Yellow, 6326 metres, CR 73.7/138
White, 5939 metres, CR71.4/137
Blue, 5431 metres, CR68.8/126
Red, 4991 metres, CR66.7/115
Green, 4479 metres, CR64.3/104
Women’s white, CR78.7/154
Women’s blue, CR75.2/140
Women’s red, CR72.1/128
Women’s green, CR69.0/123
Summer (until March 31)
R1 100 affiliated
R1 750 non-affiliated
Golf cart R530
Peter Matkovich 1999/2000
021 880 7300
www.dezalzegolf.com
34 (2023), 37 (2022) & 35 (2021)
De Zalze is one of South Africa’s most scenic golf estates, enjoying a beautiful setting outside Stellenbosch, with mountains as a backdrop. The clubhouse terrace, with fine views over the soft rolling countryside, is a popular spot for golfers and home owners to relax and socialise. The clubhouse has been renovated, with a new restaurant, bar, halfway house and sundowner terrace.
The white-walled homes with their high pitches and gables exude a distinct architectural character. The Blaauwklippen River runs through the property, and there are two magnificent storage dams, one on each nine, which add to the aesthetics of the golf course.
De Zalze was chosen as the venue for the 2006 World Amateur Team Championships in order to showcase what the Cape and South Africa has to offer as a golfing destination.
The Peter Matkovich design is striking in its varying range of holes, tranquil scenery and superb conditioning. The fairways are generously wide, yet the approaches to greens require precise shot-making. Water hazards closely guard three of the par 3s. It has an excellent array of risk-and-reward par 5s, notably the 17th where the river forms a shallow ravine in front of the green. The 14th is a much improved par 5 following recent changes and Table Mountain stands as a distant backdrop. Here, a group of large bunkers in the middle of the fairway offer a choice of options; long hitters can go down the right to have a more direct approach to the green.
De Zalze undertook significant upgrades in 2022 to improve the drainage on the course and renovate and reshape the bunkers. Curb stones and improved turning circles were introduced on cart paths around tees and greens to better manage cart traffic. The landscaping has been transformed with numerous newly planted areas around the course.
63, Garrick Higgo, Jayden Schaper at 2019 SA Strokeplay
George Coetzee shot 61 (31-30) in first round of 2022 Vodacom Origins. It was not a course record as placing was allowed. He had 9 birdies and an eagle 2 at 18. He won with a 21-under total of 195. Runner-up Joe Long (England) had a 62.
The 18th is one of the best short par 4s in the country, both in terms of its unique challenge and attractive looks. The Blaauwklippen River runs through the middle of the hole. The championship tee (308 metres) is positioned high on a hill among the vineyards, and for the bold player only a long confident drive will carry the river to get close to the green on the other side. Most golfers will lay up short of the river on a broad expanse of fairway, but must take care to avoid two ancient and tall oaks close to the river bank which serve as sentinels protecting the green.
De Zalze Lodge overlooks the first fairway, and Winelands Lodge the tenth fairway. Guests enjoy wine tastings at Kleine Zalze, fine dining at Terroir restaurant. The estate has cycling trails.
A fair-sized range with mats adjoins the first tee, plus a short-game area. Practice putting green at clubhouse. Resident teaching pro is Leigh-Jane Middleton, from Bryanston CC. She has an academy behind the clubhouse.
1/ Golfing history was made at De Zalze in 2006 when the South African women’s team won the Espirito Santo Trophy at the 2006 World Team Champs, the only time South Africa has triumphed at this biennial event.
2/ Rory McIlroy played at De Zalze as a 17-year-old member of the Irish team at the 2006 Eisenhower Trophy. He had a 67 in the final round. Female competitors in the 2006 Espirito Santo Trophy included future LPGA legends Yani Tseng, Ryu so-yeon, Jessica Korda and Anna Nordqvist.
3/ Branden Grace, 17, won the 2006 SA Strokeplay at De Zalze on 11-under 277, and Jayden Schaper, 17, the 2019 SA Strokeplay on 269.
4/ The Kleine Zalze wine estate has its wine tasting centre and restaurant adjoining the second tee.
5/ De Zalze was originally Spier CC, developed by the nearby wine farm which is an attraction for visitors.
6/ De Zalze borders Stellenbosch Airport. In 2005 an ex-SAAF Harvard made an emergency landing on the par-five 17th.
World Amateur Team Championship 2006;
SA Amateur 2006; SA Strokeplay 2019
2023 Crismar Engelbrecht & Ineke Brynard
2022 Crismar Engelbrecht & Ineke Brynard
2021 Francois le Roux & Ineke Brynard
2020 Alex Jordan & Shani Brynard
2019 Francois le Roux & Shani Brynard
Conditioning RatingsFacility RatingsThe setting at De Zalze is picturesque. The course meanders through vineyards and olive groves, past lakes and streams, the mountains of the Stellenbosch region providing a breathtaking backdrop. Clever positioning of fairway bunkers ask for thought from the tee. The 13th and 18th serve as reminders that good golf holes do not need to be strong in order to be remembered. Perhaps a few too many par 4s, especially on the front nine, do not need more than a good drive and a wedge. De Zalze has a fantastic set of par 5s, notably the two on the back nine. The first of these, No 14, is laid out beautifully in front of you from the elevated tee box and is a sight to behold. The second, No 17, is a great strategic hole. De Zalze is a fun course which showcases Winelands golf in the most excellent fashion.
De Zalze has the most beautiful setting and clubhouse, great practice facilities and superb greens. It is a successful club always working on improving conditions and service. On Wednesday evenings you will find a packed clubhouse with a great atmosphere, a must to add to your golfing experience.
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