Hermanus Golf Course

Located a short drive from the town centre, Hermanus Golf Club is set below the slopes of the Overberg with breathtaking views of Walker Bay from some of the holes. The club is busy with a large contingent of expats members that have holiday homes in the area, particularly from the UK and Germany. However the club is always welcoming to overseas visitors on a South Africa golf holiday and as the course comprises of 27 holes, it is usually easy to get a tee time, even at weekends.

The Hermanus course was designed by the legendary Bob Grimsdell and then re-modelled in 2006 by Peter Matkovich, when an additional 9 holes were added. It now offers three combinations, which are known as the North, South and West courses. The newer section winds through some houses but for the most part the course is quite expansive with wide fairways, mature trees and very attractive planting.

Some holes have been built on restored wetland, which provides for beautiful fynbos and abundant bird life. On hole 15, the tee boxes are located within an environmentally sensitive area and golfers must traverse between tee boxes on attractive raised board walks. It is a really interesting par 4 with a cluster of fairway bunkers on the right of the hole that forces players to the left where a long elongated waste bunker awaits. An undulating green is the only one on the course not protected by any bunkers. A welcome relief after negotiating your route up the fairway.

Other notable holes include the par 3, 13th which plays down hill and has magnificent views from the elevated tee box, of the ocean in the distance. Water guards the green on the right and a large bunker on the left provides for an intimidating tee shot often made more difficult by the prevailing south easterly wind.

The signature hole is the 11th, players need to negotiate their way through a channel of mature trees to get to the green. It is imperative to find the fairway with your drive to give you a chance of landing your ball on the four tiered green. Large bunkers on the left and a perilous drop off from the right hand side.

The 5th is another tough but enjoyable par 4 with a split fairway. A drive coming to rest on the upper level provides an easier shot onto the green, while the lower level is more direct but requires a demanding approach shot to an elevated, difficult green.

The club is well managed and set up to cater for the increased numbers of golfers that 27 holes bring. There is a very efficient halfway house that all 3 of the 9 holes return to. It serves sandwiches, drinks and a selection of hot meals. There is also a restaurant and bar for post-golf refuelling. Caddies are available on the course, along with pull trolleys and carts, although during busy times it is advisable to pre book carts.

We offer a number of Garden Route Golf itineraries which can be adapted to include Hermanus as well, or in place of one of the other courses such as Arabella. These two courses make a stop over in Hermanus very worthwhile for golfers, not to mention the added attraction of whale watching which the town is famous for, and the Hemel en Aarde wine route nearby.

There is plenty of accommodation in the town centre such as Auberge Burgundy and Harbour House Hotel or the 5* Marine Hotel. If you prefer something a little quieter we recommend the Lodge on the Green, an delightful B&B property which overlooks one of the greens of the Hermanus Golf Course.

For more information about South African golfing holidays and playing at Hermanus, contact us here or call +44 208 249 5919 to speak to our South Africa golf holiday’s team.