifully landscaped indigenous gardens dotted with contemporary South African sculptures, and above all else, the warmth and friendliness of the staff. And for that ultimate experience in beachside living Sky Villa’s sister property, the luxury 5-star B&B The Bungalow Plett down at the water’s edge at Hobie Beach, with its toes-in-the-sand… sipping cocktails on the deck… leave your flip-flops at the door chilled and funky atmosphere will tick all the boxes.
Sky Villa, together with The Bungalow has a number of special packages on offer - there’s the Perfect Date Package (R5 200), the Taste of Plett Package (R4 920) and the Plett Feel Good Package (R4 820) and the stunning Stay and Play Package that will appeal to golfers. The Stay and Play Package for two adults sharing for two nights includes accommodation (at either Sky Villa or The Bungalow), breakfasts, a R500 meal voucher, and a round of golf at the signature Gary Player designed 18-hole, 72-par Goose Valley Golf Course plus the use of a golf cart. The Stay and Play Package (18 holes) at R5 000 is for South African citizens only, valid until 31 August 2022 subject to availability. Ts & Cs apply. Goose Valley Golf Club offers a year-round-play golfing experience and as at Sky Villa, there is always a warm and friendly welcome from its staff members and teaching professionals. Goose Valley’s state of the art driving range, beautifully manicured silky smooth greens, lush fairways and practice chipping, putting and bunker play facilities together with the beauty of the natural fynbos, indigenous trees and an abundance of animal and bird life, will add another dimension to your golfing. Sky Villa Boutique Hotel and The Bungalow’s luxury and warm hospitality and Goose Valley’s state of the art driving range and friendly staff and teaching professionals meld together to give you an experience that will long be remembered. www.rawafricaboutiquecollection.co.za
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Oubaai Golf Club The Gem of the Garden Route
1 April to 31 August 2022 Green Fee R450 Green fees: per person ex cart R450 per person ex cart. Cart Fee R400 R350 per cart. per cart
Karen Saayman GOLF CLUB COORDINATOR
Tel: +27(0) 44 851 1258 Fax:+27(0) 44 851 0261 Email: karen@oubaaigolf.co.za
406 Heroldsbay Road, Herolds Bay, George, Southern Cape
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STAY AND PLAY R1 635 PER PERSON SHARING
· 1 Night accommodation in a Nature Standard Suite · Complimentary upgrade subject to availability · 1 Round of golf per person · À la carte cold and hot breakfast selection R3 270 PER NIGHT
VALID FOR TRAVEL UNTIL 30 SEPTEMBER 2022 Terms and conditions apply.
PROMO CODE: SAGOLFTRADER Book now: +27 (0)63 695 9484 | travelnow@tcx.travel | www. pezulahotel.com Lagoonview Drive, Sparrebosch Eastern Head, Knysna South Africa
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OUR CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE AWAITS Book now: golf@pezulagolf.com | www.pezulagolf.com Lagoonview Drive, Sparrebosch Eastern Head, Knysna, South Africa
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