Golf on the Vaal River

Emfuleni Country Club

Riviera on Vaal Hotel & Country Club

Emfuleni Golf Estate

Vaal de Gráce Golf Estate

Maccauvlei Golf Club

Heron Banks Golf & River Estate

Parys Golf & Country Estate

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Less than an hour’s drive from Johannesburg, lies a stretch of road, 55 kilometers long, joining Parys and Vereeniging. Along this section and on the banks of the Vaal River lie six magnificent golf courses, all offering something different and all very affordable. This is the perfect golfing getaway for stressed Gauteng residents in need of a break!

Parys (named after Paris, France, due to the similarity between the Vaal River and the River Seine, which flows through Paris) is home to Vaal de Grace Golf Estate and Parys Golf & Country Estate which lie on the banks of the Vaal River here.

Further up the river, in the town of Vanderbijlpark, lies the Emfuleni Golf Estate, across the river from which is Heron Banks Golf & River Estate. 15 kilometers along in the town of Vereeniging lies the Riviera on Vaal Hotel & Country Club, on the northern side of the river and Maccauvlei Golf Club on the southern side.

Superb golf courses, excellent accommodation, fine restaurants, interesting shops and activities such as white-water rafting, mountain biking, hiking, fishing etc combine for all.

2 to make this the ideal destination www.sagolftrader.co.za

Vaal de Grace Golf Estate 083 653 8012 Parys Golf & Country Estate 056 818 1567 Emfuleni Golf Estate 016 932 3370 Heron Banks Golf & River Estate 078 052 4083 Riviera on Vaal Hotel & Country Club 016 430 1386 Maccauvlei Golf Club 016 422 1263

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Stay & Play Packages Mid week (Mon to Fri): - R1,450 /Golfer/ night

Weekend (Sat & Sun) - R1,450 /Golfer/ night

Accommodation and breakfast at the Emerald Casino, R100 casino play voucher, play 18 holes at the Emfuleni Golf Course, one person one cart, also receive a R100 dinner voucher at the Iron Restaurant.

Accommodation and breakfast at the Emerald Casino, R100 casino play voucher, play 18 holes at the Emfuleni Golf Course, one person one cart, also receive a R50 dinner voucher at the Iron Restaurant.

Tour de Vaal - Packages Golf Tour Itinerary

Friday: Play Emfuleni golf course, Bed and Breakfast at The Emerald Resort and Casino. R100 dinner voucher at The Iron Restaurant.

Saturday: Play Maccauvlei golf course, Bed and Breakfast at The Emerald Resort and Casino.R100 dinner voucher at The Iron Restaurant.

Sunday: Play Heron Banks golf course.

Single Occupancy: R3250 for the tour (Golf carts included) ~ Double Occupancy: 2500 for the tour (Golf carts included)

Includes a R100 free-play per booking at the Emerald Casino

Contact Surina at Emfuleni to assist with bookings: 016 - 932 1809 (office hours) or email at ecc@emfulenigolfestate.com Website: https://www.emfulenigolfestate.com/golf-course/

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THE REBIRTH OF EMFULENI

Established over 50 years ago Emfuleni Country Club has always been an attractive getaway option, only 45 minutes from Johannesburg and situated on the banks of the Vaal River, it makes for the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Unfortunately, the golf course fell into disreair some time ago due to mismanagement amongst other things and golfers were hesitant to visit. After our recent visit, we are thrilled to tell you that those days are long gone and that the golf course has indeed experienced a “rebirth”.

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“After our recent visit, we are thrilled to tell you that the golf course has indeed experienced a ‘rebirth’” Since being taken over by the homeowners in May 2017 the course has steadily been restored to its former glory.

Now boasting superb practice facilities, a well-appointed pro-shop and a world class restaurant (The IRON), Emfuleni Country Club can truly be proud of what they have achieved.

“Since being taken over by the homeowners in May 2017 the course has steadily been restored to its former glory” The Estate has 24-hour security and

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COUNTRY CLUB infrastructure includes boomed access control, perimeter control, security cameras and electric fencing. Guards are permanently on site.

A modern shopping centre, Riverside Boulevard, a Virgin Active gym and Day Spa are within walking distance of the Estate. Schools, churches and all the necessary amenities are within a 5-kilometer radius of the Estate.

The Emerald Hotel and Casino is a mere 2-kilometers away.

Emfuleni is really one for the bucket list of all golfers.

CONTACT DETAILS Pro-shop: 016 932 3370 / proshop@emfulenigolfestate.com IRON Restaurant: 063 950 8882 / 082 720 9217 / bookings@theironrestaurant.co.za

Contact Emfuleni Country club for Play and Stay specials. Visit the website https://www.emfulenigolfestate.com/golf-course/ for memberships and playing prices.

