Highlights of the Course One of the things that stood out is that the entire course is literally manicured, it looks like it came out of a “golf salon”. The fairways, especially around the greens are mowed with precision, the bunkers are raked to perfection and the greens, are in pristine condition. It is only the presence of natural fynbos and other indigenous flora that gives the course “a wild side”. The views from almost every hole are spectacular, with either the Bot River Lagoon or the majestic Kogelberg Mountains featuring prominently in the surrounds. One of the mountain ranges, that looks like a lady lying on her back, has affectionately been named “Lady Arabella” by the locals. The course designed by Peter Matkovich, has been ranked as the number one course in the Western Cape region on numerous occasions and is always in the top ten in the country and de-
servedly so. A few outstanding holes deserve a mention, although most of the holes rely on a solid and accurate drive. The 1st hole is a tough little uphill Par 4, that without a well positioned drive, can make it a difficult approach shot and a tough par. The downhill 5th hole Par three, guarded by a deep front bunker, has many a player miscalculating the distance to the green. Walking away with a par on this hole can be seen as a victory. The 8th Hole has been named as one of the best Par 5 holes in the country. Your drive is out towards the mountains and the lagoon in the
of a hole. Likewise the finishing hole on the back nine, the stunning Par 5 18th, has to be one of the best finishing holes in the country. Apart from running parallel to the lagoon, it is bunkered down the right-hand side and between a drainage trench, bunkers and foliage on the left; accuracy of every shot is key. The green is tucked away around a dogleg to the right making it difficult to get to in two. This tough last hole is best played with a safety first approach. A par is a good score, but play the hole cleverly and you may just be lucky to take home a birdie.
One of the things that stood out is that the entire course is literally manicured, it looks like it came out of a “golf salon”. distance, with a sloping fairway that will assist your run if you land in the right area. With a water hazard to the right and bunkered all the way up the left, to an almost island green, your second shot will be a difficult approach if you are going for it in two. Laying up onto the fairway and getting to the green in three is the safer play. This still gives you a good opportunity for a birdie or a par, but you have to play the hole strategically and strike the ball well. My favourite hole on the course is the Par 4, 9th hole. From the ladies tee box, it is 239m to the front of the green. So if you are a good driver of the ball, you can take the “tiger line” over the fynbos bordering the lagoon and put yourself in position for an eagle. I am proud to say I was on the green for one, but sadly missed the eagle putt and had to settle for a birdie. It is a great challenge
There is something unique about most of the holes and I could go on and on, but I would rather say go and experience it for yourself, you won’t be sorry. With winter upon us, it is the ideal time for South Africans to treat themselves and visit Arabella Hotel and Spa as they have fantastic winter packages including accommodation, golf and spa. The resident Pro, is Golf Hall of Famer Alison Sheard. Alison who was a 9 times winner of the SA Open and also a British Ladies Open Champion, is always on hand to assist you with your game. I recommend a lesson with this legend if staying in the hotel. I was lucky enough to play my 18 holes with Alison, which was a real treat for me and probably the reason I played well. She just inspires confidence and her knowledge of the course was a real help as well.
Jun/Jul/Aug 2011
sa woman golfer
13
COURSE REVIEW
golfing establishments and takes into account not only the condition of the course, but your whole golfing journey from the time you park your car to when you drive out of the gate at the end of the round. I can honestly say that the staff at Arabella Golf Club rank among the best in the country. You are met at the car and your clubs are taken care of; if you book a cart they are loaded and even get a bit of a clean before you set out. The staff are helpful and friendly, and if you are staying for a few days, they will be happy to lock your clubs up for you and for each tee time you have booked, your clean clubs will be ready and waiting. You can also get your golf shoes cleaned after each round. It makes you play better golf, wearing clean shoes. From the moment you arrive, you are treated like a VIP.