Course
Opened – 1931
Course Designer – Col. Stafford Vere Hotchkin
Special Features - The only true Links Course in South Africa
General Playability -
Undulating/ flat - Typical undulating links fairways
Tree lined/exposed - Exposed
Many / few water hazards - Several hazards, mainly off the fairways
Changes to the course - New ditch crosses the 17th fairway. New tees on 5th, 7th, 11th & 15th.
Greens
Type of grass - Gulf Green (Bermuda)
Height of cut - 4 mm
Speed/stimp reading – 9½ (Tue)
Any specific comments –
Fairways
Type of grass – CYNODON (Bermuda)
Height of cut – 8.5 mm
General width and contouring – Fairways have been narrowed for the tournament but are still fairly generous (approx 40m)
Any specific comments - High levels of rainfall have left standing water on several fairways causing quite a bit of damage.
Tees
Type of grass – CYNODON (Bermuda)
Height of cut - 8.5 mm.
Any specific comments -
Collars
Type of grass - CYNODON (Bermuda)
Height of cut – 8.5 mm
Any specific comments -
Rough
Type of grass – ERO GROSTIS
Semi-rough - Height of cut – 2"
Intermediate Height of cut –
Rough - Height of cut – unmaintained
Any specific comments –
Weather
In advance – Unusually high level of rainfall.
Forecast for tournament – Generally dry & sunny but possible showers at the weekend.
Other Features
Course is built on the windy shores of Algoa Bay. Emblem of club is a crowned plover (bird) A lot of them around the course. Last held the South African Open in 1957 (won by Harold Henning)
