15

Humewood

Port Elizabeth - Eastern Cape

Played this course? Review it now
Find a Course
Search by name, province or ranking
General manager: Brendon Timm (AA PGA Pro)
Golf manager: Dylan Reid
Greenkeeper: Stephen Doeks
Club captain: Hugo Maritz
President: Karl du Preez
CRITERIA SUMMARY: Total points 78.3 out of 100
Conditioning14.6 / 20
Playability15.8 / 20
Aesthetics11.8 / 15
Design Variety12.1 / 15
Shot Values11.5 / 15
Memorability12.5 / 15

Course Summary

Four tees / Par 72

Yellow 6342 metres, CR73,7/127
White 6077 metres, CR72.3/127
Blue 5739 metres, CR70.8/119
Red 5303 metres, CR68.5/110
Women’s blue, CR77.0/130
Women’s red, CR74.0/125

Visitor green fee

R490 affiliated
R750 non-affiliated
Golf cart R380, caddie R270

Course designer

Colonel S V Hotchkin 1929

Contact

041 583 3011
www.humewoodgolf.co.za

Previous ranking

9 (2023), 7 (2022) & 9 (2021)

One of the world’s recognised “True Links” and the only one in South Africa officially listed, although a strong case could be made for St Francis Links an hour’s drive away being part of that rare collection. 

The beauty of Humewood is that its links status has never been compromised in a country where links golf is underappreciated. Yes, kikuyu grass has encroached on fairways and rough to lessen the running game, yet Humewood today would be instantly recognised by its creator, Englishman Hotchkin, who introduced some profound design ideas at several SA courses on his 1929 visit. 

No residential estate has been permitted at Humewood, so you enter a pristine property which resembles many of the UK links, although it is more spacious and there are two separate loops of nine holes emanating from a central clubhouse, rather than an out-and-back design. 

The wind direction influenced Hotchkin, as did the strength of the gales that blow here. He could have built more holes running parallel to Marine Drive on the Algoa Bay shoreline but spared golfers having to contend with unpleasant crosswinds. 

Humewood was enhanced by a modern restoration of its greens in 2008 by Golf Data. Bent grass was planted for the first time and that was a game-changer for a course which struggled for decades to have consistent putting surfaces. New championship tees were built for the 2006 SA Open, although sadly the Open has not returned. 

Wide fairways are a feature, as is the scarcity of fairway bunkers. Because the wind direction is changeable, Hotchkin built eight unusually long holes, three heading west, three east, and two north-south. Up until the 1970s these were all par 5s, but four have become par 4s.

Read: HUMEWOOD A SURPRISE INCLUSION IN WORLD TOP 100

Additional Course Facts

Course Record

61 by Martin Couvra (France) in first round of 2024 NMB Championship (5 birdies, 3 eagles at 7-15-16)

62 by Daniel Greene in 2010 Vodacom Origins (8 birdies, eagle at 15).

62 by Jaco Prinsloo in 2023 Nelson Mandela Bay Championship (8 birdies, eagle at 17)

Lowest SA Open: 63 by Trevor Immelman in 2006

Feature Holes

The shortest hole, 130-metre sixth, is one of the most fearsome with its narrow elevated green exposed to crosswinds. The long par-4 13th is unique, uphill over a rolling fairway to a green tucked into the protection of a dune. The par-5 17th is straight, but subject to crosswinds. A high ridge crosses the fairway in the driving area, and a burn fronts the green.

Major Tournaments

Five SA Opens: 2006 (Ernie Els), 1957 (Harold Henning), 1952 (Sid Brews), 1940 (Bobby Locke), 1934 (Sid Brews)
Goodyear Classic 1983 to 1992; Southern Cross Shield 2003

The men’s SA Amateur hosted a record 11 times (shared with East London GC), most recently 2017 (Christo Lamprecht); women’s SA Amateur four times.

FAMOUS MEMBERS

Alan Jackson, who died in 2020 aged 92, was a member for 70 years and played in the 1952 SA Open. He won the 1954 SA Amateur at East London and represented SA in the first Commonwealth tournament at St Andrews that year. Terry Long, who died in 2019 aged 97, holds the SA record for matching or bettering his age more than 800 times. He won the club championship at 77.

Practice Facility

Lengthy and spacious range with grass teeing area, including short-game facility.

