The KZN Midlands by SA Golf Trader

THE KZN MIDLANDS

Bosch Hoek

Bosch Hoek Golf Club

The KZN Midlands

Gowrie Farm Golf Course

The KZN Midlands is fairly vast, yet so often when one thinks of the area, Nottingham Road and the golf courses at Bosch Hoek and Gowrie Farm spring to mind. Only an hour and a half’s drive from Durban, Nottingham Road is a quaint town reminiscent of an English village. Bosch Hoek is one of the best 9-hole golf courses that you will ever find and their greens must be in the top three of all golf courses in South Africa. Gowrie Golf Course is now extending from 12-holes to 18-holes and with the doyen of South African golf, Dale Hayes, now teaming up with original designer Guy Smith, this already exquisite golf course is set to become even more desirable. Gowrie Farm is in the town itself whilst Bosch Hoek is 20 kilometres away. The area offers wonderful places to stay, an array of restaurants, coffee-shops, spas, diverse shopping and fascinating cultural attractions. If you are driving down to Durban, stop over for a night or two. If you live in Durban drive up for a short break. Either way, don’t drive past as you will be poorer for it.

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Bosch Hoek – An Enduring Classic Bosch Hoek Golf Club is home to a nine-hole course that has an interesting history, as it formed part of a farm that was among the original Voortrekker claims to be settled in the 1850s. As farming methods improved in the region and the demand for farmland increased, the property was subdivided & sections sold. A century later and vastly reduced in size, Bosch Hoek was acquired by the legendary industrialist Charles Sydney ‘Punch’ Barlow who transformed it into a model farm, employing the most advanced farming methods and animal husbandry. Although it was something of a hobby for Barlow, it became a highly successful operation. It was in the early 1960s that an interesting connection was made between The River Club, an exclusive private golf club in Johannesburg, and Bosch Hoek. A group of influential businessmen had decided to form their own club in Bryanston, The River Club, and one of these founder members was Barlow. The celebrated course architect Robert Grimsdell was commissioned to design and construct the new club’s layout. A part of the contract Grimsdell undertook to lay out Barlow’s own nine-hole course on his farm in the Natal Midlands. The first shot on Bosch Hoek was played in 1963, thereafter for thirty November | December 2022

years the club remained in the private domain of Barlow and his friends. After Barlow died in 1979, his stepson Peter Gallo acquired the farm and continued to maintain the golf course as a private facility. In 1990, Gallo formed the Bosch Hoek Golf Club & Country Estate and sometime later sold the development to the homeowners of the estate – who in turn sold the golf course to South African entrepreneur, Ivan Clark. It was obvious that Grimsdell’s brief was to produce a highly playable layout, and for the beginner or higher handicap golfer this course certainly fits the bill. In 2013, the single-most significant upgrade of the golf course took place. The greens were improved to Bentgrass and a number of very exciting and significant improvements to the golf course were all ably carried out by South Africa’s leading golf course design, construction and maintenance company, Golf Data. The Clubhouse kitchen was also extended and state of the art kitchen equipment installed. The Men’s & Ladies’ change rooms were renovated and the Clubhouse Patio area was extended and upgraded. Bosch Hoek is one of those enduring classics that has remained faithful to its original design, and hopefully will be preserved so for generations to come.

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Bosch Hoek GOLF & LODGE Take the stress out of planning your golfing getaway and take home an unforgettable experience with Bosch Hoek’s Stay & Play packages. Treat yourself to a round of golf on South Africa’s number one 9 hole golf course; our immaculately manicured parkland golf course takes you on an enchanting journey from one pristine fairway to the next. Head down to the beautifully appointed Bosch Hoek Lodge after your round and soak up the afternoon sun while sipping on sundowners followed by open-air dining under evening skies awash with stars. Bosch Hoek is located one and a half hours from Durban and only three hours from Johannesburg.

