THE COURSE

GOLF AS IT IS meant to be played

Play the course as you find it  |  Play the ball as it lies | 
Play by the rules and in the spirit of the game

Our golf course is a testament to the timeless beauty and heritage of golf. Pietermaritzburg attorney and golf course enthusiast, Guy Smith, drew inspiration from classic designs to create a simple yet visually stunning venue that is loved by traditionalists. Running over undulating terrain with bent-grass greens, the course is reminiscent of the links of Scotland and some of the American courses, such as Pinehurst and Merion.

COURSE DESIGN In building Gowrie Farm, Guy identified the following as important elements in classic design:

  • Tees, which are close to the ground
  • Fairway shapes are dictated by the natural features of the land
  • Push-up greens with interesting run-offs
  • Bunkers which are tucked in close to the greens
  • Fairway bunkers which dictate a player's choice of option from the tee

This has led to an exciting, traditional course that is enjoyable for the average golfer but tough for the low-handicapped golfer to post a good score!

ALL DEVICES-04
Gowrie Farm Lodge & Golf Course Golf
Gowrie Farm Lodge & Golf Course Golf

COURSE GUIDE MAPS & TIPS

INSIDER TIPS FROM COURSE DESIGNER GUY SMITH

Our 18 hole golf course presents a distinctive and rewarding challenge, and is possibly very different from those that you normally play. Course architect, Guy Smith, has shared valuable tips on how to make the most of this exceptional layout.

01.

Don't obsess over the scorecard

The first bit of advice is don't obsess over the score. Play against friends, not the scorecard. A good way to do this is to play matchplay. You will then remember the good shots and not dwell on the blowouts.

02.

Get to know the course

Don't be intimidated by not always knowing where to hit your drive. Like first meeting your partner or friend, you've got to get to know them, same applies to many of the holes at Gowrie Farm. The more you play, the more you'll learn and the more fun it'll be.

03.

Embrace new shot strategies

Don't play like you do at most courses. Instead of automatically taking your 60-degree wedge for the short shots, try something different: a putter from 50m, or bump and run it up the slopes with a 7 or 8 iron. For the shot into the green, look carefully into the distances, as the correct shot may be to the front of the green rather than aiming at the flag.

04.

Enjoy every shot!

Enjoy every shot! It's more fun than just dragging your 60-degree wedge around the green or throwing your irons close to the pins.

05.

Soak up the scenery

Take in your surroundings. Watch the crowned cranes fly overhead, enjoy the cattle strolling slowly by, listen to the birds and look out for the reedbuck. Enjoy the simplicity of the course, the way the fairways hug the natural contours, and the way the slopes on the green follow the land. Savour it all because it’s part of the game.

GOLF AT GOWRIE FARM

When you play at Gowrie Farm, you become part of a timeless tradition, with each shot a testament to the enduring spirit of golf. Here, the game is pure, demanding, and authentic.