Isaiah Ntshangase (Walter Gilbert) Rd,
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal 4000
Office
+27 (0)31 313 1777Pro shop
+27 (0)31 313 1719Fax
+27 (0)31 313 1700Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
Don Gammon (Golf Director)The Course:
18 holes. Tree-lined parkland. Gently undulating terrain - easy to walk.
Surroundings:
Seaside and woodland.
Designer:
Original design by South African golf professionals George Waterman & Laurie Waters (1922). Later modifications by English course designers Col. Stafford Vere Hotchkin (1928) and Bob Grimsdell (1950s).
-29.827731
31.034156
4 km N of Durban
From Durban city centre drive north on the M4 (Northern Freeway). After 2.5 km take the Walter Gilbert Road exit. After 100 mtrs turn right at traffic lights and golf if on your right.
Durban CC
Stepping into Durban Country Club is to enter a natural and lush golfing oasis, seemingly far removed from the hustle and bustle of downtown Durban, which sits just three kilometres away. One of South Africa's most revered golf courses, Durban CC is both a beautiful and testing parkland layout, long remembered by those who play it.
Although the Indian Ocean is never more than 100 metres from the course's eastern boundary, you will not be spending any time gazing out to sea. Priority No.1 is keeping your ball on the "straight and narrow", and away from ever-present trees and bushes that encircle the course and line the fairways. Next you will need to negotiate your way around, or out of, the layout's substantive and very stylish greenside bunkering.
Water is only an issue on a couple of holes, but other "perils" lie in wait. The upturned "pudding basin" green at the par-3 12th for example, demands that your tee shot land on the green. Failing to hit the green leaves a testing pitch shot up a steep bank onto the green; overhit this second shot and its down the steep bank on the other side. And so forth!
Trying to cope with the fast and subtly breaking greens is also one of the enjoyable examinations laid down by Durban CC. If all the golfing challenges become too much, just stopping to appreciate the wide array of flora and fauna is always a treat here, monkeys and red bishops included!
Pick of the holes: the par-5 3rd, which starts narrow and seems to get ever-narrower as it approaches the green, is regularly listed as one of the world's best par-5s.
Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends.
Must book in advance. Handicap required
Credit cards accepted. Contact club for full details, discounts, packages, etc. [Last updated: 2022].
Non-metal spike facility. Walking permitted and caddies available at all times. Golf carts available for hire (if pre-booked). White socks must be worn to accompany shorts.
Good
Durban Country Club has regularly hosted the most prestigious South African golf tournaments, including recent events co-sanctioned with the European Tour (see our Tournaments section >by Venue >Durban CC).
The par-5 3rd hole has often featured in ranking lists of the greatest holes in the world, while the infamous par-3 12th is reputed to have claimed the scalp of a royal golfer. Differing reports suggest that HRH The Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII) played here in 1924 and ran up a 17 at this tricky hole. More recent reports suggest Prince Andrew, Duke of York, managed a 14 here on one occasion.
From 1994 Durban Country Club owned and operated the nearby Beachwood golf course (located 6 km N of the Country Club course). Beachwood was later sold and is now independently operated.
S Africa: 19th best course in South Africa (SA Top 100 website, 2022).
World: formerly ranked world's 97th best course (GOLF magazine, 2015; not in subsequent editions of this ranking).
Cnr Brickhill & Old Fort Roads, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
+27 (0)31 332 1447
Visit websiteLush gardens, palm trees and a pool with a gazebo lend a relaxed, summer feel to this 160-room hotel, which is located only 2 blocks away from the main beach and 2 minutes from Durban’s CBD. It also has a mini gym and small meeting room for guest use.
No
Royal Durban; Durban CC; Durban CC (Beachwood course).
Cotswold Downs; Mount Edgecombe I & II.
12–14 Walnut Road, Durban 4001
+27 (0)31 336 8100
Visit websiteThe Hilton Durban hotel is located right next to the International Convention Centre, and provides the opportunity to swim in the outdoor pool, de-stress in the spa or laze on the beaches half a mile away. A modern, comfortable and surprisingly quiet hotel in the city centre.
No
Royal Durban; Durban CC; Durban CC (Beachwood course).
Cotswold Downs; Mount Edgecombe I & II.
Tournament of Champions: the PGA Tour’s calendar-year starts, as it has done since 1999, with this iconic event in Hawaii. The field is drawn from players who won a PGA Tour event in 2022, or were amongst the top 30 in last year’s FedEx Cup final standings (Jan 6-9).
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Costa’s "Cruise & Golf" allows golfers and their families to combine a unique golfing experience with the relaxation and fun of a cruise on board Costa Smeralda. Golf enthusiasts are offered a choice from 23 top-quality golf clubs; their chosen courses are played during the ship’s port calls in Italy, France and Spain. While the golfers are driving the fairways, accompanying non-golfers are able to enjoy the amenities and activities on-board, or explore wonderful places on day excursions organised by Costa. Read more ...
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