Vaal Meander

Compiled By: Raymond Pienaar

Golfing enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the Vaal River. A more tranquil and beautiful setting is hard to find on the Gauteng highveld and makes for an idyllic golfing adventure.

Previously perceived as a 'steel and smog' belt, the Vaal Meander region, 45 minutes south of Johannesburg, offers many attractions as well as top class golf courses situated along the banks of the Vaal River. Those visiting the golf courses will be pleasantly surprised at the amount of other activities in the area. Whether a day visit, weekend breakaway or lazy days in the sun, avid golfers and even those who are not so keen on golf, will be able to amble their time away seeking out craft attractions, eateries and pubs, not to mention water sports, mini game drives and other outdoor adventure activities specifically catering for children and day visitors.

We took a journey along a section of the Vaal River in the Vaal Meander region to have a look at what's on offer for players of this ancient and timeless game.

Feather your Nest
Maccauvlei Golf Club

On the outskirts of Vereeniging on the Free State side and a mere 40-minute drive from O R Tambo Airport, is the Maccauvlei Golf Club.

Golfing This club, established in 1926 has a history of tradition, which has involved many famous people both in South Africa and abroad. The original architect of Maccauvlei was George Peck with Major S.V. Hotchkin completing the final design and finishing touches. As history shows, no golf course is ever complete and therefore the current architect for the course is Mr. Peter Matkovitch, one of the top course designers in the country.

The historical garden of remembrance for 68 British soldiers killed in the Anglo Boer war is situated on the course. Players arriving at Maccauvlei are introduced to a country setting, with the old traditional club house offering first class halfway house, bar and change room facilities.

Players register at the Pro Shop which is fully equipped with the latest golfing attire and a resident professional is available for tuition and advice. There is also a driving range at the course and practice balls are available from the Pro Shop. Caddies and golf carts can also be reserved.

Accommodation for the visitor is found adjacent to the club, within walking distance, and offers various seminar facilities as well.

The course is well known for it's relaxed approach to golf and the club encourages players to enjoy their game in a peaceful and natural setting of trees and wild life including a wide variety of birds.

The course offers a challenge to all golfers with it's famous bunkers, 4 Par 3's, 10 Par 4's and 4 Par 5's. The total length of the course is 6,820 meters.

Maccauvlei has hosted four SA Open Championships and has always been highly rated by golf assessors and is considered one of the very best courses in South Africa and presently the best in Gauteng. According to the latest Golf Digest, Maccauvlei offers the most value to the cost per round.

The strength of the club is not only vested primarily in the enthusiasm, attitude and support of its members, but also, in the goodwill and interest of our visiting fellow golfers.

Should you be serious about golf, Maccauvlei is not an experience to be missed!

For more info and reservations contact:
Tel: 016 421 3196 (club),
016 422 1263 (Pro shop), Fax: 016 422 1251 or
E Mail: maccauvlei@lantic.net

Coming of age… 69 years old and still growing
The Riviera Country Club

The Country Club, worldwide, an expression synonymous with a restful place of beauty and exclusivity. Gain membership to this elite circle and you have “made it”, or so Hollywood would have you believe.

The reality is true in part. Natural beauty and tranquility form the basis of these places world wide. Exclusivity is entrenched at many clubs, but occasionally one finds really special natural beauty combined with superb 5 star service AND friendly, down to earth people who welcome you, no matter what your background. The Riviera on Vaal Country Club is such a place.

Golfing Opened in 1938, the Vereeniging Country Club came into being when wealthy businessman, Mr Marx, offered the tract of land along the banks of the Vaal, as far as the mouth of the Klip river, to the Vereeniging town council with the stated intention of opening a golf course. His offer was enthusiastically accepted and the Vereenigning Country Club was formed. There were more than 100 members at the outset and the course was officially opened on 5 March 1938 after English designer, Hugh Alison had worked his magic.

Legendary golfer, Bobby Locke, was closely linked with the club for many years and it is widely know that the signature par 3 14th hole, which plays over the Klip River to an elevated green with the Vaal River just behind, waiting to catch out the long hitters, was part of his personal “dream 18 holes” worldwide! Locke was a regular at the club and after his Major success in England and America, he invited American Sam Sneede to South Africa for a series of exhibition matches, culminating in their game at V.C.C and drawing crowds that would put the “Million Dollar” to shame (and that in the early 1950's!).

The club has always been hugely popular. Situated in spectacular surroundings alongside the iconic Riviera Hotel and featuring the breathtakingly beautiful Sir Herbert Baker designed Clubhouse, people have always been drawn here.

In the past 2 years, a huge amount of time, effort and money has been ploughed into what is now known as The Riviera on Vaal Hotel and Country Club including new irrigation, soil rejuvenation programmes, machinery, pathways and other infrastructure.

Membership has doubled due to the winning combination of excellence on the course, friendly 5 star service, arguably the best pro shop in South Africa, outstanding value for money and staff and members who make you feel at home from the moment you arrive. Consensus is unanimous that the golf course has never been as good as it is today and things continue to improve.

Visit this spectacular course and its illustrious neighbour and discover what all the fuss is really about!

For more info contact: Tel: (016) 420 1300

A Birds Eye View
Emfuleni Golf and Country Club

Just 45 minutes from Johannesburg, Emfuleni Golf and Country Club is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life offering the ultimate golfing experience. Renowned for it's immaculate greens, pristine surrounds and bright sunny days all year round.

Golfing The course was established over 50 years ago as a classic parkland course. Originally designed by Bob Grimsdell, it was a testing course set in scenic surroundings. Today the old course forms the basis of a completely revamped Emfuleni.

