[Scott Warren]

2012 is going to bring my first trip to my wife's family homeland: South Africa.

The trip will be focused around Durban, Dolphin Coast/Umhlali, Greytown and up to a game park around Hluhluwe-Imfolozi (near the Swaziland border).

Should be able to fit a good amount of golf in, so I am after a few recommendations.

Durban Country Club is obviously a must.

Is DCC's Beachwood course worth a play?

How about Royal Durban inside the Greyville racecourse?

I have seen Philip G's recommendation of Southbroom, but it's probably about 30mins too far south given we'll be mostly on the north side of Durban.

Mt Edgecombe and Umhlali have both been recommended to me elsewhere. Worth playing?

[Bob_Huntley]

Scott,

I haven't played in Durban since 1963 but I remember Royal Durban as a bit of a slog and tough to return a decent score.  

I think Mount Edgecome used to be called Huletts club, its corporate owner. Back then it had had one course, I understand it now has two. If you get there say hello to the Club's head Pro, George Harvey, a former Rhodesian Amateur Champion. Remind him that he won his match match against the visiting California Quails in 1970, on the 18th hole of the Bulawayo Golf Club in Rhodesia with an eagle to my birdie.  Damn his hide.

Try to play the Country Club more than once, it is well worth a return visit.

Bob    

[Mark Chaplin]

Scott as you are aware Durban Country Club is a reciprocal, we hosted them last year and had a great day. When you have sorted out your schedule I'd be happy to put you in touch with a member or two.

[Pete Lavallee]

Although I'd heartily recomend South Broom if in the area  I don't think it's worth the hour trip down to see it; unless your wife wants to spend the day at the beach, there are several good holiday beaches along that stetch of coastline. Short flights are quite reasonable in ZA, perhaps a day trip to Port Elizabeth to play Humewood a true links course, or for a shorter trip try New London. Two rounds at Durban CC would work out just fine though; there are several All World golf holes on that course; even without an introduction rates are very reasonable. A small piece of advice, all ZA courses require a mandatory 15 minute lunch break at the turn; the DCC halfway house has a choice of 3 hot entrees in a very pleasant setting.

[Bart Bradley]

Scott:

Glad you are going to S. Africa.  I am in love with the country and its people.  I sincerely believe that you should play Durban Country Club as many times as possible.  Here are a few pics to whet your appetite...






Scott, I am a huge fan of Humewood too and can attest that iternal flights are NOT difficult.  I don't know how often you'll get to SA but don't miss anything!

Be well, have a great trip.  I know you'll love SA.

Best wishes,

Bart

[Padraig Dooley]

Scott

I've played Mount Edgecombe there's 36 holes there. Can't remember which one I played, but think it was the better one. If it's nearby and you don't want to use up a full day it's worth playing.

I would recommend making the trip to Southbroom but think going 30 minutes more further south to the Wild Coast Sun would be better again, it's one of my favourites down there. Both are day trips, probably 90 minutes to Southbroom from the Nothern part of Durban and hence 2 hours to The Wild Coast. San Lameer and Selborne are also close enough to Southbroom. 

I've heard reasonable reports about Umkomaas GC, Tim Clark's home course, which is just south of Durban. Also I believe there might be a couple of recent resort courses just to the north of Durban, Zimbali and Prince's Grant but haven't heard anything about them.

[Scott Warren]

Thanks all for the information, it's much appreciated.

As recommended by a few, I will be trying to play DCC as many times as possible. Chappers, I'd noticed the club listed in the RCP diary and was planning to make contact, would be good to fall in with the guys who visited Deal.

Padriag, thanks for mentioning a few courses there that I'd not heard of. Given that this will be primarily a family holiday, I might have more luck staying closer to Durban, so I'll be sure to look in to the places you've mentioned.

I like Pete and Bart's idea of a daytrip to Humewood...

Bob, thanks for that. A google search seems to suggest George is still at Mt Edgecombe, so I'll be sure to find him and give him your regards. Best to you, too, it was great to see you looking happy and healthy in the photo that was posted on GCA.com from your recent visit to New York.

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