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Name: Wild Coast
Type of Club: Estate/Resort
Golf Digest Ranking: 23
Sport & Safaris Rating: Platinum
Location: Eastern Cape
Region: (Natal) South Coast
Sub Region: Port Edward
The Course:
Type of Course: Links/Ocean
Designer: Robert Trent Jones
No of Holes: 18
Clubhouse and other Facilities:
Although Wild Coast is technically in the Eastern Cape it is widely regarded as being part of the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal which is known as the Golf Coast. This is due to the abundance of fine courses in this short strip of coastline, such as Southbroom, San Lameer, Umdoni Park and Selborne. The course itself which is ranked 6th in the country by Golf Digest is situated in a holiday resort that offers many and varied activities – from the casino to a variety of water sports, horse riding along the wild coastline, an action packed kiddies programme at Kamp Kwela (in season only) and a craft market and entertainment village in addition to this there are the normal country club facilities such tennis, squash and bowls .There are many quaint coastal villages just a short scenic drive from the Resort. As well as the many beautiful beaches in the area, there are also the Vernon Crookes and Oribi Gorge Nature Reserves.
The Course:
Often regarded as one of South Africa’s top courses and the only course in South Africa designed by the acclaimed architect Robert Trent Jones, Wild Coast is a spectacular course that has been built on the rugged and hilly landscape between the Umtamvuna and Mzamba rivers (although the Mzamba river doesn’t come into play). This setting not only provides spectacular views of the Indian Ocean but gives the course full exposure to the strong winds that come off the sea. The wind together with thick natural bush, well positioned bunkers, undulating fairways, severe and subtle changes in elevation and the lagoon and river that come in to play make Wild Coast a course that requires a full range of shots, although it is fair and rewarding to both the improving Golfer and low handicapper. A Unique Feature of Wild Coast is its 6 Par 3’s which don’t deter from the challenge but rather add to the value of a truly fantastic Golfing experience. The beautifully laid out holes meander up and around the craggy hillsides and you will have to criss-cross a deep gorge formed over the centuries by the Umtamvuna River. As you play the 12th and 13th holes for the first time, It’s guaranteed that the excitement of both the visual and the challenging aspects of these superb holes will leave you gob smacked. Wild Coast has many holes that could be regarded as signature holes, however, no. 6 a short par 3 measuring just 156 metres from a very well elevated tee is both challenging and visually beautiful. The green is well below and on the left dense bush guards the target. Bunkers both left and right add to the hazards to the avoided to reach a sloping green. This is a really challenging hole- even on a windless day. The 16th hole is a short par 5 measuring 460m,three dams are in view from the tee. A long hitter can carry the first dam or aim right for safety. The shorter hitters will lay up right of the second dam and will be aiming to a green that has the third dam nestling to the right of it. The target is wide and slopes back towards the water. This is the last of the six par 3’s. the tee shot is over a ravine with wild bananas and lush vegetation to add to the visual aspects. The green slopes from the middle right and left and a bunker left awaits the pulled shot. Staying right is the safe approach shot.
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