Paarl Golf Club

Paarl market their golf course well, thanks to the efforts of Bertus Valentyn, the club's enthusiastic general manger. He points out that they are on the Wine Route with many famous estates in and near the picturesque town in addition to the giant KWV, controlling body and umbrella co-operative of the Cape wine industry. 'And the scenery is magnificent,' says Bertus. 'We've got mountains all around and can see the famous Paarl Rock from the course. The Berg River (which hosts the annual Berg River canoe marathon) flows right past us.' Paarl, unlike many of the courses in and around Cape Town, is sheltered from the wind - a welcome change from teeing up in a howling southeaster. The plush Grande Roche five-star hotel is situated in Paarl.

Many European tourists who stay there take in a round of golf at Paarl in between visiting the Cape's wine farms. From the pedestal tee at the 165-metre par-three 6th hole, there is a beautiful view of the river with vineyards close by and the mountains in the distance. The course itself is flat and noted for its magnificent old trees that line the fairways. There is one huge acorn tree right in the middle of the fairway at the par-five 16th hole. A big hitter can clear the top of this tree, but mere mortals are required to work the ball, courtesy of a controlled hook, around the side of it. Paarl Golf Club is a par-74, which is unusual. It has no less than six par-fives, affording the golfer plenty of scoring opportunities. Residential professional Kobus van Rensburg is heavily involved in the development of junior golfers in the Boland.