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The Garden Route is blessed with an array of top-class golfing venues. Not least, of course, is Kingswood’s own home course, which many will know as Danie Obermeyer’s masterpiece, and that is a major drawcard for people thinking of investing in the estate. But if you’re not a golfer, you probably think: ‘A golf course is a golf course.’ So what makes Kingswood different? Golf operators Liesel Niehaus and Mike Quinn gave us the lowdown.
Affordability
Unusually, Kingswood Golf offers very affordable rates for golfers. This is done using a credit system – a unique structure that no other course on the Garden Route has. You buy credits up front, so the more golf you play, the less you pay per game. If you play only once a month, or once a year on holiday, it works out to be much more affordable than if you pay up front for a year’s membership. Credits are also transferable to guests and friends. Some packages allow members to play at George, Mossel Bay, Plettenburg Bay, Knysna and Goose Valley Golf Clubs, as well as Randpark Golf Club in Johannesburg, at affiliated rates.
Simple but good food
The restaurant has a small menu with the emphasis on good, wholesome food – whether it’s a pie, a burger or a breakfast. On Fridays there’s usually a social, with a meal such as delicious oxtail on offer. And the clubhouse kitchen is renowned for making what many claim to be the best pies on the Garden Route.
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Time is of the essence
The restaurant serves breakfast from 06:30 every morning in summer – that’s a full hour before first tee-off – so golfers can fuel up before their 18 holes. And the restaurant closes when the last guest leaves. Instead of having a halfway house, the course offers two quarter houses with grab-and-go facilities for refreshments. This means that a game can be finished in four to four-and-a-half hours, leaving plenty of time in the day for other pursuits and interests.
Golf for all
For people who are new in the area, or anyone looking for a game or to meet new people, it’s possible to join one of the roll-up groups on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday. Alternatively, book online or phone in for a game. Even more exciting is the fact that Kingswood has the fastest-growing membership in the southern Cape – and possibly the country – largely due to the flexible membership options. Parking is easy and secure.
Juniors are well catered for
Every second Saturday afternoon, after the main competition, the juniors (under 13) play at the back of the field, with the format changing for each competition. It’s a great way to learn the social aspects of golf, and to establish a lifelong golfing habit.
Lots for ladies
There are plenty of opportunities for lady golfers to play, including in the unisex competitions on Wednesdays and Saturdays. There’s also Bunnies for Beginners, and – for more experienced woman players – Chip and Chat. And, of course, the Thursday competitions are open to all.
Scenery and diversity of challenge
Golf courses can start looking monotonous, but Kingswood has a variety of scenery and challenges. Although there is no need to worry about being chased by lions or rhinos, there is plenty wildlife to enjoy – from springbok to bushbuck and possibly caracal – as well as the chatter of birds around the waterholes and the lovely sight of elegant soaring birds of prey. And each hole is noticeably different, offering a specific challenge. The links-style and pot bunkers certainly provide challenges for all levels of golfer. And, even though it’s only 13 years old, Kingswood is maturing well – like a good red wine.
Practice makes perfect
The 250-metre driving range near the clubhouse is very popular with members and residents who want to improve their swing – or perhaps just hit a few balls in the evening to work out the kinks from a day spent at a desk. This, along with the chipping, bunker and putting practice facilities, should keep Kingswood’s golfers in top form. And, best of all, the rates are very reasonable.
The best of the best
The HOA has invested in new machinery to maintain the course, and the good rains this year have helped, so the fairways and greens are looking amazing. And yes, we have the best greens on the Garden Route – at least we believe For more information, please refer to the club website www.kingswood.co.za for rates, bookings, and description of the layout and design.
