Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Cub - Johannesburg, South Africa

Course Review:  Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Cub - Johannesburg, South Africa

Next week the European Tour returns to South Africa for the Joburg Open, hosted by the Royal Johannesburg & Kensington GC. This week's course review takes a look at the history of this prestigious South African golf establishment and highlights some of the golf facilities it has to offer.

125 years of golf in Africa

Since opening its doors in 1890, the Royal Johannesburg Golf Club has enjoyed a reputation for exclusivity and the excellent condition of its two courses. From humble beginnings as a place where Johannesburg's golf lovers came together in the late 1800s, the club grew in membership and popularity throughout the first decades of the twentieth century, receiving the Royal sanction from the Prince of Wales in 1930.

Old world luxury

Today, Royal Johannesburg honours its colonial roots while embracing the 21st century. Now located in the heart of a modern cosmopolitan city, the club has moved with the times and now incorporates the Kensington course as part of its golf offering. Two eighteen hole championship courses and a colonial-era clubhouse add to the appeal of this historic African golf club.

After almost one-and-a-quarter centuries a little weathering may be expected on most golf courses, but Royal Johannesburg cuts a dashing figure at 125.

The immaculate condition of fairways and greens combines with the height of the surrounding time-weathered trees to create a classic parkland setting that reminds some visitors of the course at Augusta National.

Hidden challenges on the course

On the surface, Royal Johannesburg might look like a forgiving parkland course designed primarily for leisure - but the course has several tricks up its sleeve to challenge the unsuspecting golfer.

Bunkering is frequent, with tight lies cropping up throughout the course. All in all, Royal Johannesburg calls for a balanced game with precision off the tee and carefully planned approach shots - the greens shouldn't be underestimated either.

Royal Johannesburg welcomes visitors, but advance bookings are essential. For more information on visitors fees, please visit the club's website.