Text: John Botha. Article from March 2012 issue of Compleat Golfer Magazine.
After 12 months of assessment, the Compleat Golfer judges have come up with their list of the country’s best golf experiences, and while there were no real surprises, some of the more obvious candidates failed to make the cut.
As we have remarked over the past three years, the rather flat economy has clearly impacted negatively on the golf industry, and with this it became obvious that many clubs decided to trim or eliminate some of the bells and whistles that make for a 5-Star Golf Experience. As members and guest rounds declined, there was one of two basic strategies employed by golf clubs – as their income declined, some cut costs and others stepped up services in an attempt to lure more golfers to their facilities.
Before looking at which clubs excelled in what areas, it’s worth noting the common pitfalls that prevented some of the more deserving of clubs from achieving the nod for the prestigious 5-Star Golf Experience.
Based on the principles of the Michelin Guide, the oldest and best-known European guide to hotels and restaurants that awards Michelin stars, our policy this year included not forewarning clubs that our judges would be visiting the club. Much of data was gathered from golfers that were either playing with a member or visiting clubs at the invitation of corporates that were holding golf days. We have found in the past that if we notified clubs of our intentions, the CEO, general manager or director of golf was on hand to ensure that operations went smoothly. More often than not, when visits were made unannounced, senior management was nowhere to seen. Generally, the availability and service from management was sadly lacking, and although this aspect falls under general quality of customer service and counts only a small amount to the total points, it was easy to see how, when the person in charge was not around, many other criteria fell short of expectations.
Ever since Compleat Golfer first introduced the 5-Star Golf Experience Awards, there has been much debate concerning the percentages each criteria should count towards the total, and after much deliberation and consultation with industry leaders and golfers, the system employed has been accepted by most. There are still some that believe that the quality of the golf course should represent a higher percentage. Interestingly, among the many golfers canvassed, a large percentage believed that the availability of an ATM to draw cash was deemed to be important. Also, and perhaps understandable in the current economic climate, value for money has been of greater concern than minor frills such as chilled towels at halfway or free bar snacks. Having noted that, it is clear that added value still goes a long way, and while figures prove that average golfers are playing less, when they do play they are happy to splash out on a more expensive experience if the facility offers the added extras with a good golf course.
It was glaringly obvious that the single biggest challenge for clubs wishing to be considered one of the best in the country is to maintain levels of consistency. Perhaps as seen at many restaurants, those golf clubs that are busiest often seem to offer the best service, and where staff are constantly kept on their toes. At certain clubs during peak periods it was clear that they were understaffed. Another common complaint, where judges, visitors and members of clubs made their sentiments clear, was that the general telephone communication and telephone booking service was rather poor. Unfortunately, of the two clubs that excelled in this area, Modderfontein and Parkview Golf Clubs, neither quite managed to make the grade for the 5-Star Golf Experience Award (both were close), but we might suggest that our premier facilities might all take a long, hard look at improving this department.
If there was one single failing most common to many clubs (those that made the grade and those that did not), it was the poor course marshalling and general lack of control when it came to the pace of play. In some cases it was clear that insufficient time was allowed between tee times or too many golfers were crammed onto the course, and at certain resort courses the problem remains that rank beginners are allowed to tee off in the middle of a busy field of more proficient players. At many traditional clubs, often chasing the elusive buck generated by corporate golf days, the speed of play was abysmal.
If we were to present awards to every club that had the potential to be really first-class, or that made the grade only once in a while, we would have a very long list of recipients, but we have been strict in our calculations, and even those facilities that missed by the narrowest of margins will have to wait another year. More than a few clubs, with even slightest improvement, might well join this special, elite group.
5-Star Checklist:
There are eight categories, each with several sub-sections that are assessed by our panel:
Clubhouse facilities
This includes the general layout with attention to the quality of the reception, pro shop, lounges, bar, restaurant/dining areas and locker-rooms.
Golf Course
There are two main sections: service and facilities and quality of experience. The first deals with information pertaining to available information on tees, distance markers, etc, starting procedure, course signage, speed of play and the effectiveness of course marshals. The second takes into consideration the ‘fun’ factor, challenges, memorability, aesthetics, conditioning and routing.
Halfway House
The facility is given a mark out of five, as is location, ablution facilities, menu variety, quality and presentation of food.
Practice Facilities
These are assessed for proximity to clubhouse and general quality, including the condition of tees, bunkers and greens, as well as the quality of balls.
Customer Service
Every aspect is taken into account – from telephone communication to the welcome and goodbye at security.
Price/Value
Seven different departments are looked at in calculating a total value-for-money mark.
Services offered
Everything that is expected of a truly five-star experience.
Ambience
The ‘wow’ factor, specialness of the course, atmosphere in the clubhouse and in the bar, the sense of tradition and the overall sense of feeling welcome.
5-Star Golf experience award winners 2011
Arabella Country Club
Blair Atholl Golf Club
Country Club Johannesburg
Durban Country Club
*Ebotse Golf Club
Erinvale Golf Club
Fancourt Golf Resort
Glendower Golf Club
*Houghton Golf Club
*Legend Golf Resort
Leopard Creek Country Club
Oubaai Golf Estate
Pearl Valley Golf Estates
Pecanwood Country Club
Pezula Golf Estate
Prince’s Grant Golf Estate
Randpark Golf Club
Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club
*Serengeti Golf Club
Simbithi Country Club
Simola Golf Estate
Steenberg Golf Club
St Francis Links Golf Estate
Sun City Resort
Zebula Country Club
Zimbali Coastal Resort
* New award winners
Arabella
Despite the feeling that this is primarily an estate with hotel and spa that happens to have a golf course, the experience here does warrant special mention.
