On the banks of the Hennops river

In The Centurion area of Gauteng on the corner of the old Johannesburg road and Hans Strydom lies the site of Peter Matkovich and Dale Hayes architectural wonder of the Zwartkop country club. The Zwartkop country club was originally a farm and was named after a bird found nesting on the farm. The Zwartkop country club has been a tournament venue for a long time and has hosted both professional and amateur events and is the permanent site for the ICL International which forms part of the FNB tour.

Overflowing in abundance

The Zwartkop country club is unique in the sense that the course runs along the Hennops river and with twelve of the eighteen holes you come into contact with the river and come into play during your round of golf. The trademark of Peter Matkovich which is his tendency to use nature as enhancer to his courses is evident at the Zwartkop country club where the natural foliage is incorporated into the design of the course.

The Zwartkop country club is not an overly long course and is well wooded, the greens are small and allow for tight demanding pin placements. Despite these difficulties and challenges that a course represents Nick Price still managed to achieve a tournament winning record of 61 when he played the ICL International in 1994 on a 71 par course.

The 495 meter par-five on the fourth is a good hole, it is relatively short for a par five and the second shot should be ambitious enough to carry the river and but beware of the huge tree that guards the right of the tree. On the back nine the 15th (146 meter par-3), 16th (318 meter par-4) and the 17th (144 meter par-3) of the Zwartkop country club course are relatively short but the water aspect that comes into play makes it quite challenging. Bold and accurate shots will yield par and birdies but for the faint hearted double bogeys are the order of the day.

The Zwartkop country club has been closely linked with the Hayes family for several of years. As such Dale Hayes assisted Peter Matkovich with th redesign of the course and Brian Hayes is the resident professional golfer. The Zwartkop country club pro shop is your one stop for all your golfing requirements and accessories. The Zwartkop country club also has a practice bunker, putting green as well as a chipping green for your convenience.

Zwartkop country club facilities

The facilities at the Zwartkop country club include a bar, boardroom,golf carts, locker rooms, big screen TV, Four function facilities for private or corporate functions, half way house, pool room and a restaurant. The Zwartkop country club is easily accessible from Johannesburg, Pretoria, Sandton and the surrounding areas.

The Zwartkop country club is considered overpriced by some but others feel that it is well worth it and that this course should not be missed. From adventurous golf along the Hennops River to practicing your golf and just relaxing at the bar, Zwartkop country club is the place to come to practice your perfect swing.