Situated in downtown Harare, this classic parkland course hosts the Sunshine Tour’s FBC Zimbabwe Open.

The club has a long history, dating back to 1898 when it was founded as Salisbury Golf Club by a group of golf lovers, and was granted royal patronage by King George V in December 1929. The course was then established on the current location next to the Sports Club cricket ground and the Presidential Palace in 1901.

Fred W Hawtree remodelled the layout in the 1950s then Nick Price and Steve Smyers upgraded the course in 1969, where they rerouted holes and repositioned bunkers and putting surfaces.

It has been the venue for almost half the Zimbabwe Opens since the event started in 1984. Despite its manicured lush appearance, Royal Harare is no pushover and rewards wise shot choices and course management. Although there are no water hazards on the course, the 83 bunkers and mainly elevated greens create enough challenges for golfers.

This parkland course provides a fair test for amateur and professional golfers alike, and the friendly management, staff and members make this a club to remember.

DID YOU KNOW:

• Royal Harare is one of 64 golf clubs in the UK and around the world that has been granted ‘Royal’ status by the British monarchy.
• Defending champion Albert Venter sunk a 16-foot birdie on the second playoff hole last year to claim his maiden Sunshine Tour title.
• The top qualifier at the Sunshine Tour Q-School, Sean Cronje, is part of the field for this year’s event after he earned his Tour card for the second time.