164 - Mbombela

Location: Mbombela, South Africa

Rating: 7.7

I was in 2 minds whether or not to squeeze Mbombela into our trip and did so at the last minute. Very pleased with the decision to play there as it’s a very good course. It’s a pretty stern test for someone playing there for the first time, especially the first 2 holes. The first is a par 4, dog leg to the right but once you hit your tee shot you are greeted by a giant boulder in the fairway accompanied by a tree so you have to play a great 2nd shot to get on the green. The green also has a false front just in case it wasn’t hard enough.

The 2nd hole is then a narrow par 5 with a huge tree blocking the left side of the hole so people who fade/cut the ball off the tee are in trouble from the outset. A couple holes later you have the par 5 4th hole where water comes into play off the tee but for the first timer you think there’s plenty room before the stream. Don’t forget the air is thin up here and the ball travels a little further. There are a couple of par 3’s over ditches so despite not being long if you mishit you’ll lose your ball in bush. Don’t get my wrong it’s not all super hard, there are plenty parkland holes where a tree is the worst of your troubles.

The views all around are great and the course is in pretty good condition. They have a lovely clubhouse with thatched roof. Can imagine it gets quite festive there on weekends. The pro shop is well stocked as well. Sadly there is no driving range but a decent size putting green in front of the clubhouse.

Would definitely recommend stopping here if you’re in the area and for roughly R500 for a round that’s very good value for those travelling from abroad.