No.1 Old Cape Rd,
Knysna, Western Cape 6570
Office
+27 (0)44 302 9600Pro shop
+27 (0)44 302 9677Fax
+27(0)44 382 6826Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
Jamie Kietzmann (Golf Director)The Course:
18 holes. Open parkland. Undulating terrain - several slopes to climb.
Surroundings:
Woodland and residential.
Designer:
Jack Nicklaus
-34.003471
23.030691
60 km E of George
Approaching Knysna on the N2 from Cape Town direction, cross the Knysna River bridge, then drive alongside the lagoon for approx 3 km. Turn left into Old Cape Road (alongside the lagoon), then left again. Follow the winding road uphill for approx 4 km to Simola Estate and golf.
Simola
Simola Golf & Country Estate: In the early 2000s several new golf courses appeared on South Africa's Garden Route, with few able to rival the quality of layout and spectacular views to be enjoyed at Simola. Perched high in the hills behind Knysna, the views down onto the Knysna River, Knysna Lagoon and The Heads (where the river flows into the sea) are nothing short of sensational.
With five par-5s and five par-3s, Nicklaus's layout contains many memorable holes and plenty of elevation change. The two nine-hole loops straddle a ridge and are each arranged in their own natural amphitheatre, where the holes meander back-and-forth over pleasantly undulating, lightly wooded terrain. Although the layout is more compact than some of Nicklaus's more expansive layouts, there is always sufficient width for no two holes to get in each other's way.
Excellent bunkering rather than an over-profusion of water provide the main hazards to be avoided, but it could be that the greens will give you the biggest challenge. The usually good-sized putting surfaces are home to a mesmerising array of slopes and borrows that would provide a tough test for dedicated tour professionals, let alone aspiring amateurs.
Housing around the course is confined to a few large villas that are set so far back as not to intrude in the slightest. Of many excellent holes, the par-4 13th is a gem, played downhill to a well-bunkered green. It is followed by a shortish par-3, where a small bowl of a green is handsomely framed within a picturesque enclave of tall pine trees.
Stay&Play at Simola: luxury onsite accommodation available, see Where2Stay section below.
Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends.
Must book in advance.
Contact club for full details, discounts, Stay&Play packages, etc. [Last updated: 2023].
Good
Simola is located high in the hills above the very popular town of Knysna, which many would describe as the oyster capital of South Africa, and certainly one of the busiest tourist destinations on the Garden Route. The quality and variety of golf on offer in and around Knysna, is also a major plus factor.
Knysna's colourful history spans the days of sailing ships, timber extraction and even a brief period of gold discovery. The vast, indigenous forests just to the north of Knysna became an invaluable source of timber for buildings, ships and wagons from the mid- 1700's onwards. The forests are still home to the only forest-dwelling elephants in South Africa.
South Africa's 21st best course (SA's Top 100 Courses, 2024).
Old Cape Rd, Knysna.
+27 (0)44 302 9600
Visit websiteSimola Hotel & Spa offers guests 5-star facilities that include the Orchid Room Restaurant and Sushi Bar, Sir Roy's Bar, the Club Café for light meals, a professional hair salon, and Spa with a fully equipped gymnasium. In addition to the world class golf course golfing facilities include a club house lounge and bar, luxury locker rooms and Pro-shop.
Simola
Knysna; Pezula
Plettenberg Bay (35 km); Goose valley (40 km)
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Walker Cup: the 50th playing of this prestigious men’s amateur event sees the GB&I go head-to-head against the defending USA team at Cypress Point Club, California (Sept 6-7). After that, all eyes turn to Bethpage State Park on Long Island, NY, where the American and defending European professional teams engage in the 45th Ryder Cup (Sept 27-29).
Lottie Woad: 21-year-old Woad burst onto the professional scene in July, with wins in the Women’s Irish Open (as an amateur) and three weeks later in the Women’s Scottish Open (as a professional). She nearly picked-up a major championship, placing third in The Evian in the same month.
Pádraig Harrington: the ever-likeable Irishman added the (British) Senior Open Championship title to his stellar array of tournament successes. His win came on Sunningdale’s spectacular Old Course. Harrington had already bagged the U.S. Senior Open title in June this year.
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Join us at The Dutch from August 21–24 for the Festival of Golf, featuring the HotelPlanner Tour. Experience four days of top-tier sport, live music, incredible food, and unexpected surprises. Explore the grounds, connect with others, embrace new challenges, and dive into an unforgettable celebration. Click here to buy tickets.
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Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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