Royal Cape Golf Club: A Historic Gem for Golf Enthusiasts

Modern-day members of Royal Cape Golf Club proudly belong to South Africa's oldest golfing society, established in 1885.

Originally, founding members played at Wynberg Military Camp and Rondebosch Common before relocating to the current Ottery location in 1906.

The original course was designed by J.W. Stewart, the club's professional, with assistance from several members.

In the late 1920s, Dr. Charles Murray, who also designed courses like Clovelly, George, and Westlake, redesigned the layout when additional land became available.

Over the years, several renowned architects have influenced the course design. S.V. Hotchkin made suggestions in 1929, Bob Grimsdell provided recommendations in the 1960s, and Peter Matkovich and Phil Jacobs contributed in the 1990s.

The greens were rebuilt to USGA standards in 2000.

Royal Cape Golf Club is a true championship course, having hosted numerous top-flight tournaments, including the national Amateur Championship eight times and the South African Open ten times, with Ernie Els winning the last in 1996. The club also hosts the Cape Town Open on the Sunshine Tour every November.

This classic parkland course features narrow fairways bordered by trees, punishing wayward shots. Ponds and creeks come into play on several holes, adding to the challenge.

The 440-yard, par-four 14th hole is one of the toughest in the country, with a right dogleg and water protecting the front right side of the green, often played into the prevailing wind.