It all comes down to this… the final Sunshine Tour event of the season, which will once again be played at Serengeti Estates.
The Jack Nicklaus Signature course, which boasts a rugged, grassland look and feel, has pride of place in the heart of a popular residential estate in the Johannesburg region. Opened in June 2009, it was the fifth golf course designed by the major champion in South Africa.
Undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers and large multi-tiered greens combine to make this course a serious challenge. The water hazards come into play on eight holes. Routed in a figure of eight with each hole pointing in a different compass direction and each loop returning to the clubhouse, the course was developed with tournament play in mind.
The short par-five eighth, with water running all the way down the right-hand side of the fairway, and an island green, is the much talked-about signature hole. Another notable hole is the opening par-five third, which is one of the longest in Gauteng at 619m.
Serengeti is certainly a worthy host of the prestigious end-of-season Sunshine Tour event and players will also be spoilt for choice at the multi-faceted clubhouse which boasts several lounges, bars and two restaurants.
DID YOU KNOW?
- The course hosted the SA Open in 2011, won by Hennie Otto, and in 2012 when Henrik Stenson lifted the trophy.
- Serengeti was the first Jack Nicklaus-designed course opened in Gauteng. It went on to be named South Africa’s Best New Course by Golf Digest the following year.
- It was ranked 44th in South Africa’s Top 100 Courses this year, a drop of five places from 2022.