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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E - G O L F O N T H E VA A L R I V E R

Emfuleni Golf Course Halfway Dishes

Recipe

Courtesy of

William Carolissen Execu ve Chef

Salami bague e

Ingredients: Baguette Sliced Salami Sliced Gouda Cheese Chopped red onions Some Dill pickles Cos lettuce Mustard Mayo

Method: Buttered baguette with lettuce on both sides.

Place thin sliced salami, gouda cheese, dill pickles and red onions in the baguette Top with the mustard mayonnaise Serve

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The Riviera on Vaal Hotel and Country Club, situated in Vereeniging on the Banks of the scenic Vaal River, only an hours drive from Johannesburg.

The Country Club offers an exciting Par 72 - 18 Hole Golf Course as well as a fun 9 Hole – Par3 Pitch & Putt Course.

The Hotel offers a variety of activities for the whole family, including a Spa, River Cruises, Park Run and Mountain Bike Route, luxury accommodation and delicious food.

Visit our website for memberships fees and specials: www.rovresort.co.za Contact details: Riviera on Vaal Hotel and Country Club Reservations: 016 100 5027 Pro Shop: 016 430 1386 E-mail: gnc@rovresort.co.za

Website: www.rovresort.co.za

Riviera on Vaal – The Grand Dame of the Vaal Along with a world-class hotel, incredible facilities and exceptional service, Riviera on Vaal boasts an impressive 18-hole, 72 par golf course lining the renowned Vaal River. The Golf Course has really come into its own and attracted a variety of international tournaments, including the 2021 and 2022 Windhoek International Pairs, for Men & Women, as well as the IGT Tour and a Pro-Am Tournament, as well as a variety of top class Corporate Golf Days.

unforgettable golfing experience that embeds itself in guests’ memories.

In addition to the golf course, further activities include a squash and tennis court, a 9-hole pitch-and-putt course and a historic clubhouse designed by the legendary Sir Herbert Baker.

If Golfers would like to bring their families along, the hotel has something to appeal to everyone from River Cruises on the Vaal River, a Spa with an amazing variety of treatments, a 5 km fun walk and Park Run, and a Mountain bike trail, with Bicycles that can be rented from the Club.

It is definitely the place to be on week-ends, as there is always an excellent vibe and golfers can relax after a game of golf under the trees, listening to live music on Saturdays.

With breath-taking views of the river landscape from both the course and the clubhouse, it is a truly

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Additional services offered include practice facilities and golf lessons, a fully stocked golf shop (in case you’ve forgotten the balls again), caddies and golf carts to make navigating the course that much easier, and incredible night time golfing experiences on the Pitch & Putt Course.

Take a relaxed drive to the Vaal and experience the magnificence of the Riviera on Vaal golf course, the views are astounding, the service is superior, accommodation is readily available, and the facilities will leave you completely satisfied.

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Accommodation | Teambuilding | Inflatables| Paintball | River Rafting | and so much more.

Looking for a getaway with the boys? An ou ng to the golfing greens of Parys, a bachelors for a friend about to lose his freedom, a teambuilding weekend for the employees or just a weekend filled with ac vi es, good food and fun?

Then contact Rocky Ridge today for your custom-made package. We offer a variety of accommoda on op ons, ac vi es and meals. We are situated 7 km from Parys in the heart of the Vredefort Dome World Heritage site. Book a boose cruise through the dome to the Imperial inn for a unique expierince with friends.The beau ful Vaal river flows through the resort and is perfect for fishing, tubing, water polo and river ra�ing. There is also an off-road track for motorbikes and four-weelers.

The resort is also known for family weekends, as a party and wedding venue, school, sport and church groups and day visits.

Visit our Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/rockyridgeparysacc/

Call us: 081 821 6910 or Email: rockyridge@live.co.za 8

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One of the most famous holes on the course is the par-4 17th, with its giant bunker sloping up from the fairway towards the green, and in its day reputed to be the largest in the world.

Maccauvlei became known as the only “Inland Links” golf course in the world, and was referred to as the “queen of inland links”. Although the front nine has several memorable holes, it is the closing holes on the back nine which are its piece de resistance.

It has been said that the six-hole stretch from 13 onwards is as good and as lovely as anything that this golf-rich land of ours can offer (Phillip Galgut, Compleat Golfer Nov 1997).

Maccauvlei Golf Club ~ Old Sasolburg Road, Vereeniging 1930, S.A. Tel.: +27 16 421 3196 or info@maccauvleigolfclub.co.za www.maccauvleigolfclub.co.za March | April 2022

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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E - G O L F O N T H E VA A L R I V E R

Situated just 45 minutes from Johannesburg, Heron Banks River and Golf Estate invites you to discover the freedom of 3km river frontage on the Free State bank of the Vaal River. Surrounded by beautiful natural parklands, Heron Banks offers an exclusive safe haven for corporate executives, young families or retired couples alike.