Did You Know

1/ Humewood hosted the first 72-hole men’s SA Amateur Strokeplay in 1969. The second round witnessed a wind of such ferocity that the average score was in the 90s. Winner Dale Hayes shot 89 and kept his position. His winning total was 314.

2/ Humewood was the second course of Port Elizabeth GC when opened in 1931, becoming a separate club in 1952.

3/ Ernie Els set a SA Open 72-hole record of 24-under 264 in 2006 (67-66-66-65) when Humewood experienced four windless December days. Els then shot 263 at Durban CC in 2010 (65-65-67-66) and Retief Goosen equalled the old record of 264.

4/ A Scottish-type burn was built short of the par-5 17th green prior to 2006 SA Open. It has eliminated the run-up shot that was previously a feature of the hole.

5/ Members talk of two “courses,” West and East. When the westerly wind blows out to sea across Algoa Bay the downwind par 5s are reachable in two, while the par 4s into the wind can take three shots to reach. The easterly wind presents an opposite picture.

6/ Dr Lynn Slogrove has won 43 club championship titles in the East Cape, at Humewood (24), St Francis Bay (13) and St Francis Links (6).

Club Champions

2024 Michael Holden & Sonja Sauerman
2023 Andrew Ferrant & Lynn Slogrove
2022 JP van der Watt & Mieke De Ridder
2021 Roland Adonis
2020 JP van der Watt
2019 Francois van Coppenhagen & Mieke De Ridder

