Published on Compleat Golfer Website June 2011. Article written by Sean Woods.
Not everyone has enough time to play 18 holes on a full-sized golf course every time they are keen to play, but at the same time the driving range won’t cut it if you want to get some on-course practice.
That’s where mashie courses come in.
Why would you want to play a mashie course?
Firstly if you are pushed for time then it is far quicker playing a mashie than your average course as a mashie is usually only 9 holes and they only go up to a par three. Secondly it is a great way to practice your short game on a par three pitch and putt for experienced golfers while also being a great place for beginners to learn golf. Finally it is the ideal place to practice your iron shots or concentrate on improving your chip shots and making those up and downs so that you can play your best golf ever.
So why call it a mashie course?
Well a mashie was a pre-20th century golf club with a loft of about 33-degrees, wooden shafted and used for approach shots. It most closely resembled the modern 5-iron or 6-iron but in loft and use only. A 6-iron or 7-iron, sharing characteristics with the mashie, would be the typical club of choice on a short course which subsequently became known as a “mashie course.”
Top three mashie courses in the Western Cape
The River Club – Mashie course in Observatory
The mashie course at The River Club in Observatory tops the list as it successfully combines a challenging 9-hole, par 27 course with an open driving range as well as a two-storey covered driving range to protect those die-hard golf enthusiasts from the inclement weather in the Cape.
Gary Player’s famous quote, “the more I practice, the luckier I get,” is on a sign as you enter The River Club as a reminder to golfers that we all need to spend time on the driving range and focus on our short game. This has also been catered for as there are short game areas to practice putting, chipping and bunker play.
A 9-iron, a pitching wedge and a putter should get you around this mashie course but, as I have never been a long hitter, I usually also take my 7-iron along (my favourite club) although this is really only necessary on the longer holes as you don’t want to overshoot the green.
If you are really struggling then the golf coaching specialists at the SA Golf Institute, also situated at The River Club, and headed by golf director, Grant Hepburn offer lessons to novices and help experienced golfers to improve their game.
Go to the Riverclub for a full run-down on all their facilities and if you are serious about ironing out the kinks in your game visit or contact Logical golf directly on 021 300 0140.
Mupine – Old Mutual mashie course in Pinelands
Mupine Golf Course in Pinelands is affiliated to Old Mutual Sports Club and membership to the club is open to staff members and associated companies. The good news is that golfers who have no association with Old Mutual will also be considered for membership but numbers are limited.
Mupine is perfect for beginners with just one par four, played twice if you complete all 18 holes, and the rest being all par three’s but the course also demands sufficient accuracy to be challenging enough for the more experienced golfer – slice it and your ball will end up on the railway line or over the fence!
I have been a member at Mupine for the last two years and I should warn you that there are also a few tricky bunkers and you will want to avoid hitting the trees but the course is in good shape and a well-established little oasis that offers excellent value for money.
Burgundy Estate – mashie course in Plattekloof
The 9-hole mashie course at the Burgundy lifestyle estate in Plattekloof is really worthwhile playing and probably the only course where I have a shot at beating my husband. This is because the longest hole on the course is only approximately 115 metres so there is a good chance of beating those golfers who can hit long drives if you improve your short game.
The course is well maintained and nicely laid out in front of the club house and there is a stunning view of Table Mountain and the ocean when you stand on the elevated first tee. The indigenous vegetation also gives the course a distinctive west coast feel and must be avoided if you want to save your golf balls for another round.
There are currently no alternative tees on this 9 hole course but you are encouraged to play the 9 holes again if you want to complete an 18 hole game and then head on to Bunker Bar & Restaurant at the adjacent sports club for some liquid refreshments and a delicious meal.
Call the club house on 021 801 0595 to make enquiries.
Related Content