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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E - T H E K Z N M I D L A N D S Enjoy a relaxing golfing retreat at Newstead Farm in the KZN Midlands! Limited 3-day midweek special (Monday to Thursday) Newstead Farm is your retreat to the country. Close to two top golf courses. 3km from the N3 taking the Balgowan off-ramp. Experience peace and tranquility looking out over a small dam to the green valley views. Hiking, mountain biking, horse riding and fishing all available close by. Shops and restaurants abound in Nottingham Road, Howick and Hilton. Includes: • 3 nights’ accommodation in a luxury cottage • 2 rounds of golf (9 holes) at award winning local courses Bosch Hoek Golf Club (www.boschhoek.co.za) Gowrie Farm Golf Course (www.gowrie.co.za) •·3 free breakfast vouchers at top local restaurants www.terbodore.com www.midlandsfable.co.za

Price: R2,900 per person sharing

Newstead Farm | Curry’s Post Road, Balgowan, KZN | Email: tracy@newsteadfarm.co.za | www.newsteadfarm.co.za | Tel: 083 675 6031

Looking for a unique experience in the Midlands? At Brahman Hills, you can spend an afternoon strolling in our beautiful gardens and enjoying incredible food with first-class service at our Skyfall Casual Dining Restaurant or stay overnight in one of our luxurious cottages or hotel rooms. Brahman Hills is more than a destination, it’s an experience.

Hotel room (Including breakfast)

R1 895

Primary Logo

per room per night

One bedroom Cottage (Room only)

R2 725

per unit per night

Valid from the 1st to 31st January 2023.

www.brahmanhills.co.za

TS221013006- BRAHMAN HILLS FAB MAGAZINE AD-REPRO.indd 1

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Love Notties Sometimes, through adversity, unexpected events can unfold organically. This is how Love Notties evolved. Sparked by a “need to feed” during hard lockdown, the little village of Nottingham Road in the rural Kwa Zulu Natal Midlands, rallied together to feed 3 500 people. Initiated by the Nottingham Road Landowners Association Relief Fund and a quirky combination of a farmer, a midwife/golfer and a caravan park owner, these three ladies worked tirelessly with local volunteers, farmers and donors to ensure those most in need received food parcels.

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Deep rooted community building resulted in the formation of the Love Notties Non-Profit Company. The three core functions of education, environment, and humanity. A rewards-based programme was initiated where impoverished or unemployed people could volunteer their time recycling or cleaning the village in return for tokens. These tokens could then be redeemed for food or clothing at the Love Notties Shop. The clothing and linen have all been donated by locals and can also be purchased for cash. This money is used to supplement the buying of food to make up weekly food parcels.

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In addition to supporting the local under resourced schools, The Dream Centre was initiated to create affordable and critical skills development, crucial to ending the cycle of poverty.

Julie Howe, Missy Hughes, and Sandra Berning continue to serve the Nottingham Road Community on a volunteer basis, juggling work, sanity and perhaps sneaking in a round of golf!

Love Notties aims to unite our community for positive change, as we believe we are better together, changing from me to we by creating a catalyst for transformation, hope and possibility. Their next major fund raiser is a two-day Love Notties Classic, Day one at Gowrie and Day two at Bosch Hoek in May 2023. This will become a very sought-after annual event, showcasing these two fabulous golf courses.

Julie Howe, Missy Hughes and Sandra Berning.

“Ideally positioned between Gowrie & Bosch Hoek Golf Courses you will find Notting Hill Lodge, the perfect place to stay, great for golf groups or couples”

Koos & Lorraine de Klerk 082 400 2918 ~ R103 Old Main Road, Balgowan ~ info@nottinghilllodge.co.za

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OUR ACCOMMODATION We have 14 hotel rooms & 10 Garden Suites which are a new addition to our already tasteful facilities.Each suite has its own patio area leading onto the gardens as well as en-suite bathrooms. 2 of the 10 new suites have a sleeper couch & bath in the bathroom. All rooms are decorated with modern finishes. NOTTIES RESTAURANT AND PUB The legendary notties Pub has been a local favourite for over 150 years!

Ideal location for golf groups playing Gowrie Farm or Boschhoek and other Midlands courses

PHONE: +27 33 266 6151 Or +27 61 024 5105 - EMAIL: reservations@nottieshotel.co.za

Breakaways have many diﬀerent types of activities you would like to participate in! We have ﬁshing, Gowrie Golf Course, Bosch Hoek Golf Course, Karkloof Canopy Tours, cycling…

We also specialise in Tourism in KZN Midlands and surrounds from accommodation to functions & conference and so much more. Call us now for your tailormade adventure! Email: linda@nottiesbreakaways.co.za | reservations@nottiesbreakaways.co.za Cell: 076 793 3938 Physical Address:The legendary Nottingham Road Hotel, R103 – Old Main Road

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Midweek Madness

just a hop away from your favourite golf courses!

