“The best start in the world?” you ask, your eyes sparkling with curiosity. Yes, many believe that the opening five holes at Durban Country Club hold that very title. This legendary golf course, established in 1922, isn’t just a sporting venue. It’s a piece of South African golfing history, etched into the very dunes it calls home.
The Durban Country Club Golf Course has seen its share of legends, from Gary Player’s first South African Open victory in 1956 to hosting a record-breaking sixteen South African Opens in its lifetime. Imagine the tension, the roar of the crowd as players navigate the challenging course, the ocean breeze adding an extra layer of unpredictability.
From the very first swing, Durban Country Club demands your respect. The first hole, a formidable par four, throws down the gauntlet with its undulating fairway that curves menacingly around a towering dune. Catch your breath at the second tee, the highest point of the course, as you look out over the sprawling greens and the vast Indian Ocean beyond.
But it’s the third hole, a breathtaking par five, that truly steals the show. This narrow fairway, a ribbon of green through dense bush, has been hailed as the best third hole in the world. Take a moment to appreciate the view from the elevated tee before taking your shot – it’s a sight you won’t soon forget.
The back nine may be less dramatic than the rollercoaster of the front, but its flatter terrain holds challenges of its own. Keep an eye out for the 12th hole, a seemingly simple par three that earned its nickname, “The Prince of Wales”, after a certain royal’s infamous struggles.
The Durban Country Club Golf Course is more than just a collection of challenging holes. It’s a journey through golfing history, a testament to the spirit of this beloved sport. Soak it in, and let the legacy of this grand dame stay with you long after you’ve left the greens.