Business Traveller looks at some of the golf courses that make it possible to combine golf, beach and business.
Landing in a bunker is not the only way to spend some time on the ‘beach’ when playing golf. There are a number of golfing resorts located nearSouth Africa’s coastline that are also ideal for business meetings and conferencing.
Fancourt
Fancourt features three championship 18-hole golf courses, all designed by Gary Player. There is also a warm-up area, two well-stocked pro shops, a golf academy with full-time teaching professionals, and the only Taylormade Performance Lab inAfrica. All three courses are exclusively for Fancourt Hotel guests and Fancourt members. Fancourt is located in George in theWestern Cape.
Conference facilities: The Fancourt Conference Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment and video conferencing. There is a variety of rooms including a banquet hall accommodating up to 400 people, and six meeting rooms, including three boardrooms, on the property.
Accommodation: The Fancourt Hotel comprises 150 luxurious Manor House rooms, Executive rooms, Garden suites and studios. Other facilities and services include a VIP lounge atGeorgeAirport, Fancourt Spa, a deli, mini cinema and jewellery shop.
Contact details:
+27 (0)44 804 0000, fancourt.co.za
Pinnacle Point Beach and Golf Resort
Only four hours fromCape Town, this championship golf course is situated inMosselBayon the eastern coast ofSouth Africa. It has 18 holes and is a par 72 course. It is open to the public, but members get preferential playing times, so booking is essential.
Conference facilities: There aren’t any conferencing venues on the property, but the Garden Route Hotel and Casino is located across the road from the resort. The conference and function rooms, including two breakaway rooms, can cater for up to 150 delegates.
Accommodation: The hotel located at the Garden Route Hotel & Spa is ideal for business travellers. All rooms are tastefully decorated and equipped with television and air-conditioning. Presidential suites are available.
Contact details:
+27 (0)44 693 3438, pinnaclepoint.co.za
Selborne Hotel, Spa and Golf Estate
This 18-hole, championship golf course is located in Pennington, just 10 km south of Scottburgh, and 30 minutes fromDurbanInternationalAirport. Selborne is open to non-members, provided they make a booking beforehand.
Conferencing facilities: A range of conference facilities is available on-site. There are four rooms that can accommodate from eight to 100 delegates.
Accommodation: The hotel on the property comprises 49 rooms and can accommodate up to 98 people.
Contact details:
+27 (0)39 688 1891, selborne.com
Steenberg Golf Club
Located in Steenberg,Cape Town, the Steenberg Golf Club is an 18-hole championship course. The property is steeped in theCapeDutchtradition. Non-members are allowed to play at the golf course excepting Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Conference facilities: Conference facilities are available on the property. There are three rooms accommodating 12, 40 and 120 delegates respectively.
Accommodation: The five-star Steenberg Hotel is on the property. It offers 26 rooms and suites situated in the original manor house and buildings amidst immaculate botanical gardens.
Contact details:
+27 (0)21 715 0227/ 713 2233, steenberggolfclub.co.za
Wild Coast Sun Country Club
Located on the Wild Coast Sun Resort property in theEastern Cape, this golf course is like no other. It is a par 70 course featuring six par threes. Non-members are welcome, but booking is essential. The resort is about a one-and-a-half-hour drive fromDurban, and offers a breathtaking setting, just metres from theIndian Ocean.
Conferencing facilities: Conference facilities are available on the Wild Coast Sun Resort property. The convention centre comprises 11 venues and can accommodate a variety of functions, ranging from a boardroom meeting of 20 delegates, conferences for up to 680 delegates, and formal dinners for up to 624 guests.
Accommodation: TheWildCoast Sun hotel, located on the same property, has 246 bedrooms comprising double rooms, twin rooms, family rooms, junior suites, suites and presidential suites.
Contact details:
+27 (0)39 305 9111, suninternational.com
Milnerton Golf Club
The Milnerton golf course is an 18-hole, par 72, seaside course located in a leafy suburb just 10 minutes north ofCape Town. It is not a championship course and is open to non-members except for Wednesday afternoons, Saturdays, and Sunday afternoons.
Conferencing facilities: A conference venue accommodating up to 100 people is available on the premises.
Accommodation: There is no hotel on the property, but a number of guest houses and hotels are not far from the course. These include the Vineyard Hotel & Spa, Lagoon Lodge, Cape Hermitage B&B, and Cotswold House Guest House.
Contact details:
+27 (0) 21 552 1047, milnertongolf.co.za
Pezula Championship Course
As the name suggests, Pezula is a championship course and is located on the Pezula Resort in Knysna. It is a par 72 course with 18 holes and rates amongst the most scenic courses in the world. Members of Pezula Championship Course enjoy special privileges, but the course is also open to visitors.
Conferencing facilities: Two conference rooms are available on the property. The Clubhouse accommodates up to 100 delegates, while the Shareholders’ Lounge accommodates 20.
Accommodation: Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa is adjacent to the golf club. It features 83 luxury suites, two executive boardrooms, award-winning spa and gym, gourmet restaurant, 24-hour business centre, complimentary Wi-Fi in all suites, champagne and whisky bar and cigar lounge, and outdoor heated swimming pool.
Contact details:
+27 (0)44 302 5321, pezula.com
Simola Golf and Country Estate
The Simola Golf and Country Estate overlooks The Heads,KnysnaRiverand lagoon in Knysna. It is a par 72, Jack Nicklaus Signature Championship Golf Course, and is located on the same property as the Simola Hotel. The course is open to non-members.
Conferencing facilities: There are two venues available, namely the Forest View Room seating 120 people banquet style, and the Boardroom which accommodates a maximum of 14 people.
Accommodation: The Simola Hotel offers 40 two-bedroom suites with Internet connectivity, air-conditioning, underfloor heating, kitchenette, lounge patio with gas braai, and DVD with surround sound.
Contact details:
+27 (0)44 302 9600, simolaestate.co.za
San Lameer Golf Course
San Lameer Golf Course is situated on the San Lameer Estate, which is 140 km south ofDurbanalong the Hibiscus coastline. It is a conservation haven, has direct beach access, and the wildlife has right of way. The 18-hole championship course was designed by Peter Matkovich and Dale Hayes. The course is open to non-members.
Conferencing facilities: The four-star Mondazur Resort Hotel, on the estate, offers two well-appointed function rooms and three breakaway rooms that can comfortably accommodate banquets and conferences for from eight to 100 delegates. A marquee is also available for hire for larger groups.
Accommodation: There are a number of self-catering villas, ranging from bachelor villas sleeping two people, up to five-bedroom villas sleeping ten adults. Apart from the villas, the Mondazure four-star hotel offers 40 double rooms that are elegantly styled and furnished. Various facilities and activities are available.
Contact details:
+27 (0)39 313 5141, sanlameer.co.za
Arabella Golf Estate
Rated number one in the Cape and number five inSouth Africa, the Arabella Golf Estate features an 18-hole par 72 championship golf course. It is located on the Arabella Country Estate, approximately one hour fromCape Town. The course is open to members, hotel guests, and day visitors.
Conferencing facilities: The hotel can host conferences, board meetings, teambuilding functions, product launches, and social events. Its Kogelberg Centre is sub-divisible into three sections and accommodates 256 for a banquet, 360 theatre style, and 216 in a classroom set-up. An additional five breakaway venues accommodate between six and 18 delegates.
Accommodation: The hotel offers 145 rooms and suites. Travellers can discover authentic South African cuisine and enjoy award-winning golf and spa facilities. Also available at the hotel are pool-side cocktails, a business centre, travel desk and various activities.
Contact details:
+27 (0)28 284 0000, arabellagolfclub.co.za