Enjoy an outdoor lifestyle at its best, with top facilities that include an 18-hole Danie Obermeyer – designed golf course, boating centre, walking trails, spectacular views and so much more.

Our Danie Obermeyer designed 18 hole golf course runs seamlessly throughout the estate and along the Vaal River, boasting amazing views, wildlife and brilliant golfing.

+27 78 052 4083 | proshop@heronbanksgolfcourse.co.za | admin@heronbanksgolfcourse.co.za www.heronbanksgolfcourse.co.za

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Heron Banks Golf & River Estate A relatively new course on the Vaal River, Heron Banks Golf & River Estate, has already accumulated a large membership in an area of the Vaal Triangle where the competition is stiff.

Emfuleni, Riviera on Vaal and Maccauvlei are all nearby.

Heron Banks opened as a 9-holer in 2014 and a second nine has since been completed by the course owners and developers, father and son, Gary and Robbie Lance. Robbie not only runs the golf club, he is also responsible for the course maintenance.

anti-clockwise flow optimising wind and weather conditions placing a premium on a variety of shot values for the course.

The unique bunkering style of the designer was incorporated into the course to optimise course management and a variety of options when playing the golf course.

Being perched on the Vaal River means that that the soothing sound of naturally flowing water is always in earshot. The river life brings nature to your doorstep while walking paths lead you to exploring the estate. Meander around in search of rarely spotted bird species or enjoy the sight of springbok and impalas grazing.

All of this and only an hour’s drive south of Johannesburg!

A clubhouse has been built, there’s an excellent range, a fleet of golf carts, and some attractive membership options are available.

A Danie Obermeyer design, the inward nine holes as well as the outward nine were designed so that the flow of the holes displayed a typical clockwise and

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LUXURY in open SPACE

Self-Catering | Parys Golf Estate | 082 822 8666 | www.monethouse.co.za ** Quote SAGT1/4 for bookings!

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PARYS GOLF AND COUNTRY ESTATE

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Price (For the house as a unit) * Weekdays: R2250 per night * Weekends rates: R3500 per night, minimum 2 night stay * December Rates: R2900 per night

The Vaal River The Vaal River is divided into three areas: the Upper Vaal, Middle Vaal and the Lower Vaal.

where you’ll encounter insane rapids created by the hundreds of islands throughout the river.

If you’re looking for fun with a luxurious spin, you’re probably the Upper Vaal type. Situated between Vereeniging and Vanderbijlpark, expensive real estate and fancy guesthouses line the banks. Come here year-round to enjoy everything from fly fishing to speed boats, slow cruises to fine dining.

The Middle Vaal is mainly used for agricultural purposes and spans most of Free State, while the Lower Vaal is found between the Bloemhof Dam and the confluence of the Vaal and Orange rivers.

For adrenaline junkies looking for the biggest – and trickiest – rapids, head to the area between Parys and Christiana, 14

To find its source, head to Klipkapstel in Mpumalanga. From there the Vaal flows all the way to Douglas in the Northern Cape, where it meets the mighty Orange River and flows west into the Atlantic Ocean at Alexander Bay.

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info@stoneza.co.za

Easter Special Only available for easter weekend Easter Special for only R700 pp This includes: Dinner,Bed and Breakfast March | April 2022

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Vaal de Gráce Golf Estate is open & welcomes all visitors back!

Bad news travels fast and that was the case when the announcement came just after the initial lockdown in early 2020 that Vaal de Grace Golf Estate were closing their doors. The rumour mill went into overdrive, and it was doom and gloom all round.

African designed golf course is something unique, something that fits no other niche than its own; a friendly course layout providing an enjoyable round for amateurs, yet still challenging enough for the professional golfer.

In reality they did close, but it was a temporary measure whilst the homeowner’s association took over ownership and they were open again as early as October of 2020.

“Nick Price’s first South African designed golf course is something unique, something that fits no other niche than its own”

The golf course did take a slight knock in the months that they were closed but it has recovered quickly and when we were there in February the course looked beautiful. They have a passionate team on board and their enthusiasm is infectious, which is easy to understand once you have seen the golf course and stayed over for a few nights.

“In reality they did close, but it was a temporary measure whilst the homeowner’s association took over ownership and they were open again as early as October of 2020” For those of you who have not played Vaal de Grace yet, it is situated on a 110-hectare island just outside the town of Parys and enveloped by the tranquil waters of the mighty Vaal River. Nick Price’s first South

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An intense peace envelops your soul when you hear the sound of the Fish Eagle echoing or notice the impala’s grazing just a couple of metres away from you as you approach your next shot towards the green. Add to this the fact that the Free State / North West border runs through the middle of the island, giving the golfer an opportunity to brag about how he managed to hit his ball from the Free State right into the North West.

