Besides being one of South Africa’s most revered seaside escapes, the sheer diversity of activities in Hermanus promise to keep everyone - from the casual visitor to the entire family - entertained. Not least on the list of its dazzling adventures and pastimes, Hermanus boasts some of South Africa’s top rated golf courses where scores of visitors flock each year to its manicured greens. And with Hermanus being what it is, there is more than one golf course in the area to choose from.
The Arabella Golf Club, a 25-minute drive from Hermanus, is set in a private estate attached to a 5-star hotel and spa, while the world-renowned 27-hole course at the Hermanus Golf Club makes the town is a paradise for golfers. The appeal of Hermanus is also not lost to the many international golfers who have tapped into the opportunity to be at the best land-based whale watching location in the world. The annual Hermanus Whale Festival has also become one of the Cape’s most attended events where Southern Right whales flock to calve and frolic.
Situated between mountain views and seascapes in the suburb of Eastcliff, the Hermanus Golf Course is one of the country’s most beautiful. In 2012 the course was ranked 42nd in the Golf Digest Top 100 courses in the world. Suited for professionals and hobbyists, golfers are treated to spectacular scenery in rich fynbos gardens, from wetlands to mountain and coastal species. Lovely water and rock features are dotted around the course.
It’s worth recounting the history of how this sporting jewel came to be. In 1907 the initial course was built with only 9 holes on the site of what is today the Provincial Hospital before being relocated to it’s present location in 1923. In 2006, this classic country course underwent a major overhaul with the introduction of 9 new holes, based around a new real estate component, and the charming layout of the past was replaced with modern and classically designed holes, adding to both the visual and challenging aspects of the course without compromising its sense of tradition.
Club facilities include an elegant bar, restaurant, halfway house, locker rooms with full amenities, a pro shop and practice facilities.
Whether directly in the town or just outside, and no matter the weight of your clubs or the figures of your handicap, playing golf in the dreamy old fishing village of Hermanus is a great way to add a bit of fun, activity and competition to your holiday.