165 - White River

Location: White River, South Africa

Rating: 7.2

White River is just down the road from the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (beautiful, quaint little airport). They have a cute little pro shop near the first tee and a gentle 1st hole, downhill par 5 with the green sat next to the restaurant of Oliver’s Lodge (good place to stay if you need to get onto Leopard Creek). It is predominantly a parkland course with the first 9 holes with the exception of the 5th which is a stunning little par 3 playing over a dam. After 8 holes there’s a halfway house to grab a snack before proceeding with your round.

On the back 9 you start with a few holes weaving through water and thicker bush, quite an intimidating change from the first loop where you have plenty more space to miss. The final few holes then come back onto the parkland area and finish with a lovely raised tee on 18 playing down towards the fairway before heading back up to the raised 18th green sitting at the foot of the clubhouse.

It is not an easy course, you really need to watch your ball closely as the rough as thick enough that it can quite easily disappear if you’re not paying attention. The course is also length at around 6,000 meters off the white tees, there are no yellow tees here. The course was in good condition, it was by no means pristine but the fairways were relatively well kept although I found the greens cut too long and very slow. Unfortunately there is no driving range, only a putting/chipping green. 

White Rover has a lovely clubhouse, it has a real family atmosphere. I can imagine it getting festive on the weekends. Good food and good service.

At R430 for a round I think it is decent value, it wasn’t my favourite course in Mpumalanga but I would definitely play it again and especially if you’re staying at Oliver’s it would be rude not to.