San Lameer C.C.: Fun resort golf overlooking the Indian Ocean on South Africa's Hibiscus Coast
KWAZULU NATAL, South Africa -- Gary Player declined the chance to design San Lameer Country Club in the 1990s, believing there wasn't enough land for a quality course.
South African architect Peter Matkovich proved otherwise once a bit more land was acquired, creating a target test of golf in the jungle-covered hills overlooking the Indian Ocean.
The 6,104-meter, par-72 course resides inside a holiday community on the Umhlangamkulu Lagoon several hours south of Durban along the Hibiscus Coast. A few quirky and claustrophobic spots won't derail the fun of the round. Starting with an arduous uphill climb on the par-5 first hole isn't ideal. The elevated tee of the second hole -- featuring a great view of the ocean -- provides the chance to regain some confidence with a soaring drive.
San Lameer Country Club's back nine starts off constricted. Both the 10th and 11th holes are short, tricky par 4s hemmed in by water. The water-logged, par-4 finishing hole caused trouble at the 2014 South African Women's Open, a Ladies European Tour event.
"It's a thinking course," San Lameer C.C. Director of Golf Meyer Du Toit said. "You've got to think of the wind, the uphill, the downhill."
A renovation modernized the clubhouse, and the refreshed Lagoon Bar and Grill in the 40-room resort hotel have further classed up the experience of staying and playing at San Lameer. The spa, par-3 course, and oceanfront beach all bustle with business on holidays.