Course and Facilities Rating
blankConditioning Ratings
Greensblankblankblankblankblank
Bunkersblankblankblankblankblank
Teesblankblankblankblankblank
Fairwaysblankblankblankblankblank
Presentationblankblankblankblankblank
Overall Conditioningblankblankblankblankblank
blankFacility Ratings
Pace of Playblankblankblankblankblank
Practice Facilityblankblankblankblankblank
Halfway Houseblankblankblankblankblank
Pro Shopblankblankblankblankblank
Serviceblankblankblankblankblank
Locker Roomblankblankblankblankblank
19th Holeblankblankblankblankblank
Course Etiquetteblankblankblankblankblank
Course Reviews
A visit to Humewood must count as one of the special experiences in SA, and the value for money compared to other top courses is remarkable. Driving up the road to the clubhouse, standing on the first tee, walking the 18th towards the clubhouse later in the day, these are moments to remember if you have a passion for golf. A step back in time too. I found the links playing superbly, and its dryness was a positive for me. The sandy areas on and off the fairway and the shaggy gnarly rough are what makes Humewood such a naturally attractive place to play. Miss a fairway and you're in a lottery as far as your lie is concerned. I hope the club always keeps it this way. You don't want carpeted fairways. However, the greenkeeper could trim the edges of some fairways where grass has thickened.
Dieter ten Haag
28 October 2024
A joy to play Humewood on a calm day, and a treat to putt and chip on such magnificent greens, running at a perfect pace and reasonably firm for pitching. The club has recently hosted two interprovincials, Women's Premier and Men's Mid-Amateur, and is the venue for the 2025 SA Amateur. The Mid-Am experienced a mix of weather, big winds and calm days, and not surprisingly the host province, EP, shared A division honours with WP after an exciting final day clash. The presentation of the links could be worked on, notably the erosion around bunkers, while the burn short of the green on 17 is looking tired and unkempt. Sad to see beer and water bottles scattered in bushes around the course by disrespectful golfers.
Stuart McLean
21 October 2024
blank
View more reviews
A rare and valued SV Hotchkin design which I believe is an under appreciated golfing asset. Links is in exceptional condition. Greens must be among the best in SA. A mild wind made the day special. Humewood deserves a top 5 ranking simply because it is our only true links and is in pristine shape.
Greg Woodbridge
14 August 2024
Humewood is a remarkable links course in testing a golfer's ability to the maximum, and currently it is in magnificent condition from tee to green. Greens smooth and running true although you need to be careful of the nap. Fairways well grassed (placing wasn’t necessary). Bunkers have a heavier sand so quite testing to play from. The par-3 sixth is still the shortest par 5 in the Eastern Cape.
Henry Trevena
08 July 2024
Humewood members will be disappointed the Sunshine Tour suspended play twice for wind in NMB Championship this past weekend. Yet in 10 years of the Goodyear Classic in the 1980s/90s there was only one occasion when play was stopped for wind, even though gales were common as it was played in December. That was a temporary suspension while the R&A were phoned at St Andrews for a ruling. Golfers were hardier then, unbowed by tough conditions. Better golfers used the wind to their advantage. Tony Johnstone, on winning at Humewood in 1986, recounted how into a strong westerly at the par-4 18th in the final round he hit driver, 2-iron, 7-iron to reach the green. The top pros were exceptional long-iron exponents and knew how to control their swings in the wind.
Thomas Souness
27 February 2024
Bunkers inconsistent and fairways are dry due to lack of rain. This is a fair layout to challenge all handicaps.
Sandor Kovacs
02 February 2024
Glad to return to one of my favourite layouts. This links is a gem and such a pity it isn't in a bigger city for more golfers to experience. I caught it on an extremely windy day where flagsticks were bending sideways and any lofted shot into the wind would stop the ball in its tracks. The crosswind on the par-3 sixth made for a tough shot to a tiny target. Humewood is still the truest links we have in SA and is so fun to play with all its movement in the fairways and around the greens. Disappointing though that kikuyu grass is taking over and reducing the ground game. I wish more golfers could experience one of our iconic courses.
Jean-Luc Regaud
07 January 2024
As an ex Humewood member it is always a treat to play this unique seaside links when I return to PE. The design makes every shot memorable. The greens are significantly improved, and the 19th hole remains one of the best in the world. Friendly staff. Each hole is memorable but the long par-3 third and the long par 4s at 4, 13 and 18 stand out. Each of these holes requires a well thought long iron to large greens.
Andrew Ward
02 January 2024
A golfing experience bar none which ranks up there with the finest links in the world. Humewood has just come out of a belated spring programme but nevertheless is in fine condition and will improve as summer progresses. The bunkers can be tough. With the winds and fine sand they are high maintenance and develop “blowouts” under some bunker faces. Great attention to detail on the course. Three of the par 3s are of similar length but with the wind the clubbing varies greatly. All 14 clubs in the bag are needed to play this links. The links is complemented by one of the best clubhouse pubs in golf with spectacular views over the links and Algoa Bay. Enjoy a cold beer surrounded by historic memorabilia.
Keith Simpson
08 November 2023
