Kwazulu-Natal One of the Best Golfing Destinations

What Makes Kwazulu-Natal One of the Best Golfing Destinations in the World?
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), often referred to as ‘South Africa’s playground,’ is unquestionably one of the best golfing destinations in the world.
This is a province where some of the best courses in the world have been thoughtfully carved into a breathtaking landscape that stretches from the warm Indian Ocean to the dramatic shapes of the Drakensberg mountains. Below, we will look at what sets this golfing region apart from any in the world.

Climate
It's said that it’s never winter on KZN’s coasts, and this is probably right, given that the average daily temperature for the coldest months of the year is 24 degrees Celsius. Thanks to the Agulhas Current which brings warm waters from the equator, golfers can wear t-shirts all year round. What’s more, is that the winter skies are bright and blue with rain typically only falling in the summer.

Summers on the KZN coasts are sweltering and humid which might appeal to visitors from the Northern Hemisphere in need of a vitamin D top-up.
However, it’s usually best to book an early tee time so that you’re safely in the air-conditioned clubhouses by midday. Alternatively, you can play in the late afternoon and enjoy an idyllic temperature while a soothing Indian Ocean breeze brings some much-needed relief.

For those who prefer the cooler surroundings of the countryside, the beauty of this province is that you can drive 90 minutes away from the coast and arrive in a place that feels like a different country.
Nottingham Road is only 130 kilometres from Durban, but sits at an altitude of almost 5,000 feet above sea level, meaning that winters here often bring snow. Such a contrast in climate allows golfers to enjoy a diverse range of experiences during a golf tour of this exquisite province.

Courses
Choosing a golf course to play in KZN isn’t easy. It’s a place that you will keep wanting to return to so that you can cross the must-play courses off your list. However, there are two you should
start with.

- Prince's Grant Golf Estate
The first is on the north coast and is the Peter Matkovich-designed Prince’s Grant Golf Estate.
This is the jewel in KZN’s coast, and you'll soon see why when you step on the tee on the par five signature 15th hole. The Indian Ocean falls away to your left and stretches as far as the eye can see.

These stunning vistas have earned Prince's Grant Golf Estate the title of the 66th-best course on the continent according to the Guide to the Top 100 Courses in Africa publication. As with any guide that lists the particular highest-ranked things, the results can divide opinion.
Indeed, whether that's a list of the fastest cars by Autotrader, a review of the most desired holiday destinations by Tripadvisor, or even a guide to the best virtual play platform, readers will naturally disagree on the numerical order of some of the listings owing to their individual preferences.
The same is true of a write-up of the best courses. However, a round at Prince's Grant will soon back up its reputation as one of the best on the continent. This is a must-see so that you can understand the hype.

- Gowrie Farm Golf Club
The second is in Nottingham Road and is called Gowrie Farm Golf Course. Designed by Guy Smith - a local attorney from Pietermaritzburg, Gowrie has become a golfing mecca.
Before the recent extension to 18 holes, Gowrie was voted the fourth-best short course in the world outside of America.
Smith took inspiration from iconic Scottish links layouts and American courses such as Pinehurst and Merion when building Gowrie, the result is one of the most beautiful courses in not only Africa but also the world.

Take Flight
If you're an avid golfer and intrepid traveller, the time has come to look for flights to King Shaka International Airport on KZN's north coast. A trip to this magical province will provide memories that will stay with you until your last day.

Article Author: N. Lindskov, Freelance Writer. Views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and not to Where2Golf.com, its writers or editors. The author is speaking solely for himself, not for the company or as a formal representative of the company.