In 2002 a decision was taken to design and build an estate around the course. The subsequent course upgrade ensured that the playability would not be compromised by the estate, but rather enhanced, thereby separating the course from the houses using the trees that have always been a feature at Emfuleni.

At 6615 meters, Emfuleni Golf Course tests both length and accuracy. Seven of the holes bring water into play, and there is reward for the golfer who is prepared to take a risk. The course, which has been enjoyed by the likes of Nick Price, offers a five star golfing experience in classic parkland surrounds.

Changes to the course were implemented by Michael Barkett in association with Golf Data. Although they followed along the theme of Bob Grimsell's original design, in order to revamp it into an 18 hole championship course, six new holes and 12 new greens which meet USGA specifications, were added. Of the new holes, the three that start the back nine are particularly memorable, being both challenging and picturesque.

The halfway house offers light meals and refreshments. There is also a bar, pro shop, lounge as well as a lodge with a coffee bar.

Emfuleni Golf and Country Club also offers conference and banqueting facilities, which cater to specific requirements for functions up to 120 people. Recreational facilities include a bowling club. boating, picnic and braai areas on the river, tennis courts, pleasant walking trails, and a day spa and beauty salon. The Vaal River can be accessed via jetties and slipways along the Emfuleni Estate's private river frontage. Consistent water levels make fishing and boating year round sports to be enjoyed.

For more info and reservations contact:

Tel: (016) 932 1161,
E Mail: emfulenicc@absamail.co.za

The Jewel of Northern Freestate
Parys Golf & Country Estate

In an almost forgotten piece of real estate, once frequented by travellers on the old road to quaint Free State towns en route to Cape Town, lies the Parys Golf and Country Estate.

The Vaal River, unrelenting in it's quest for the ocean, roars forward over rocks and down weirs into intermittent lakes of calm water which spread out lavishly, beckoning the diverse fauna and flora to flourish. This is Parys, jewel of the Northern Freestate, a town steeped in history where life has it's own pace, and tomorrow always brings another glorious day, a town with it's very own natural waterfront.

Parys Golf and Country Estate is a unique, secure and exclusive river front residential golf estate, set in one of the most awesome natural bushveld-type environments one could wish for. At 1200m above sea level, the climate is typically highveld, lending itself to wonderful outdoor living. Ideal as a holiday home, and superb for investors who would choose to make this their permanent home.

The 18 hole golf course winds it's way unobtrusively through the estate and across the river. With spectacular views and challenging design, the golf course offers not only an experience to all golfers, but a pleasurable visual vista. Redesigned by renowned golfer Cobie Le Grange and assisted by the very experienced Douw van der Merwe, the golf course will be a major attraction to residents and visitors alike. A magnificent clubhouse and driving range compliment the golf course.

The estate is lined with green belts and cycling/jogging/hiking routes, in keeping with the country style of living, while allowing individual lifestyle preferences. Enjoy fly-fishing, bird watching or take a leisurely stroll around the grounds, taking in the natural beauty of the surrounds. For the more energetic, try white water rafting, windsurfing, water skiing, mountain biking, tennis or squash to escape city life and the accompanying stress.

For more info contact: Tel: (016) 424 1121

The Price of Paradise
Vaal de Gráce Golf Estate

Imagine a full championship golf course designed by Nick Price, now imagine it on an island – in South Africa.

Only 125km from Johannesburg and 2km from Parys in the Free State, on a 110ha island in the mighty Vaal River, lies a lifestyle property investment opportunity that is a peaceful and exclusive retreat from urban stresses.

As a privileged owner you can indulge in Nick Price's world class golf course design experience in a pristine environment. This is Vaal de Gráce.

Golfing The estate – carefully designed to incorporate and retain the natural features of the island – boasts prime river frontage and golf course view sites. Abounding in bushveld allure and exceptional South African charm, this is an awesome contrast to city life – a tranquil, therapeutic escape to nature and luxury in harmony with each other. You have the option of building your own home or investing in the attractive fractional ownership opportunity, from only R260 000 for 4 weeks per annum in a luxurious family home. Vaal de Gráce offers golfers a round of golf played over two provinces. 14 holes are in the North West and 4 holes in the Free State – course design extraordinaire!

The 14th hole of the Nick Price Signature Golf Course at the Vaal de Gráce Golf Estate, will be one of the most beautiful holes in South Africa. “Ever since I first visited Vaal de Gráce Golf Estate, I believed that the 14th hole, where the two streams of the Vaal River rejoin, would be special,” says three-times major winner Price. “The more I visit this unique piece of property, the more I see a stunningly beautiful hole developing at the 14th.”

Price says playing towards the north-western tip of the island will be as challenging as it will be exciting. “The course will be fun for the weekend golfer as well as the championship contender. What makes it so special is that golfers will play seven of the holes right next to the water.”

He continues, “Each of these holes will be different with it's own beauty and uniqueness. The last five holes of the course, from where players tee off at the14th, will be completed along side the river. Chris Dreyer gave up prime residential sites for us to create something really very special. I intend producing a course that will attract the same regular players over and over again”.

The upgrading of the road from the Johannesburg-Bloemfontein highway will make it even more convenient for day visitors to reach Vaal de Gráce. “It has taken a long while for me to start my first project in South Africa and I couldn't have hoped for a better one than this,” says Nick.

For more info or an invitation to a buyer presentation evening, contact: Theo Biehler on 082 552 9279 or e-mail info@vaaldegrace.co.za or visit www.vaaldegrace.co.za

OTHER COURSES IN THE VAAL
Sun Valley Mashie Golf Course - (011) 903 8503
Meyerton Golf Club - (016) 362 0809