Out of Africa

BY LUKE ELVY

Australians can be a parochial lot and for good reason. But where in our beautiful country can you enjoy a hot air balloon ride over a game reserve, see wildlife’s ‘Big Five’ and play a championship course all in one day? It doesn’t take long to appreciate South Africa is a golf destination like no other.

No one has contributed more to golf in these parts than the iconic Gary Player. His passion for the game, which he’s dedicated his life to, thrives over every part of the nation

The 9th (right) and 18th holes of the phenomenal Lost City course.

“I have so much love for South Africa that I could go on and on…” said the nine-time major champion. “To start with, the climate could not be more conducive to golf all year round. South Africa is also a wonderful country with a diverse landscape and incredible natural beauty.”

Floating high above the Pilanesburg National Park on sunrise while rhinos, lions and wildebeests roam below is something everyone should experience at least once in their life. Or encountering a bull (male) elephant on musth, especially when it causes a ‘traffic jam’.

There are few things more exhilarating and it makes you realise just how insignificant we really are. “If he wanted to he could crush us in an instant.” said a rather nonchalant Joseph, our nature guide in the Pilanesburg. “He will only move out of the way when he’s ready to.”

Shortly after, the highly agitated, but magnificent beast, stepped off the road he’d been dominating for about an hour allowing the half dozen trucks backed up to make a dash for safety. Reality is we were never really in serious danger, although the situation certainly had our adrenaline flowing.

If it wasn’t for the late morning tee time at Gary Player Country Club we could’ve stayed for hours admiring the large variety of animals that call the park home. We saw more than two dozen different species, and as much as you know about watching them in documentaries, there’s something surreal about seeing them with your own eyes.

The penultimate hole of the Lost City course.

A couple of hours later those same eyes are staring down the 1st fairway of Sun City’s famous course. It’s a familiar sight, synonymous with the Nedbank Challenge, and is certainly that … a challenge. That said, it’s a lot less daunting than what we had witnessed earlier that morning.

During the past three decades it has hosted the best players in the modern game and to this day continues to test them all despite huge advancements in technology. Few know the place better than Antonie Els, Director of Golf at the Sun City resort.

“The Gary Player Country Club is such a magical place,” said Els, no relation to Ernie (he jokingly calls himself Somebody Else) “it has literally stood the test of time. It’s had very little design change over the 30 years, people love to test themselves on a course which hosts the world’s best pros every year.”

It’s the jewel in Sun City’s crown, a resort/casino playground conceived in the late 1970s and about two hours’ drive from the main hub of Johannesburg. Ranked in South Africa’s top five courses, it boasts a number of quality holes through dense bushland, so be sure to pack your ‘A’ game, because the finish to both nines are strong.

One disclaimer; the round will take five and a half hours, which includes a lunch at halfway, so relax, take in the sights you’re used to seeing on TV, and enjoy the occasion. Remember, you’re walking in the footsteps of champions.

Beware of the crocs on Lost City's par-3 13th hole. PHOTO: Getty Images

Sun City’s other course, Lost City was also designed by Gary Player and opened for play in 1993. It’s a more player friendly and strategic test with many great vantage points, ideal for photo opportunities, none more so than 13.

“Our 13^th hole is the feature hole. It’s a par-3 over a live crocodile pond … which has one male and eight females in it.” Els remarked. “As you’d imagine there are a lot of brand new Pro V1s out in the open.”

“About six or seven years ago, a Japanese guest was leaning over the wall with his ball retriever trying to get his ball. The course superintendent saw it and started screaming for him to get out … obviously there was a language barrier, but fortunately he managed to get out alive. When we said they are real crocodiles, he said ‘no, no it’s Sun City, everything plastic’. We’ve had to put up a number of warning signs since.” Els added with a smile.

Above all, Sun City has become a great family destination. Its motto “a million thrills, one destination” is not far off the mark. The most active of travellers couldn’t get through all the activities in a fortnight and that’s even if they cleaned up at the casino.

The dining options are superb, and the kids will love the Valley of the Waves – a water park, complete with slides, a giant wave pool and various other water sports. You’ll notice a few ‘big kids’ having a fair amount of fun too!

There’s also 4-runner and elephant tours, not to forget the hot air balloon safari that we enjoyed over the Pilanesburg, which sits right next to the property.

There are four hotel options, but those without a budget will enjoy the grandeur of The Palace at Lost City, a Leading Hotel of the World. Complete with safari-style architecture, high roller rooms and decadent dining options like Plume, you won’t be left wanting for anything more.

TO THE CAPE

Sun City is without doubt a destination I’d like to visit again, but not before returning to the Western Cape. Situated on the south west coast, where the Indian Ocean meets the Atlantic, Cape Town takes your breath away.

Blessed with its stunning harbour and Table Mountain backdrop, it’s little wonder the New York Times named it “the best place in the world to visit” in 2014.

Table Bay Hotel, another in the Leading Hotels of the World club, has pole position on the waterfront. It’s frequented by plenty of VIPs, but is still affordable, and canapés in the presidential suite, where Barak Obama has stayed twice, was a moment to saviour.

It’s famous for high tea but if you want something more substantial don’t pass up a night at Camissa Brasserie. Executive Chef Jocelyn Myers-Adams and senior Sous chef Jason Franco are at the top of their craft; our dinner (with wine) was an assault on the senses.

Dusk across the Fancourt Links. PHOTO: Getty Images.

