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STORIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

SOUTH AFRICA

STORIES FROM SOUTH AFRICA Western Cape, or Cape Town. Stunning courses
mixed in with vineyards and mountains make this
the tourist hotspot in South Africa. Bentgrass and
overseeded rye courses are the order of the day
here.
If there is upside to this, it is that lockdown has
By Brandon Kotze
SAGTF Member occurred just after our summer season (October-
Cape Town, South Africa March), so the fruits of summer were duly
picked. Our superstars Ernie Els, Louis Oosthuizen,
reetings from sunny South Africa. My fellow Charl Schwartzel and Retief Goosen all have
Gprofessionals, I trust this article finds you and developments and charities in South Africa and
your family well and healthy. Never before has have done their part, and for that we salute
our planet seen such a far-reaching pandem- them. Local professionals take their cue from
ic. Economies are devastated and society has them and formalise junior golf and charity golf at
been taken to the brink of disaster. most of the major clubs, with Mr. Johan Rupert
Here in South Africa, it is no different. Day backing Golf RSA heavily in producing our future
64 of total lockdown has taken its toll on our stars.
beloved game. This is a Golf in South Africa
paradigm shift here in can be described as a
South Africa, and I am sure “golfing Mecca.” We have
the same would apply world-class resorts and
to many countries. Golf some of the best layouts
courses are shut, and around. Nicklaus, Player,
across-the-board layoffs Weiskopf, Sorenstam and
are imminent. Countries Norman, to name but a
that have opened golf are few, have left their mark
in good shape, and I fear on our golfing landscape.
we may still be a way’s off. Especially beneficial to all
We are usually a of this is the price. The rand
year-round nation with is a currency in need, so
golf being played in three we offer some of the best
major regions. The up- you can get for not a lot of
country Johannesburg U.S. dollars.
courses are parkland I have included
bentgrass and notorious some images of golf life
kikuyu courses with in South Africa, and I do hope that you have
stunning layouts. The second would be tropical gained a small insight into our game here in
Durban courses, where golf is an absolute treat South Africa.
in the winter. Lush vegetation and scenic golf
are the order of the day. The third main region is

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