Located at the foot of several private nature reserves and only an hour-and-a-half’s drive from the Kruger National Park, White River Country Club plays host to the Sunshine Tour’s Gary & Vivienne Player Challenge.

Officially opened by Gary Player in 1973 as a nine-hole course, White River was later revamped to a challenging 18-hole layout 20 years later, with Reg Taylor also having a hand in its design.

Set in a stunning natural landscape, the course meanders through a tree-lined valley with water one of its defining features thanks to the White River flowing through it. Not only does this impact your play, it also keeps the course in excellent condition and playable throughout the year.

The picturesque par-three fifth is regarded by many as the signature hole and calls for an accurate tee shot over the river on to a gently sloping green. With out of bounds beyond and the left, and water to the right of the green, club selection is key.

As golfers move on to the back nine they will encounter the par-three 12^th, which is the most difficult short hole on the course. It requires a carry of 180 metres to the green which is protected by a dam on the front right and out of bounds just 10 metres beyond.

The 18^th provides the perfect end to a round on this stunning course. From an elevated tee in front of houses, the fairway drops down dramatically before rising to an elevated green protected on all sides by bunkers. With out of bounds and heavy rough on the left and trees on the right, this is the longest par four on the course.

White River Country Club has a relaxed and unhurried feel to it, and is a true oasis in a bustling tourist area where visitors flock to the nearby Kruger Park.

DID YOU KNOW?

• The Gary & Vivienne Player Challenge was launched in 2022 as a partnership between the Gary and Vivienne Player Foundation and the Sunshine Tour, with one of the aims being to pay tribute to Player’s late wife, Vivienne.
• Jaco van Zyl ended a six-year winning drought when he claimed the inaugural Gary & Vivienne Player Championship last year. He finished two shots clear of Hennie Otto after posting a 14-under-par winning total.