Golfers talk about the wind at Humewood, yet this links is difficult enough on a calm day for someone unfamiliar with its varied holes. You have to adjust to the tight (bare) fairway lies, the unexpected bounces, awkward bunkers, thick rough. And holes playing away from the ocean appeared slightly uphill towards raised greens. Towards the ocean downhill. The greens were softer than expected. The fairways may be wide but Humewood is mostly about approach shots into greens, many with hybrids on the 4s and 5s, and the superb par-3 third. The 3s are a feature, four strong holes with memorable greens. Loved No 18, a classic par 4 which reminded me of finishing holes at the British Open, with a stylish clubhouse overlooking the green.
Lamprecht de Villiers
04 April 2023
Humewood recently hosted its biggest pro tournament since the 2006 SA Open, and interestingly the average score in the Nelson Mandela Bay Championship was 70.89 for a breezy 72 holes, which compares to 71.5 in an Open in windless conditions with a much stronger field. It confirms my thinking that Humewood is considerably easier today for elite golfers due to its virtual absence of fairway bunkers. The bent grass greens are far better than the old cynodon ones, so putting is simpler. And the golf ball goes further. There were 104 eagles in the latest tournament (at eight different holes), against 65 back in 2006. And 1928 birdies, of which 926 were on the par 5s. Competitors were spared any gale-force winds. I wasn't! Humewood in a big westerly is unpleasantly difficult although still playable. The links is extremely dry in the one area of the country which hasn't seen much rain in recent years. The pros were allowed preferred lies on the patchy fairways.
Stuart McLean
15 March 2023
Humewood is looking lovely, but the drought is devastating the Algoa Bay area. The club is blessed to have borehole and grey water for the course that allows maintenance staff to manage the situation. The links will be hosting the co-sanctioned European Challenge Tour/Sunshine Tour Nelson Mandela Bay Championship from February 23-26. It is the last of four such tournaments around SA in February. Humewood is hoping this could develop into becoming a DP World Tour event.
Brendon Timm
12 January 2023
Humewood never fails to impress me. It has all the right traits for a genuinely true links experience. Wait until the wind blows, then she shows her teeth!
Sandor Kovacs
31 December 2022
One of the finest golfing experiences in SA. For those who can’t travel to the British Isles this is about as good as links golf gets. Also, the best value for money course I have played locally when comparing costs to some fairly mediocre ones. If more South Africans had played links golf Humewood would be ranked higher. However, local golfers seem to be influenced by lush green fairways.
Keith Simpson
28 November 2022
Played Humewood in the Eastern Cape Senior Open, my first visit there for three years. I had forgotten the thrill of playing on a true links layout and enjoyed the conditioning of the course, especially the greens. Considering the region is in the midst of a drought, I would like to congratulate the staff for providing competitors with a memorable three rounds.
Cameron Johnston
03 July 2022
A treat to play Humewood in magnificent condition. Unfortunate about the student apartments built behind the fifth green. Spoils the links feel. The undulating greens are smooth and consistent, tricky to read though as there is nap which tends to run towards the sea. Bunker sand consistent and nice to play from. However, stay out of the fairway bunkers. They have ruined many scorecards. The course is neat and tidy and a joy to play.
Henry Trevena
03 July 2022
The Aesthetics at Humewood have sadly changed for the worse in the last couple of years with the building of multi-storey apartment blocks (accommodation for NMMU students) bordering the par-3 sixth hole. As the buildings multiply they become more of an eyesore for golfers. The backdrop to the beautiful fifth hole is now an ugly grey edifice. The pin flag was difficult to see. Unfortunate there is nothing to screen the buildings. Fortunately the rest of the course is still pristine and scenic, other than banks of solar panels behind the range. These probably could be screened off more easily than the buildings. The Humewood greens (superbly creative in their design, contours and size) were surprisingly soft for a links course, leaving unlikely pitch marks in the surface. Humewood is a Top 10 course yet the quality of the flagsticks doesn't reflect that. They all appear short and flimsy.
Stuart McLean
13 June 2022
Great old club feel. The Eastern Cape drought is really showing itself on the fairways.
Pieter Odendaal
27 March 2022
Lovely course! Happy and proud to be a member of the only "true links" in SA.
William Travill
06 March 2022
Now here is a test of a player's ability to hit precisely the right shot at the right time. This course is truly an awesome experience, especially when there's a zephyr blowing.
Neville Clarke
28 January 2022
Humewood is truly unlike any other course in SA. A real taste of a links. Excellent greens, tough but true. I doubt though I would have enjoyed it as much as I did had the wind been stronger.
Bereng Paul Mokoena
13 January 2022
The Humewood links is as superbly presented as it has ever been. I enjoy the way the practice putting green in front of the clubhouse flows seamlessly and naturally into the undulating surrounds of the adjacent 18th green, creating a most attractive look to the closing hole. Played in a stiff westerly wind, and the front nine is a tiger in those conditions, with four of the most demanding par 4s (2, 4, 5 and 8) played into the wind. The back nine is easier, but the course is an excellent challenge whether you're into the wind or downwind. The winning score in a recent Sunshine Tour event was five-under 211 for 54 holes.
Stuart McLean
05 November 2021
Humewood is always a treat and challenge to play with its rolling fairways and greens with lots of nap. The tees are a bit worn, especially on the short holes, and the fairways require placing, however the greens are smooth and receptive. Despite a lack of rain the club has done well to keep the course in good condition.