Two things to tick off your ‘Bucket List’ exist in Cape Town. Robben Island made famous by prisoner 466, Nelson Mandela, and Table Mountain. Be mindful though, strong winds are common and can prevent you from getting all the way to the top.

The Cape is a wonderful golf region too, boasting 15 top quality courses within an hours’ drive of the city. The Jack Nicklaus designed Pearl Valley, ranked No.5 in South Africa is the pick of them.

I’m not delirious about Nicklaus designs, but this one is right up there with his best. Surrounded by spectacular mountain ranges, this superbly conditioned course is a postcard you can play on. It has also hosted three South African Opens in the past five years.

Another benefit of Pearl Valley is that it is situated in Franschhoek, a classy French discovered wine region on par with the more famous Stellenbosch. Make time on your tour for at least a day and/or night to enjoy their famous Pinotage.

NORTH AGAIN

Leopard Creek Country Club, set on the edge of the Kruger National Park about five hours’ drive east of Johannesburg, is routinely named No.1 course in the country and is one of the many Gary Player designs, which dominate the list. Boasting 11 of the top 20, it’s obvious the Black Knight’s gift to South African golf extends way beyond his Grand Slam career.

This was most evident in the 2003 Presidents Cup, held at another of his best designs, The Links at Fancourt. Watching Player proudly display his home to the world gave you an indication he is to golf as Mandela was to his nation.

Perhaps Player’s greatest gift is Blair Atholl, built on the stud farm he called home for nearly a quarter of a century. Situated about 30 minutes’ drive outside of the capital, Johannesburg, it’s a monster at 7,470m, but thankfully has an abundance of tees to suit any player.

Johannesburg has become much safer in the two decades since Mandela was president, although, it’s important you don’t take it for granted. A tour through Soweto is all you need to realise the gap between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’ is still as wide as anywhere in the world.

As the main hub, you’ll find yourself travelling through the capital on your way to all corners of the country. Sandton is the best precinct for shopping and hotels, while the stylish Maslow Hotel is the new place to be seen for corporate types and savvy travellers. The Lacuna Bistro and Bar is voted one of the best in the country.

If you stay for a couple of days, you’ll have the choice of some impressive golf courses. The Els Club at Copperleaf and Glendower are certainly worth a visit as is the Serengeti Golf Club – a 27-hole venue, which allows you to choose your own adventure - the Masai-Mara 18-hole combo is a top 20 course.

While the golf is great, there’s nothing that compares to the wildlife and natural wonders of Africa. However, no trip to the continent is complete without a visit to Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

As the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, there are few things in life that will take your breath away like Victoria Falls. More than 500,000 cubic metres of water pours over the edge every second, and the spray from the 110-metre drop can be seen from 30,000 feet earning the name Mosi-Oa-Tuyna or “Thundering Smoke”.

“The Falls are always special. We have two main seasons, when they are full and overflowing (November to June) and dry season (July to October). It has an energy that you don’t find anywhere else, its very powerful.” said Guillame Durand, General Manager, Royal Livingstone.

Famed British explorer David Livingstone said in 1855: “scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.” Having visited Niagara Falls, I feel it’s no comparison to this magnificent site because it remains as nature intended.

The majestic Victoria Falls.

On the Zambia side of the Zambezi River is the spectacular Royal Livingstone Hotel. This hotel sits just a few hundred metres from Victoria Falls, and boasts arguably the most unique arrival anywhere in the world.

Imagine motoring down river on a safari-boat, hearing the falls roaring not far off in the distance, when a family of hippos pop their heads out of the water. Trying to absorb that adventure goes to another level when your driver says, “they are Africa’s most deadly animal!”

If that hasn’t set your mind to the natural wonders of the Royal Livingstone then zebra’s grazing on the grass at happy hour or giraffe’s feeding from the trees while monkeys bounce through them surely will. This five-star hotel is far from ostentatious and despite being only 14-years-old, feels like it has been there for decades.

There are so many ways to enjoy the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls. Thrillseekers go for bungee jumping or white-water rafting, the more reserved explore in a helicopter or sunset cruise.

If visiting during the dry months, take the dip of a lifetime in the ‘Devils Pool’, a pocket of water that is literally right on the edge of the falls. Despite being perfectly safe, the 110-metre is right beside you, it’s an exhilarating feeling. Friends will think the images are photo-shopped.

As decadent as this trip was, South Africa’s economy is weaker than Australia’s, which makes it more affordable than you think. A number of times I wondered if anyone less than the rich and famous could enjoy such a tour, yet I found everything was excellent value for money.

But why hear it from me … over to you Mr Player.

“There is something special about golf in South Africa and perhaps this is why our small country has seen more majors championship winners post-WWII than any other nation aside from the United States. If you fancy yourself as a golfer, you must consider a tour of the excellent South African golf offerings on your bucket list.”

*Luke Elvy travelled to South Africa courtesy of SunLux Properties

FACT FILE

WHERE TO PLAY

SUN CITY RESORT

Gary Player GC & Lost City GC

www.suninternational.com

CAPE TOWN

Pearl Valley Golf & Country Estate

www.pearlvalley.co.za

Fancourt Hotel & CC

www.fancourt.co.za

JOHANNESBURG

Leopard Creek CC

www.leopardcreek.co.za

Blair Atholl Golf Estate

www.blairatholl.co.za

The Els Club at Copperleaf

www.copper-leaf.co.za

Glendower GC

www.glendower.co.za