The South Coast Swing

THE SOUTH COAST SWING

TEE OFF WITH THE RIGHT BALANCE OF WORK AND PLAY ON KZN’S ‘GOLF COAST’

WildCoastCountryClub

Golf remains one of the world’s most popular sports, and a key strategy for business networking and engagement. The KZN South Coast, known colloquially as ‘The Golf Coast’, is home to 11 different courses with a backdrop of ocean views, coastal forests, and sunny skies. This quality MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences & exhibitions) destination, with top accommodation, conferencing, and teambuilding facilities, is the perfect spot to close the deal on the greens!

Port Edward Country Club

Margate Country Club

PortShepstoneCountryclub

San Lameer Golf Course

Scottburgh Golf Club

South Broom Golf Club

Umdoni Park Golf Club

UmkomaasGolfClub

Selborne Park Golf Estate

Umkomaas golf course was first constructed, as a 9-hole layout, in 1913 but was expanded to 18 holes in 1926. In 1932 reknown course designer Robert "Bob" Grimsdell re-designed the course, capitalising on the natural contours of the land and taking advantage of the glorious sea views - in fact, most holes offer great views of the warm Indian ocean. The course layout has remained largely unchanged and as a result, one of Umkomaas' unique features are the raised greens, thanks to over 100 years of top-dressings and treatments.

Although not overly long, the course offers a great challenge for low handicappers, especially when the coastal winds blow. It is however forgiving for even an occasional golfer making it the perfect option for families and groups. Well placed bunkers and undulating fairways mean that those seeking to card a low round need to think their way around the course whilst those looking to simply have fun will enjoy themselves too.

Umkomaas is a great choice for those wanting to get the whole family out into the fresh air. We offer exceptional family membership packages and the opportunity to learn to play via our KidzGolf programme

Living up to our reputation as the Friendliest Club, Umkomaas offers a warm welcome to visitors both on and off the course. Competitions are held weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays and visitors are always welcome.

We look forward to welcoming you soon!

ABOUT THE KZN SOUTH COAST

Known as the ‘Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom, the KZN South Coast stretches 120 kilometres from Scottburgh to Port Edward and inland to Harding. Here, the spirit of adventure can be discovered among the many cultural experiences, as well as the 35 nature trails and 58 beaches, ideal for activities like river rafting, abseiling, suspension bridges, paintball, surfing, SUP, canoeing, beach horse rides, shark cage diving and free diving. Nicknamed ‘The Golf Coast’, there are 11 golf courses on the KZN South Coast ranging in difficulty, with endless hiking, mountain biking and 4x4 trails for more rugged excursions.

Promoting sustainability, the KZN South Coast has a growing agri-tourism sector that offers world-class produce and hosts tours and excursions. The region boasts

several permanently managed Blue Flag beaches and is home to some of the world’s top diving sites, Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. The originality continues with the annual Sardine Run, coined the #GreatestShoalonEarth, which is the largest biomass migration on earth and a marvel to witness.

The region’s many nature reserves are inhabited by indigenous birds and wildlife, and it holds the title of ‘smallest desert on earth’, The Red Desert in Port Edward. The KZN South Coast has played host to several high-profile events including The Bike Fest, The Conservation Symposium, The Ocean Festival, Uvukile Gospel Festival, Ugu Jazz, Ugu International Film Festival, and the South Coast Fever MTB & Trail Run Series.

The place to stay when visiting the KZN South Coast

After deciding to do a feature on the golf courses of the KZN South Coast, we then needed to find a place to stay. Ideally, a place that was centrally located within a reasonable driving distance of all the courses in the area. Pumula Beach Hotel was an obvious choice, recommended by all we spoke to and situated right on one of the few select beaches in the country that enjoys Blue Flag status.

On arrival, we were greeted by friendly, efficient staff and taken to our well-appointed rooms, overlooking the Indian Ocean. We were here on work, but it was impossible to not let the holiday mode set in. Their attentive team continued to go above and beyond to make us feel at home, no request seemed too big, and no detail was too small. They certainly take great pride in making a genuine difference to every guest’s experience.

