THE NEW ZWARTKOP ‘GOLF, LIFESTYLE, PRACTICE & ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE’

Dale Hayes, doyen of South African golf and owner of Zwartkop Country Club has announced some big changes to the facility.

“Along with my wife Alison, and my son Adam, we have decided to completely change the business operation of Zwartkop Country Club, the golf course we have owned since 2001.

“As a result of the repeated and damaging flooding, which has gotten worse over the last four years, we have decided to make Zwartkop a 9-hole hole course.

That will remove the worst affected holes from play, as they are the ones that suffer 95% of the damage.

“Two holes will make way for a big extension to our Driving Range which will incorporate a nice big chipping and putting practice green.

On half of the range we are going to install a TopTracer Range, which is something that is taking America by storm.

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It marries technology with golf and is hugely exciting for golfers and non-golfers alike.

“We will upgrade our existing nine holes by enlarging three greens (which will accommodate two pins), and we will build new tees on five holes to add variety to the two 9-hole loops.

“We are also going to be installing Padel Tennis courts.

If you don’t already know, Padel is a game that is enormously popular in South Africa.

In addition we are also building a large new, modern kids play area and adding a delicatessen / eatery into our old shop, with an new expanded outdoor seating area overlooking the new facilities.

“Obviously, this is something completely new and unique.

Turning Zwartkop into a ‘Golf, Lifestyle, Practise and Entertainment Centre’ will not only focus on our golfers’ needs, but also non-golfers and just as importantly, their families.

“My brother Brian and I were both born at Zwartkop and my dad was the Club Professional here for 56 years, so I’m sure you can imagine how difficult it has been to make continued on page 37... continued from page 34... this decision, but we have had to do it for the survival of the Club.

We can accommodate bachelors p to gro ps of . We ha e man ac i es to choose from; s ch as paintball, cla pigeon shoo ng, go car ng, ri er ra�ing, archer and ri er t bing. We also ha e inflatables for hire incl ding a mechanical b ll. We cater for gro ps. Book a spitbraai or potjie ith s. Lots of catering op ons to choose from.

We are famo s for o r bachelor's part island. Completel pri ate and sit ated in the Vaal ri er. The accommoda on consists of h ts, a bon fire area, kitchen and bathrooms. We are c rrentl r nning a special for J ne and J l : Gro ps larger than persons R . per person. Special incl des a spit braai, night accommoda on and a choice bet een ri er ra�ing or paintball.

“The decision boiled down to us having a good nine holes with new and added facilities, or an 18-hole course where one nine was always damaged and affecting the quality of the golf experience.

“We believe Zwartkop will become a hive of activity and the “go to” place in our area for an all-round golf and family experience.

“It’s daunting but extremely exciting at the same time and I’m looking forward to see it thrive for years to come.”