LOST CITY GOLF COURSE • 6 983m/5 953m • Carts compulsory 

Some 10 years after the completion of the Gary Player Country Club, the popularity of Sun City demanded another course be built.

Again the pro was commissioned, his challenge being to create a very different experience. The course defies being bracketed into any particular genre having touches of mountain, desert and even African parkland in its make-up. Here, the golfer can choose to tackle the course from its championship tees (suggested only for the longer hitting, single-figure handicappers), the standard markers or forward tees. Even playing the shortest route presents a great test as the approaches to the greens – clad in bent grass and protected by bunkers – demand careful judgment.

Signature hole: 13th – par 3 A green in the shape of Africa bordered by a pond, home to several large crocodiles!

CHAMPAGNE SPORTS RESORT • Mountain • 7 400m • Carts available • 

Located in the beautiful Drakensberg area, this course has to be rated as one of the most scenically memorable golf layouts in South Africa. Designed by Hugh Baiocchi and Kevin Curren, it successfully blends the natural attributes of the terrain and the surrounding beauty with the modern demands of a quality course. It undulates up and around the contours of a valley that nestles under the dominant peaks of Champagne and Cathkin Peaks and incorporates several holes with blind tee shots.

Professional and novice alike will appreciate the 84 well-appointed bunkers that line the fairways and greens. The quality of the greens is accredited to Trevor Livesey whose passion remains unabated. Though the drama of the mighty mountains dominates the eye, the course also enjoys gentle vistas where the lower hills create a kaleidoscope of colour blessed with trees, rivers and dams to add even more of a challenge.

DURBAN COUNTRY CLUB • Semi-links • 6 157m • Carts available 

Built by George Waterman and fellow professional golfer Laurie Waters, the Durban Country Club was established in 1922 and has a proud history. The difficulties these men faced were immense as all earth-moving had to be done manually, giant sand dunes were flattened and dense bush and trees chopped down and carted away. Renowned for its classic Cape Dutch

architecture, lush vegetation, undulating fairways, sand dunes and beautiful setting overlooking the Indian Ocean, the Club has been the venue of choice for many an important celebration in its rich history.

Signature Hole: 3rd – par 5 – 468m A tee shot from the highest point on the course into a valley below, completely exposing the drive to the ocean gusts. Trees on the right of the straightaway hole need to be avoided as well as the large fairway bunker on the landing area to the left.

Signature hole: 6th – par 3 – 163m A wayward shot to the right is out of bounds, while one to the left is a lost ball.

ROYAL SWAZI • Parklands • 6 166m • Carts available
This spectacular championship course is one of the most scenic locations found in the world. Opened in 1966, it has been laid out on the slopes of the Lebombo Range that curves gently down into the valley. The first nine holes are comparatively level but the second nine fully exploits the mountainous terrain. Challenging features include lakes, gullies thick with vegetation, out-of- bound areas running close to fairways, swirling breezes, clusters of magnificent trees and indigenous plants and wickedly sited bunkers – one is so steep it requires steps to facilitate access.

LEOPARD CREEK • Parklands • 6 631m • Carts compulsory This ultra-exclusive world-class facility is the brainchild of magnate Johan Rupert and, as can be expected, no expense was spared. Bordered to the north and the west by the picturesque Crocodile River and the Kruger National Park, the course represents African golf at its best with indigenous bushveld bordering the immaculate fairways and greens. Innovative architectural and landscaping techniques ensure the course is naturally protected from animals, while lakes and small streams divert through the development to create scenic vistas and interesting golf strategies. Hazards take a new dimension for much of the water is home to the magnificent creatures for which the river is named…crocodiles.

Signature hole: 13th – par 5 – 505m Here the green is right on the edge of the Crocodile River but 32 metres above the water level offering magnificent views up the river and into the Kruger Park.

DRESS CODE

Acceptable clothing:

• Shirts with collars and sleeves must be tucked in
• Traditional long or short golf trousers
• Short trousers with knee-length stockings or short white socks
• Ladies skirts or culottes must be knee-length
• Golf hats or peaks worn with peak forward
• Golf shoes with soft spikes (most clubs)

Not acceptable:

• T-shirts, vests or sleeveless shirts
• Denim jeans
• Sweatpants or cargo pants
• Drawstring shorts
• Shoes without socks
• Cross-trainer sports shoes