History

The Soutpansberg Golf Club is one of the oldest sports clubs in town, with its roots stretching back to the period after World War I. During that period, the Soutpansberg region saw an influx of British settlers and many people came from Britain to live in the Bushveld as part of a settler scheme introduced by the 1820 Settlers Foundation.

In 1951, when this photo was taken, the golf club boasted with 18 holes. From the picture it is clear that the “greens” were a lot less “green” and much smaller than today’s bentgrass creations. (Photo courtesy Transnet Heritage Library)

 

“Bandelierkop, a small settlement to the south of Louis Trichardt, had a significant English population. They were ostensibly into cattle ranching. There was a golf course, and the local people liked playing polo. There was a hotel, and the local shopkeeper shops and the colonial folks liked visiting Louis Trichardt on occasion,” writes Johann Tempelhoff in his book, Townspeople of the Soutpansberg.

According to Tempelhoff’s research, the English-speaking community in Louis Trichardt expanded quickly and so did the sports and other activities that they enjoyed. “In May 1927 the Council had to consider the rules of the Louis Trichardt Golf Club. At one stage the golf course, which today only has nine holes, boasted a fine 18. The club house came only after World War II,” writes Tempelhoff.

A high view of the golf course in 1951

 

Tempelhoff also quotes a former club captain, the late Mr Sydney Schultz, when he talks about the early years. “…there used to be a little thatch hut from which the golfers operated. It was there where they used to have tea and change their clothes. If they wanted to have drinks the golfers had to go to the Hotel Louis downtown.”

And 92 years later …

Today, the Soutpansberg Golf Club can be described as one of the most picturesque golf courses in the country. It might not have the “glitz and glamour” of the designer courses on private estates, but it has an authentic bushveld charm and unbridled natural beauty. The backdrop is the cliffs at Hanglip, which seems to be keeping a watchful eye on the golfers while they make their way up the slopes.

The nine-hole course stretches over 6 254 metres (if you do not deviate into the treacherous outfield) and the par score is 72. It caters for lady golfers as well, with a slightly shorter 5 337 metres. The greens boast bentgrass, while kikuyu fairways cater for the approach shots.

To top off the layout at Soutpansberg Golf Club, facilities are available to cater for the golfer’s every need: A well-stocked bar, delicious meals on the menu, a Pro-Shop and restrooms with showers.

The golf club lures a large number of tourists to the region every year. The highlight on the club’s calendar is the Hanglip 54 tournament. In July every year, this three-day tournament takes place. It celebrated its 26th birthday in 2019. Because of the popularity of the tournament, entries are restricted and visitors book places months in advance.

Achievements

In the past 90 years, the club has produced many provincial and even national champions. Unfortunately, not much of this has been meticulously documented and kept in the club’s archives, making a quick listing of the achievements difficult.

In May to June 1995, local one-armed golfer Rudi Burger participated in the World One-Armed Golf Championships in Forest of Dean in the south of England and won the coveted President's Prize.

In the early 1990s, a young member of the club, Vic Grobler, started making a name for himself in golfing circles. He participated in the pro-circuit from 1990 to 1992, during which time he competed against players such as Ernie Els.

A former junior member of the club, Hendrikus Stoop, currently competes on the professional circuit and is doing reasonably well. The past weekend he shared a 14th place in the R1-million Vodacom Origins of Golf tournament played at the Sishen Golf Club.

Membership

The membership fees for 2019 are R2 300 for men, R910 for women, R360 for juniors and R950 for a country member (100km and further from Louis Trichardt). Social members will have to pay R550. A R360 once-off entry fee is also payable.

2019 Committee Members of Soutpansberg Golf Club:

President: Peter Thompson

Club Captain: Inus Steyn

Vice-captain: Sean Collett

House: Johan Cronje

Ladies Captain: Ruth Christie

Treasurer: Coenie Oosthuizen

Secretary: Ruth Christie

Course: Sean Collet

Member & Marketing: George Mahlaui

For more information, phone Maré van der Merwe at Tel 015 516 0991 or visit http://spbgolfclub.co.za.