Golf Digest South Africa — January 2018

MUST PLAY COURSES | PRESENTED BY

Langebaan has the only 18-hole
course on the West Coast, part
of a 450-hectare family friendly eco-
estate that off ers an excellent lifestyle
experience for residents and guests. It’s
popular with golfers and holidaymakers
for weekend breaks and holidays, having
accommodation and a conference
centre. It’s 133 kilometres from Cape
To w n.
The course, opened in 1993,
designed by Bill Kerr and upgraded by
Gary Player Black Knight Designs 10
years later, is challenging yet playable
even in windy conditions with its wide
fairways. It’s hosted a Sunshine Tour
event, and was ranked in the Golf Digest
Top 100 until 2014 (No 97). Features
include the paspalum greens, which
thrive in the salty conditions from the
nearby Langebaan Lagoon, natural
rock formations and wild fl owers in
season. The course is home to a herd of
Bontebok and Springbok.
In September, Langebaan launched
their new-look facility, The Range. “This

is unique to South Africa,” said head pro

Max Birkenhead. “We have three tiers of

grass bays for up to 60 golfers hitting out

over a 270-metre long range. There are

two indoor bays for coaching and fi tting

using Flightscope. Plus a short game

area with bunkers, and a purpose-built

putting green.” A separate clubhouse

with bar and entertainment area is

attached to the golf studio.

The estate off ers numerous activities,

including mountain bike hire and trails,

bowls, tennis, netball, swimming pools,

a gym and a spa. Langebaan off ers

membership options at reasonable

prices. Accommodation ranges

from 4-bedroom lodges to suites

and apartments. Construction on a

retirement village will start in 2018.

Memorable hole: A large water

feature near the clubhouse guards the

par-5 18th, which makes for a

challenging fi nish.

General Manager:

Riette Laas.

Did you know?
Fact 1 / Langebaan has an 18-hole mashie course. The fi rst nine is short and tricky,
with water features and slopes, while the second nine is proper par 3s. There’s also a
9-hole FootGolf course.
Fact 2 / In August and September the estate and course is a riot of colour, courtesy
of millions of Namaqualand daisies that spring into bloom.
Fact 3 / Sunshine Tour pro Jean Hugo, who grew up in the Boland, had a course
record 63 in winning the 2013 Vodacom Origins event at Langebaan.

LANGEBAAN COUNTRY ESTATE – WEST COAST