Gowrie Farm Golf Course

About Gowrie Farm Golf Course

Located in the Natal Midlands, an area of South Africa that overflows in lush green pastel coloured grasses, hilly landscapes and friendly inhabitants, is the Gowrie Farm Golf Course. Gowrie Farm, officially registered as a farm in 1858 has once before played host to a course in the 1920's and has all trimmings of a fine golf estate today.

Officially opened in 2008 the 9 hole course designed by Guy Smith a local golfer, attorney and golf architect, has been quoted by Ryan Botha, former South African No. 1 ranked top amateur, as “the finest 9-hole course” he has ever played upon. Peter Matkovich, who certainly needs no introduction, has said that “Gowrie Farm is a tribute to real golf” – high praise from a man that knows the game inside out.

Important elements in the design of course are close to the ground tees, fairways that are dictated by the original shape of the land, push-up greens and bunkers which are both tucked in close to the greens and that are ruggedly fashioned from the earth. Guy Smith is, as you can see, heavily influenced by the early design of Scottish courses and is passionate about classic design.

Visitors will be please to know that play here is open to the public. However, it is highly recommended that you book your hotel or accommodation in Nottingham Road and your tee-off times ahead to avoid disappointment.

The course is exciting to play on, barrels of fun for the average weekender and quite a challenge to the beginner. The views are quite breath-taking too and the club only rents out motorized carts out to those over 65 or that have physical impairments – it's quite easy to see why once you've stretched your legs out over the nine.