Visitors are indeed spoilt for choice. Never-ending golden beaches, protected bathing, rock pools, surfing, excellent fishing opportunities, the

annual sardine run, and dolphin or whale watching to name a few. They have a heated saltwater pool and toddler pool, where little ones can splash about in a safe, controlled (and warm!) environment, while you get to relax comfortably on a sun lounger in the balmy sub-tropical weather.

Pumula, which means ‘place to rest’, is somewhere you can really relax after a round of golf. As an all-inclusive hotel, your accommodation, all your delicious chef-prepared meals and all-day tea and coffees are included in the rate.

Conveniently situated, just 100km south of Durban, 1.5 hours from King Shaka International Airport and an easy drive from Durban or Johannesburg. It is easy to see why Pumula Beach Hotel has been the destination of choice for families, friends and conference guests for decades.

Book your next golfing holiday with them now and experience all that Pumula has to offer!

www.pumula.co.za

THE KZN SOUTH COAST IS THE ULTIMATE BUSINESS BREAKAWAY

Alongside the 11 golf courses, the KZN South Coast is home to the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the province, three Marine Protected Areas, two world-class dive sites, two gorges, waterfalls, and nature reserves. These set the backdrop for the ultimate teambuilding adventures. Some examples include:

• Scuba diving and snorkelling

• Gorge swinging and ziplining

• Paintball contests

• KwaXolo Caves Adventures

“Golf continues to provide businesses of all sizes with an ideal space to combine recreation with valuable networking opportunities,” explained

Deborah Ludick Manager of Finance & CS of South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise. “On the KZN South Coast, we not only have a wide variety of courses to suit every budget and handicap, but we also have the necessary accommodation offerings, conference facilities, restaurants, and outdoor adventure that make this the perfect breakaway from the mundane office space. This year, we’re encouraging businesses to consider the KZN South Coast for corporate retreats, golf days, and conferencing events.”

The KZN South Coast is the ultimate breakaway adventure where ‘tees and seas’ apply!

Inspire your team and prepare for a successful 2024 with a conference at The Estuary Hotel & Spa!

Our conference special sees discounted rates on venue hire and all-inclusive stays, with free use of our conference venue when you book 10 or more rooms.

Book your conference today!

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John Collier Survey

THE IMPORTANCE OF ESG RECORDING, MEASURING AND REPORTING

More than 50% of South Africa is covered by the karoo, grassland and savannah biomes.

However, hugging the Kwa Zulu Natal coastline, we have the Indian Ocean Coastal Belt biome.

Along the KZN South Coast, golfers can enjoy at least 11 different golf courses, set in a sub-tropical paradise, with the picturesque Indian Ocean as a backdrop.

Golfers are spoilt for choice.

However, the science indicates that in the future, the available selection of golf courses may be compromised by various climate factors including rising sea levels, erosion, flooding, and heat.

In response to this challenge, many South Coast golf courses have already recognised the threats, and plans are being put in place to mitigate the risks.

These plans are underpinned by gathering and documenting environmental compliance, social responsibility, and good governance (ESG) data, and reporting through management reports, such as the John Collier Survey.

Currently ESG reporting is a requirement for companies registered on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), the London Stock Exchange (LSE) the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE), Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE), and Beijing Stock Exchange (BSE), the European Union’s Corporate Sustainable Reporting Directive (CSRD), the U.S. SEC’s climate disclosure rules, and other jurisdictions, including Australia, Brazil, and Singapore.

Over and above stock exchange compliance, it will not be long before the South African Climate Change Bill (B9 – 2022) will be promulgated and in time the reporting net will close in.

The KZN South Coast golf courses are definitely one of the best kept golfing secrets in South Africa, but if ESG reporting does not become a business imperative, including the mantra, which states - that which is not measured cannot be managed - this sub-tropical golfing paradise, which we enjoy today, may soon become a Paradise Lost.

If you have any queries why not contact the John Collier Survey through our website at https://johncolliergolf.com/, or via email ajcollier@telkomsa.net?