Enjoy a round in the KZN Midlands and come home to the luxurious comfort of the RAWDONS COUNTRY HOTEL. Relax in style and recharge for another round!

Stay with us for 2 nights and GET THE 3RD NIGHT FREE!* *Consecutive nights between Sunday - Thursday, public holidays excluded, offer ends 31 December 2022. Package includes: -10% on your first meal for 2 at hotel with complimentary 340ml Notties Craft Beer OR Craft G&T, FREE bottle of house wine on arrival and a discount voucher at our brewery shop!

Regular price R7200, YOURS FOR

ONLY R3600!

hotel@rawdons.co.za 033 266 6044 Rawdons Hotel, R103 (Old Main Road) Nottingham Road

Gowrie Farm Golf Course extends to 18-holes On the back of the now famous Gowrie Farm development, approval for a second phase was obtained in March this year. This entitled the developers to add another 29 properties to the estate and to extend the golf course to an 18 hole course by adding a further 7 holes. The extension of the golf course will be designed again by Guy Smith.

follow the principles using Royal Dornoch of Scotland and Merion as his reference point. The first new hole will be the existing third hole, with the present 11th hole being the new second hole. This will be played towards Brookdale and will be a strong par 4, followed by two medium-length par 4’s, a par

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St Ives Lodge and Venue is nestled in the iconic midlands meander in Kwazulu-Natal. Perfect base when exploring this part of the country, or the perfect backdrop for a destination wedding. The lodge boasts several rooms, sparkling swimming pool and hiking trails, guests also have access to ﬁshing dams, hiking trails among the wildlife and so much more. The BOMA food bar is on the St Ives property, overlooking the main dam. The BOMA has fast become known for the best ribs and pizzas in the midlands, both of which are prepared in a wood ﬁred oven. State of the art jungle gyms and kids play area in full view of the dining area, where parents can keep a watchful eye over their loved ones while enjoying their meals.

36 and a course par of 71. The developers are hoping to open the new holes in December 2023.

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3 across the stream, a long par 5 and two par 4’s, with the 9th hole finishing behind the 4th tee, where the halfway house will be situated. The second 9 holes will start by playing the 12th hole with a new tee. This will be converted to a par 5; with the 11th hole being our present 3rd and then the short par 4th being the 12th hole. This will be followed by the present 14th, 15th, 16th, 7th, 8th and 18th to give us a back 9 holes, with a par of

29 residential properties were released at the end of July 2022, 26 of which are situated inside the new 7 holes, while 3 properties are positioned on the existing first phase. Services are anticipated to commence in January 2023 and should be completed by September or October 2023 to allow for the commencement of the building of houses as the golf course opens.

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Hickory in South Africa and the Gowrie Farm connection The objective with the Hickory™ Golf SA Experiences is to let the participants play as per tradition with “no tees but sand” and certainly no “preferred lies” are allowed! A bagpiper might pipe the players onto the “links land” and players can often look forward to some interesting Scottish fayre from a “hickory menu” and perhaps a wee drappie or two might greet the players on completion.

The basic six-club hickory play set Hickory Golf was introduced to South Africa by Paul Adams who fell in love with ‘hickory’ a few years back when he played with hickories in Scotland and subsequently played in the World Hickory Open. Paul started collecting hickory sets, accumulated sufficient clubs to equip players to experience this form of the game and so Hickory™ Golf South Africa was born.

Experiences can comprise a few holes to gain an appreciation of how skilled golfers were in the 1800 and early 1900’s or maybe nine or even 18 holes of “competitive” hickory golf as played at the World Hickory Open Championship! Hickory™ Golf SA is ready to move to the next level and a new era is dawning; Gowrie Farm will become the “Home of Hickory™ Golf South Africa” which is an extremely exciting development that will provide a superb platform for many more golfers to “Play Traditional Golf in the Modern Era” through.

There are a number of supporters of Hickory Golf in South Africa including Dale Hayes as well as Louis Hattingh from SuperSport and the PGA Professional Dave Usendorff who both played in the first World Hickory Open Championship in which South Africa participated. South Africa has competed at the World Hickory Open Championship on four occasions and done extremely well with a third place in the Open Division and a Bronze Medal in the Handicap Division ….. and even winning the Team Challenge in 2014!

A bunch of old clubs and bags

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