Kimberley Golf Club: a Diamond in the Rough

In Kimberley, there’s the Big Hole and then there’s the equally famous 18 holes found at Kimberley Golf Club, both of which are steeped in history. The second-oldest golf club in South Africa, Kimberley Golf Club has a few stories to tell, with golfing legends celebrating some of the most significant moments in South African golf history on these Kimberley greens.

The host of the National Amateur Championship in 1892, the Kimberley Golf Club has played a significant role in the development of the sport in South Africa. Described as a “Jekyll and Hyde course” due to its brilliant shade of green in summer and its white, frosted look during winter, Kimberley Golf Club is a must-do for avid golfers. A player-friendly, par 72 parklands course, Kimberley Golf Club’s current layout was designed by the legendary Bob Grimsdell, who has dozens of course designs under his belt. Home to the South African Open in 1913 and the first South African Non-European Open Championship in 1949; Kimberley Golf Club is an essential visit for serious golfers with a keen interest in the history of the sport.

Open from Tuesday to Sunday (07h30 to 17h00), visitors are always welcome. With the Flamingo Casino being conveniently located nearby, Kimberley Golf Club is an essential outdoors escape while visiting Kimberley.

Did you know? Cecil John Rhodes was one of the original members and greatest benefactors of Kimberley Golf Club. Speaking of notable members, Freddie Tait has also enjoyed a few rounds at the Kimberley Golf Club. A Scottish soldier stationed in South Africa during the Anglo-Boer War, Tait unfortunately became one of its many casualties, but not before securing his legendary status in South African golf history. One of Scotland’s most famous golfers, Tait won the British Amateur twice, and twice finished third in the Open Championship. Not to mention the fact that he was the leading amateur in the Open Championship a staggering six times. Due to his momentous golfing achievements, the South African Golf Association (SAGA) created the Freddie Tait Cup in his honour. The cup is awarded annually to the leading amateur after 72 holes in the South African Open Championship.

For more information on the legendary Scottish golfer, the Freddie Tait museum at Kimberley Golf Club is a fascinating visit. The first golfing museum on the continent, the Freddie Tait museum showcases trophies and relics from the humble beginnings of the sport in Kimberley.

With so much to enjoy at Kimberley Golf Club, the only criticism that this legendary club has received is that despite its location in Kimberley, “the holes aren’t any bigger”. A truly authentic South African golf experience, Kimberley Golf Club is over 6km of picturesque golfing pleasure; just ask any of the enthusiastic members who can be found celebrating at the very social 19th hole. Highlights of the course include: the 339-metre par-four 2nd where there are trees behind the green and water ahead of it, with bunkers on both the right and left.

For golfers keen to follow in the footsteps of golfing legends such as Ernie Els, Kimberley Golf Club is the premium golf destination. The Big Easy won his first professional tournament at Kimberley Golf Club in the 1990 Spoornet SA Classic. Who knows, maybe Kimberley Golf Club was Els’s lucky charm? Well there’s only one way to find out… Golfing destinations don’t get better than this diamond in the rough; take a drive down memory lane and come “tee” for yourself.

For more information about Kimberley Golf Club contact: +27-53-841-0179.