The Royal Johannesburg Golf Course

The World Atlas of Golf which is a revered book that list the top golf courses in the world and how they are played lists only two South African golf courses in their hallowed pages; the Durban Country Club and the Royal Johannesburg Golf Course. The Royal Johannesburg Golf Course was established more than a century ago and have been providing the country with exceptional golfing for a hundred years and more. The Royal Johannesburg Golf Course is situated in the Johannesburg and was first originally founded on 6 November 1890.

The venue for the then Johannesburg Golf course has changed four times before establishing their permanent home on their current location. In 1930 the Prince of Wales visited Johannesburg and played a round of golf at the now Royal Johannesburg Golf Course and some six months later agreed to become their patron. In July 1931 a letter was received stating that King George V had graciously consented to adding the “Royal” prefix to the name of the Johannesburg Golf Course thus it is now known as the Royal Johannesburg Golf Course.

The Royal Johannesburg Golf Course was originally designed by the then resident professional Robert Grimsdell and later renovated by golf architect Mark Muller. The Royal Johannesburg Golf Course comprises of two courses the West Course and the East Course and after the merger with the Kensington golf course the course is sometimes referred to as the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Course. The improvements to the clubhouse as well as the two courses at Royal Johannesburg Golf Course was essentially funded from the sale of the Kensington property which results in two outstanding parkland courses and a superb facility.

Playing the Royal Johannesburg Golf Course

The Royal Johannesburg Golf Course is one of the most prestigious golf clubs in the country and boasts two exceptional 18-hole courses. Both the courses have scenic tree-lined fairways with gently rolling slopes. The East Royal Johannesburg Golf Course is the better known golf course and has hosted many tournaments including the South African Open Championship which has been held at this course seven times. Since the course has been revamped to accommodate the growth of the game of golf the Royal Johannesburg Golf Course has still kept the original 'parklands' feel.

After enjoying a refreshing drink at the halfway house on the east course of the Royal Johannesburg Golf Course you will quickly have to get back in the swing of things as the two back to back par four's of the 10th and 11th holes are considered to be the toughest back to back par four's in the world. The 11th hole is the signature hole of the East course and also considered to be the toughest hole of the course. This dogleg right is played downhill towards huge poplars and even big hitters will require a mid to long iron to clear the stream that fronts the green with a bunker that comes into play at the back of the green.

The signature hole of the West Course of the Royal Johannesburg Golf Course is considered to be the 4th hole. A tributary to the Jukskei River fronts the green and is very much in play along the left hand side of the fairway. The hole, as is the West Course itself, is enchanting against the backdrop of the Linksfield Ridge. The beautiful sweeping fairways and generous size greens of the West Course will quickly inspire confidence but if you are to stray you will soon find trees, water or other frustration in abundance.

The two courses of the Royal Johannesburg Golf Course is a fine example of how to layouts in close proximity can differ from one another, but still both create an enjoyable golfing experience. At the Royal Johannesburg Golf Course you will experience a heritage of golfing that few courses can contend with, as well as an enjoyable golfing experience on this prestigious Championship course.