Local is Lekker
The start of the year is an excellent time to count our blessings and highlight all that is good about South Africa. Here are some of my favourites as far as golf is concerned.
Best Golf Club: The Durban Country Club has always been top of my list. Throughout the club’s long history, it has hosted numerous great championships, and many of the world’s finest golfers have tested their game on this special course.
Best Clubhouse: If you stand on the 18th green at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington’s East Course, the wonderful clubhouse looks down on you. With its old English charm, it is not as overbearing as many of the newer clubhouses.
Best Grub: The Bryanston Country Club is the best place to eat, especially under the trees outside the bar. It is homely, comfortable and efficient. The service is good and the food fresh, well presented and tasty.
Best Links: Tom Doak, the controversial US golf course architect, once said that Humewood was South Africa’s best, while Bobby Locke claimed: “If the Open Championship were ever played outside Britain, Humewood would be ideal.” That’s good enough for me. Windy or not, it is a world class experience.
Best Golf Teacher: Four of the top 100 teachers in America come from South Africa: Phil Ritson, David Leadbetter, Robert Baker and Rina Ritson. Phil Ritson, however, would have to be my top choice, since he taught both his ex-wife Rina and Leadbetter.
Best Fourball: Of the four South Africans who have most influenced golf both here and internationally, my first selection would be Bobby Locke. He is believed by many to be the greatest putter of all time. Next would be George Blumberg who, in one way or another, helped every good local golfer, from Gary Player through to Ernie Els. “Uncle George” had a special gift for identifying and nurturing talent. Third is Denis Hutchinson, the voice of golf. In his quiet way, as a player, coach, commentator and mentor, he has done an enormous amount to promote the game. And finally, the great Gary Player. I doubt that his amazing winning record of nine Majors and over 160 other tournaments will ever be equalled. His enthusiasm for life and his loyalty to South Africa can only be envied.
Most Underrated Player: Harold Henning won a number of events on the US Tour and was affectionately known as “The Horse”. He twice finished third in the British Open, won the World Cup with Gary Player, and did it all while looking like he was taking his dog for a walk on a Sunday afternoon.
Best Par Five: Definitely Durban Country Club’s 3rd hole, which feels completely isolated from the rest of the course.
Best Par Four: Humewood’s 13th hole is one of many superb holes on our original links course.
Best Par Three: It has to be a tie. Few are prettier than San Lameer’s 4th hole, but none are more spectacular than the Wild Coast Sun’s 13th hole with its gorge and waterfalls.
Story by Dale Hayes