What the rather modest golf clubhouse lacks is made up for by a fine course that is always well-maintained.
Blair Athol
This is by far the finest low-density estate situated near a major metropolitan area.
Brilliantly designed, making the best of the property’s attributes of space and beauty, the course is still improving, but is already acclaimed by most as one of the best.
Country Club Johannesburg
Considerable expenditure by the club on the clubhouse facilities and both golf courses keeps this famous facility near the top of our list.
Consistently good service and home to one of the best pro shops in the business.
Durban Country Club
The newly revamped clubhouse has made a considerable difference to this famous club, and although the welcome and service does not rival the best, the overall experience certainly warrants the award.
Ebotse
This course is a masterpiece in terms of rehabilitating a disused quarry, and must rank as one of the finest inland links layouts anywhere.
It is home to a modern clubhouse staffed by an enthusiastic, efficient group that understands friendly service.
Erinvale
The quality of golf course and high levels of service here befit one of the Cape’s premier estates, and this is one of a few facilities where one is guaranteed of consistency in all departments.
Fancourt
One of the great resorts that made everyone sit up and take notice, and barring a brief period when standards did seem to slip slightly, this resort and estate is back to its most impressive. All three golf courses are one of South African golf’s special treats, and well worth the cost.
Glendower
Joined the ‘5-Star clan’ last year for the first time, and has continued to improve in many areas.
One of the most popular clubs in Johannesburg, and while the 19th hole may lack atmosphere during members-only events, the many visitors keep the staff busy.
Houghton Golf Club
This historic club was long considered one of Johannesburg’s best, and after inexplicably falling on hard times, its problems were compounded by an ill-fated development.
The new-look club has bounced back with a newly positioned clubhouse and a Jack Nicklaus-designed course. Welcome to the 5-Star club.
Legends
There is a lot more to this resort than the imposing mountain that dominates the backdrop – there are some excellent holes, and as the course matures it will certainly improve.
Great service by dedicated staff ensures a memorable experience.
Leopard Creek
No problems with consistency here, and both the immaculately maintained golf course and the superb clubhouse set new standards of excellence in Africa. In a unique location, well managed and very hard to fault except for the expense of getting there and playing as a non-member.
Oubaai
Like many new golf courses, this one may have opened too soon, but once construction near to the entrance had been completed, and the course had settled, there was no question that it came into its own.
This is a true coastal beauty that must be played.
Pearl Valley
Unquestionably one of the best-conditioned courses in the country, and despite a few quirky holes and an even quirkier but not unimpressive clubhouse, this facility can be highly recommended to the most discerning visitor.
Not big in the value-for-money department.
Pezula
Even a couple of less-than-perfect holes cannot detract from the joy of playing this layout that has some truly spectacular views.
Another facility that has suffered from the inconsistency issue, but this has been resolved.
Pecanwood
The worsening quality of the water in the Hartbeespoort Dam and some well-publicised feuding between the developer and homeowners of this estate have not detracted from the fact that this is a beautiful course with a well-appointed clubhouse.
Prince’s Grant
This estate golf course on the North Coast of KZN has long been considered to have an excellent golf course, but service levels have at times fallen short of our high standards.
However, over the past two years there has been a vast improvement in this department.
Randpark
For some time Randpark ‘slipped out’ for its award, but since the clubhouse’s revamp, which included reorganising the flow of golfers, this facility has improved considerably.
Despite the high number of golfers that this club accommodates on both courses, the levels of service are beyond reproach.
Royal Johannesburg and Kensington
There is wonderful sense of history at this club that boasts two great golf courses and a clubhouse that has kept pace with the changing times and demands of golfers. Occasionally the food and beverage service could be improved, but overall, an outing here is unlikely to disappoint.
Serengeti
The modern, cavernous clubhouse may lack the feel of a golf club, and the course’s putting surfaces may be a little too contoured for some tastes, but the service here is excellent. Full marks to the golf operations team that seldom miss a trick. Food and beverage is comparatively pricey, but not exorbitant.
Simola
Probably still deserving of the title:
Best 19th-Hole View.
Simbithi
This executive course is a true gem, and with its modern clubhouse with a casual feel that fits well into the surroundings, there are few more relaxing 19th holes.
Simbithi offers an affordable, unique experience that doesn’t take all day.
Steenberg
This is one of the best addresses in Cape Town, and the opulent clubhouse mirrors this.
Top-notch service adds to the experience of playing a course that is always neat, if unspectacular.
St Francis Links
This beautiful course is a radical departure from the normal Nicklaus design, and shows the great man’s love of the classic linksland where the game originated.
Well-designed clubhouse, tastefully decorated and where visitors can be guaranteed of royal service.
Sun City
Both the Gary Player Country Club and the Lost City’s course are very much ‘must-play’ layouts, but neither facilities are exempt from inconsistent service and, at times, extremely slow play.
The GPCC remains a world-class experience, although the halfway house could be better.
Zebula
This is a truly ‘African’ experience with a course that is very playable without being a pushover.
A great clubhouse that affords views over the bushveld and a resort that offers a lot more than golf for an affordable price.
Zimbali
The success of this estate on the North Coast of KZN would suggest that it has got a lot of things right, and playing golf always feels like a special treat.
The clubhouse may lack the feel of a traditional club, but there are few complaints when it comes to service.
Related Content
