Durban (Country Club)

Durban is part of Africa's Zulu Kingdom and it’s a bewitching seaside playground in the province known as KwaZulu-Natal. Amidst the hustle and bustle of this cosmopolitan city lies the serenity and calm of Durban Country Club. The Country Club course is set on the edge of the Indian Ocean hidden behind a high ridge of sand dunes and the holes undulate beautifully through lush and intimidating tropical vegetation.

According to the late author and historian, Michael Hobbs, "the original architect was Laurie Waters, in 1920. His course has remained basically little changed although many later architects, including S.V. Hotchkin from Woodhall Spa and Bob Grimsdell, late in the 1950s, have had a hand in it." Grimsdell altered holes 1, 3 and 9 – 11 due to the boundary changes being made because of road development.

Many believe that the opening five holes at Durban Country Club represent the best start in the world. The 1st hole, a par four measuring 390 metres from the tips is a daunting start to any round and we’re certain that it has struck fears into the hearts of many hardened pros competing in the SA Open.

You can hear the Indian Ocean clearly from the tricky par three 2nd, which is perched on the high ground. The small elevated green is guarded ferociously by four bunkers… take your par here and move on to the 3rd tee, an absolutely stunning par five which is set in a valley in the dunes. Play this hole conservatively otherwise you may be looking at a bogey or worse.

The back nine plays across flatter ground than the rollercoaster of a front nine but nevertheless the back is good golf indeed.

A great deal of water has gone under the metaphorical bridge since Laurie Waters and George Waterman laid out Durban Country Club in 1922. Long gone are the days of apartheid and positive change is still happening across the stunning Rainbow Nation. But we take our hat off to Durban Country Club who have unveiled a memorial plaque in recognition of the amazing achievements of legendary Sewsunker "Papwa" Sewgolum, a self-taught cack-hander who, in 1963, became the first coloured golfer to win a professional golf tournament in South Africa.

In this extract from the book South African Golf Courses: A Portrait of the Best author Stuart McLean writes: “Durban Country Club is much more than just a golf club. The magnificent gabled clubhouse has been a hub of Durban social activity for many years, Peter van Diggelen, secretary from 1955 to 1976, is long remembered with affection by both members and staff.

He had a great influence on the club, not only in an organizational capacity, but in promoting social activities. The club offer others other sporting facilities such as tennis, bowls and squash, and the clubhouse provides ceaseless entertainment for members. The popularity of the club is more than obvious from the fact that it has a lengthy waiting list stretching many years ahead.”