The Sunshine Tour returns to Pretoria Country Club (photo: Perfect Exposure) for the first time since 2020, when the Titleist Championship was played there. This year the club hosts the Bain’s Whisky Ubunye Championship.
Nestled in the upmarket Pretoria suburb of Waterkloof, this 18-hole parkland course was established in 1910 and originally designed by Bob Grimsdell. It was extensively renovated by the Gary Player Group in 2004 with the upgrading of greens and water hazards, and the addition of a large number of bunkers. In 2018 all 18 greens were restored by Southern Turf Management.
One of the more impressive holes on the front nine is the par-three eighth (pictured above) which has an island green reached by a bridge. The back nine, which is characterised by large willow trees, starts with the par-four 10th which is guarded by three bunkers, two to the right and one to the left.
Golfers are put to the test on the tough stretch of holes from the 13th to the 17th where water comes into play on each hole. The dogleg par-four 15th was christened by Bobby Locke as the signature hole in the 1950s. The 18th is also a stern test, played uphill back towards the clubhouse, with 14 bunkers between the tee box and the green.
After a round on this splendid course that will test players of all levels, golfers can enjoy putting their feet up at The Pavilion which has fantastic views of the finishing holes.
DID YOU KNOW?
- In 2006 Pretoria Country Club was the venue for the Women’s SA Amateur, where Ashleigh Simon (Buhai) won the strokeplay and matchplay events.
- The club also hosted the 2015 Tshwane Open which was won by George Coetzee almost two decades after he won his first junior competition at age 10 at the same venue.
- Pretoria Country Club was ranked 28th in South Africa’s Top 100 Courses this year, a climb of three places from 2022.
