Stellenbosch

Stellenbosch is one of south africa's oldest clubs, having turned 100 in 2004. it is located near the helderberg mountains, in the heart of the country's wine region. We don't know who planned the club's first course, but we do know that ken elkin expanded it from a nine-hole layout to a complete 18-hole layout in 1953.

The extended course is mostly green, with only a few slight elevation shifts and water only appearing on four holes: 2, 5, 12, and 18. The opening four par fours are all over 400 yards from the back tees, so expect a difficult start to your round.

The par five 8th, called "snakes and grapes" by locals, is a especially difficult hole on the front nine: a slice will bring shots into the brush on the right, while a hook will result in a missed ball in the vineyards on the left. The punishing par five 14th hole on the back nine necessitates exceptional shot-making abilities, beginning with a fade off the tee and a draw for the second shot (or vice versa for the lefty).