JOHANNESBURG’S OLDEST COURSES PROMISE CHALLENGING PLAY IN BEAUTIFUL SURROUNDS

Wanderers Golf Club
The Wanderers Golf Club in Johannesburg is known for its warm club spirit and challenging parklands courses, regarded among the best in the country. Originally laid out by Bobby Locke, significant changes over the years, notably when the Wanderers Cricket Stadium was constructed in the 1990s, have seen the course evolve into a true test for golfers. With its understated beauty, the course cleverly utilises its natural layout to create strategic challenges that bring a unique twist to the game. The members’ experience is unique through its interesting mix of past and present, making it a favourite among golfers of all skill levels and a prominent venue in South Africa’s golfing circuit.

Houghton Golf Club
Houghton Golf Club in Johannesburg boasts a membership pedigree, founded in 1926 and has continually been pivotal in maintaining its esteem. This course has been played by such legends as Gary Player, Nick Faldo, and Peter Matkovich, making strategic use of water hazards and bunkering to challenge golfers. Known for hosting prestigious tournaments like the Dunhill Championship and the South African Open, Houghton’s grounds have been praised for its improved bunkering and strategic use of ponds, enhancing the playing experience. The natural beauty surrounding the course adds to the inviting atmosphere, making each round feel like a refreshing getaway.

Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Course
The Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club was established in 1889, standing as a beacon of golfing tradition, with two distinguished parkland courses. This prestigious club is the result of a unique merger between the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Clubs, celebrating its financial and membership strength. It is celebrated as an important place for golfers to gather, sharing their experiences and passion for the sport. The courses exemplify the area’s diverse terrain, with lush fairways and strategically placed water bodies offering challenges that test players’ skills. Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club has hosted some of South Africa’s biggest golfing tournaments, drawing players from all corners, from OR Tambo International Airport, with its welcoming atmosphere.

Parkview Golf Course
Parkview Golf Course in Johannesburg is recognised as a highly acclaimed destination for golfers, making it the perfect site for individuals seeking enjoyment. Established in 1916, it has been awarded a regularly 18-hole course, renowned for its incredibly maintained fairways and greens. The course’s design leverages the natural topography, with a notable presence of the Braamfontein Spruit, which adds a layer of strategic complexity. Parkview’s clubhouse and facilities complement the playing experience, offering a welcoming atmosphere for members and guests alike.

The course holds a unique place in golfing history, with ties to legendary players like Bobby Locke. Its layout includes a mix of par 3s and 5s that demand a thoughtful approach, offering variety and challenge in equal measure. Recent upgrades have further enhanced its appeal, maintaining its standing as a top-tier golfing venue in Johannesburg. Parkview also takes pride in its environmental stewardship, with initiatives like solar-powered facilities demonstrating a commitment to sustainability. The golf course’s blend of historical significance, challenging gameplay, and community spirit makes it a jewel in Johannesburg’s golfing landscape.

Killarney Country Club
Killarney Country Club in Johannesburg, a Robert Trent-Jones design, stands as South Africa’s exclusive layout by the legendary architect. Opened in 1929, the course underwent significant redesigns, particularly when parts were lost to the development of the M1 motorway. Despite these changes, Killarney maintains its stature as a narrow, park-style course, renowned for its challenging and well-manicured par 70 layout for men and par 72 for women. The course features water hazards and ditches, alongside a formidable set of par 3s, known for their difficulty, making it a genuine test of golfing skill. Its historical significance is further accentuated by being the first club in South Africa to have bent grass greens, advised by Jones himself in 1970

Killarney’s design is ingeniously integrated with Johannesburg’s infrastructure, featuring tunnels that connect different parts of the course split by arterial roads. This unique setup has solidified its reputation as a challenging championship venue that seldom hosts tournaments but remains a revered test among those who play it. The club’s facilities and conditions, including its greens and fairways, are consistently lauded for their quality, offering a rewarding experience for both members and visitors. Beyond golf, Killarney Country Club offers a range of amenities and a rich tradition, having started as the Transvaal Automobile Club in 1903, now encompassing various sports and social activities.