|
|
|
Background to the
course
Architect:
Jack Nicklaus designed the course which opened in 2003
at a cost of $60 million. Pearl Valley is one of the
few he has given to it his signature - a mark of the
highest quality which means he oversaw the entire project.
Type: Parkland
Landscape:
Surrounded by the stunning Cape vineyards, Pearl Valley
offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in South
Africa. Its design has been thoughtfully realised so
that the course blends into its environment. Like other
premier golf estates, there are manicured stylish residential
areas (though fewer than most), and secure access points
and boundaries. Nicklaus's 'Signature' golf course has
set the superior tone for the entire estate. In fact
everything about Pearl Valley is of 'Signature' standard. |
|
Course facts:
- - Paarl is Afrikaans for pearl, so called because
when it rained an area of the mountain would glisten,
like a pearl.
- - Pearl Valley was conceived in 1997 but remained
on Nicklaus's drawing board during a period when a number
of new golf courses made an appearance on the South
African landscape. The interval between planning and
execution enabled "The Golden Bear", together
with the local professional team, to monitor these developments,
take note of international trends, and refine the original
master plan in subtle yet significant ways.
- Its most famous resident is Francois Pienaar, a 6
handicap golfer, who was captain of South Africa's World
Cup-winning rugby team. The rugby trophy was handed
to him by newly elected President Nelson Mandela in
1995.
- - The course was christened by a match play event
between designer Jack Nicklaus and former sparring partner
Gary Player. Observers watched the match in awe, as
the two senior players competed as eagerly then as they
had always done. Nicklaus, trailing by three holes going
into the back nine, decided to focus. He managed to
pull it back and the match finished all square.
Playing the
course
Pearl Valley is a design masterpiece. For example,
all the par 5s and par 3s are played in different directions,
so no advantage will be gained by prevailing wind directions.
Although there are many bunkers on the fairways and
surrounding the beautifully manicured greens, as with
most Nicklaus designs, these are generally big and shallow
but not overly daunting, with an emphasis on hazard
rather than penalty. There are nine cleverly designed
lakes, like on the 4th (par 5) where you have to cross
the same water three times to reach the green.
Temperatures in the Western Cape region are pleasant
as there is invariably a sea breeze. With a tempting
and well stocked refreshment hut half way round, and
some shady trees on the course, it is not as tiring
to play as some other courses in South Africa. |
|
Score card
Address:
Pearl Valley Golf Estate and Spa, Franschhoek, Western
Cape, South Africa
Website:
www.pearlvalley.co.za
Phone Number:
0027 21 867 0761 Fax: 0027 21 867 0769
Course and length:
One 18 hole course, 6085 meters, Par 72
Dress code:
Smart/casual golfing attire. No trainers or above the
knee shorts.
Tee times:
In 10 minute slots from dawn to dusk.
Handicap:
No certificate required.
Green fees:
R300 ($50) for 9 holes, R500 ($85) for 18 holes.
Other costs:
R180 ($31) for a golf cart (no caddies allow). Club
hire R200 ($34) per set. Driving range balls are R15
($2.50) for a basket of 55 balls.
Facilities:
When the club house construction is completed in spring
2006 it will have a spa and swimming pool.
Location:
A five minutes drive from the towns of Franschhoek and
Paarl. Take Exit 59 off the N1, just south of Paarl,
which is very close to Cape Town Airport. |