Accommodation is available on the Estate and this is the perfect destination for memorable weekend breakaways, midweek play and stays, golf days and conferences.

Contact details Pro-shop: 083 653 8012 / proshop@vaaldegracehoa.co.za

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Find rest for your soul in one of our charming rooms.

Each room has its own en-suite bathroom and is serviced with a fully equipped communal kitchen.

Fenced estate with Zebra, Wildebeest, Impala etc.

Luscious green grass, large trees and braai facilities.

At KayanZee We Cherish Friends & Family!

We understand the importance of maintaining a relaxed atmosphere when you and your loved ones want to break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

For this reason, we take extra care not book the various rooms out to different groups of people over a weekend.

Our minimum booking is for 6 guests and /or 3 rooms and a minimum of 2 nights over a weekend and 3 nights over a long weekend. This means that you and your group will have complete privacy and you can enjoy your relaxation time, without outside interferences.

082 877 0834

zee@kayanzee.co.za

www.kayanzee.co.za

Schoemansdrift-road, Jumanji 15, Parys, Freestate 18

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0836306650 richardwalsh70@hotmail.com

https://book.nightsbridge.com/24716

www.397vaaldegrace.co.za

397 AND 398 VAAL DE GRACE

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION The villas are located on the north-facing bank of the Vaal River, and can each accommodate up to six guests. The villas each comprise three en-suite bedrooms, a well equipped kitchen, comfortable lounge and dining area, and an undercover patio with outdoor furniture and braai facilities. River access for fishing is available via gabion steps and two kayaks are provided for canoeing on the river.

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BRIDGESTONE’S NEW TOUR B PACKS INPUT OF TIGER WOODS AND BRYSON DECHAMBEAU INTO IMPRESSIVE NEW GOLF BALL MODELS Leaders in ‘Contact Science’ unveil REACTIV IQ® Cover Technology Bridgestone Golf, the #1 Ball-Fitter in Golf, have introduced its next-level 2022 TOUR B golf ball series, featuring the most advanced iteration of Contact Science to date. Designed to deliver unparalleled distance and greenside control, the new TOUR B golf balls feature the new REACTIV iQ® cover. The 2022 TOUR B family comes in 4 distinct models, TOUR B RX and TOUR B RXS (for swings under 105 mph), and TOUR B X and TOUR B XS (for swings over 105 mph).

The new REACTIV iQ cover utilizes impact modifiers and builds on a technology under development for years, which was inspired by Bridgestone staffer Tiger Woods. REACTIV iQ is a smart cover technology that reacts to the force of impact for the needs of each club and shot, solving the trade-off of spin vs. distance. Off the tee it rebounds quickly, delivering explosive velocity and increased distance. Around the green the ball stays on the face longer providing more spin and soft feel. Optimizing the formula of REACTIV iQ, the impact modifier recipe has been maximized for each ball to deliver customized performance for all four TOUR B’s.

“When you combine 900 polymers engineers and layer in feedback from Tiger and Bryson, it’s a recipe for innovation,” said Elliot Mellow, Bridgestone’s Golf Ball Marketing Manager.

“These guys are hands on with R&D which really helps push our designs to the next level. Our R&D focus the last few years has been the study of contact science, optimizing the moment of impact for the needs of each shot. With REACTIV iQ, we have made great lengths to do just that.”

20 years, prefers the XS for its feel and control around the greens.

“I have been with Bridgestone a long time,” said Tiger, “But these last few years I have had a more active role in R&D. With the Bridgestone team, we have been able to perfect the recipe for the cover which has yielded REACTIV iQ, which is an amazing engineering feat. For my game, the new TOUR B is more consistently in my window off the tee while also giving me more feel around the green.”

Bryson, who plays the TOUR B X because of its ball speed, challenged Bridgestone’s engineers to push the performance limits once again as they have done so many times before.

“The reason I am with Bridgestone is we share the drive to always innovate and look for ways to improve,” said Bryson. “In fact, I really like being part of their R&D team. Over the last couple years, we have optimized the recipe of impact modifiers in the cover to develop the new REACTIV iQ material. Its constant innovation that is allowing me to increase ball speed off the tee while also increasing control and consistency.”

Of course, REACTIV IQ doesn’t just optimize the performance of models aimed at players with swing speeds over 105 mph, but also maximizes the combination of spin and distance for those at 105 mph or below. For example, Lexi Thompson fits into the TOUR B RX, and Fred Couples will game the new TOUR B RXS. The fact that Bryson, Tiger, Lexi, and Fred, as well as a wide variety of recreational players, can all find a TOUR B model that fits their game validates the depth of Bridgestone’s new lineup.

The input from both Tiger Woods and Bryson DeChambeau contributed to technology that is used on all four TOUR B models. Tiger, who has 20playing a Bridgestone golf ball forwww.sagolftrader.co.za been over

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