South African golfing legends
who haven’t since put their ar-
chitectural talents to further work
in this country. And, to fit in 18
holes, they both had to extend
the courses outside the islands on to the
mainland.
On the tree-lined fairways of Parys you
are never far from tributaries of the Vaal,
although the water doesn’t come into play
as much as you would imagine it should.
It’s more of a scenic distraction. However,
there is the intimidating long par-4 sixth
where the green sits on a rocky outcrop
in the river. And at the par-5 ninth the
approach shot to the green has to carry a
significantly wide expanse of water. The
elevated green of the par-5 18th has the
river coursing around its right side, and
then behind the green.
Former golfing legend Cobie Le
Grange designed the layout with the
late Douw van der Merwe. Opened in
2007, it’s a rare out-and-back design
which only returns to the clubhouse at
the 18th. Interestingly, all the greens are
raised, a precaution against flooding from
the river. The property is a narrow one,
with homes to be accommodated, so the
designers had restrictions.
I stayed at Monet House in a quiet
cul-de-sac on the Parys estate, a luxury
four-bedroom double-storey home with
its own jetty on to the river. It’s not a
B&B, but a home you can rent for a
period of time and have to yourself. It’sprivate, spacious, and an ideal getaway for
visitors seeking a quality experience.
Vaal de Grace is the younger of the
two, by 18 months, and was not much
more than two years old when it hosted
the men’s SA Amateur in 2011 (there’s
an excellent practice facility which
helped secure it), a championship notable
for the fact that the matchplay final was
contested by two Scots.
The course was designed by Nick
Price, who only had space for 14 holes
on the island he was given, and had to
use the mainland for the other four. The
island is in the Free State, and the main-
land in North West.
It’s a spacious layout off the tee, very
different from Parys, and well bunkered
to catch any long hitters looking for
short cuts. The back nine is the more
attractive, particularly the closing five
holes which border the river. The 14th
is a charming par 5, and the course ends
with a strong par 4. You won’t find a
clubhouse behind the green, or near the
first tee, because it still has to be built.
A house, filled with framed portraits of
Price, has served as the temporary club-
house since the estate was opened.
However, the homeowners are now in
charge at Vaal de Grace, and a clubhouse
might be on the horizon as part offorthcoming upgrades. The new
golf operations team includes 2010
SA Strokeplay champion Dean
O’Riley, who has played on the
Sunshine Tour.
On the day I visited everyone was
using golf carts to get around, but it’s not
too difficult to walk, other than the long
crossing over the entrance bridge to play
the fifth to eighth holes on the mainland.
Parys is a charming town which may
appear sleepy on weekdays, but starts
coming alive at lunchtime on Fridays as
visitors begin to arrive. All the attractions
are within walking distance of each oth-
er. One main street restaurant distinctly
different from those in Franschhoek is
the quaint Plum Tree with its retro decor,
which offers “Ouma se kos” and has a
sweet section which harkens back to an
earlier era. En Style is a must visit to find
gifts, with its collection of pop-up spaces
all in the same building. And its coffee
shop has food.
Away from the main street, on the
banks of the Vaal, is O’s restaurant,
something of a hidden gem away from
the weekend crowds, a shady spot amidst
a beautiful garden at which to dine. At
Kiki’s vintage studio you can dress in
period costumes and have photographs
taken. It has a coffee barista.
Parys is popular for leisure activities on
the Vaal, and Real Adventures provides
river cruises, rafting, paddling and tubing,
along with land-based action.RIVER VIEWS
The 18th green at Vaal de Grace.
Opening page: The 14th at Parys.