De Zalze

The de zalze course, designed by peter matkovich, is set inside the 750-acre spier estate in the shadow of the helderberg mountains, just south of stellenbosch, in the heart of south africa's wine region. The oak-lined blaauwklippen river runs through the property and sometimes comes into play, adding a level of danger to the ring.

The course, which opened in 2001, was part of a larger expansion that included a hotel, visitor center (there are three operating wineries on the property), clubhouse, and outdoor activity center. Thankfully, the estate's accommodation never gets too close to the golfing action, allowing golfers to completely appreciate the beautiful surroundings.

In 2006, de zalze and stellenbosch were proud to co-host the coveted biennial world amateur championships, where the dutch gents won the 25th eisenhower trophy competition and the ladies from the home country won the 22nd espirito santo trophy competition.

The de zalze course is a lovely parkland layout that plays to a par of 72 and has a yardage of just over 7,000 yards from the championship tees. When the short par four 13th is hit, the iconic hole is well worth the wait. A boardwalk leads to three tees in a pool, from where the fairway on the right side of the water must be approached. Big hitters can be inclined to go for the green, but âĢľdo not bite off more than you can chew,âĢĿ as the club's notes for this hole say.