Henry Trevena
04 July 2021
More thought should be put into placement of the various tee markers.
Hedley Austin
19 May 2021
The enjoyment of a round at Humewood lies in the rare links golf experience, the tight, firm undulating fairways particularly. This makes it so different from other SA courses. The course is dry due to the severe water crisis in Port Elizabeth and other Eastern Cape towns, yet that only makes it more attractive to look at and play. The greens were rolling beautifully as usual. One criticism would be that Humewood could do with larger or additional teeing areas on some holes to avoid a situation where some tee boxes are cluttered with a multitude of bulky tee markers. The third could benefit from another teeing area to create some variety to what is an excellent long par 3.
Stuart McLean
18 May 2021
I have been a member of Humewood for many years, from the time it struggled with poor greens, to today with excellent greens and fairways. I have played many other top courses (Pinnacle Point, East London, George, St Francis Links) and rate Humewood above all as an overall experience. As the only true links it deserves a rating within the top 5 in SA.
Rodney Reynolds
24 April 2021
A links where the wind makes it as difficult as it can which constantly forces players to think. Greens are true and run well. A course taken for granted but loved by locals.
Jonathan Klee
24 April 2021
There is no finer links in South Africa. The swales and burns are delightful. As with all true links wind is the equalising factor. In a hard west the par-4 10th plays like a par 5. And the par-3 6th is surely the shortest par 5 in SA? The 8th and 13th are a test in any weather, and a true test of your head over your heart. The greens have been wonderful the last 18 months.
Ashley Howarth
24 April 2021
Humewood is an old world links course in excellent condition that tests the modern golfer and equipment to the full with its varying playing conditions that can change a few times during a round of golf!
Mike Lawrence
23 April 2021
My comments are based on my visual observations encountered whilst playing. Bunkers are pathetic, upkeep is poor. Different depths of sand. I find access in and out difficult due to the lack of steps.
Des Stephenson
23 April 2021
After the drought in the Eastern Cape it is amazing to see what the club has done to keep its fairways alive and in good condition. The greens are true, receptive and immaculate. There's an amazing vibe at the club. The ever persistent wind and bushy surrounds give Humewood a true links feel.
Berus Geldenhuys
23 April 2021
A great links reminiscent of those in the UK. As Bobby Locke once said: If the British Open was to be played outside the UK then Humewood would be his choice. It is a test of golf in all conditions.
Ashley Parker
21 April 2021
The recent installation of boreholes means the course has been getting a better supply of water. The greens are immaculate and the fairways beautifully green. The condition of the clubhouse has improved the past year and the pub is as good as always. Humewood has seen an increase in members and rounds, testimony to the great health of Humewood Golf Club in general.
Kevin Duckworth
21 April 2021
Always a pleasure to play this fabulous layout. Friendly administration and the course a challenge even though I played on a calm day off the tips.
Neville Clarke
14 February 2021
A true links experience, one that tested all the shots in my bag on a day when I played one par 5 with a driver and wedge (downwind) and then a par 4 with a driver, 3-wood, 4-iron, wedge to reach the green! Loved the course, would play there again in a heartbeat. I love how simple the club keeps things. All the focus is on the course itself.
Chris Wood
17 January 2021
One of my favourite courses. A must play and recently ranked No 98 by Golf World UK magazine on a list of the Top 100 Courses In The World You Can Actually Play (this excludes private exclusive clubs). This was compiled by a knowledgeable group of renowned golfers, writers and course architects.
Simpson
20 December 2020
Played Humewood on a trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town and was wondering if it was worth the detour. I am happy to say it was worth even more. Despite the wind, I wish I had had the time to play another 18 holes. I had only played the course once before and didn't understand what the fuss was all about. Now I do. Many testing par 4s where the wind makes them a challenge to reach in two shots. Can't wait to return again
Sabelo Ndabazandile
09 December 2020
No other course like it, no weak holes and you can play it every day.
Hugo Maritz
06 December 2020
I hadn't been to Humewood for years, yet I instantly remembered it. It had hardly changed at all. The clubhouse thankfully hasn't had any structural additions or modifications as you find today. Humewood is one of those courses which remain the same forever, principally because it is a links and not blighted by trees. A golfer from 60 years ago could return there tomorrow and the only change he would find to the layout are the modern greens and some championship tees which the members I'm told seldom use. It's interesting that Humewood has four memorable par 3s where the greens are splendidly defended by bunkers, yet the general bunkering on the course is weak compared to links elsewhere in the world. But I was most impressed by a gigantic sand trap short right of the 18th green. I believe that every Humewood member could fit into it!
Thomas Souness
13 November 2020
It's meant to be the windy season in the Eastern Cape, yet the last week of October provided magnificent weather along the coastline, enabling me to enjoy links golf to the full. Humewood was an absolute joy on a fine sunny day, allowing a busy field of Saturday golfers to revel in a light breeze, soaking in the beauty of their surroundings, the green fairways contrasting with the dark blue backdrop of the ocean, and an azure sky. Humewood in that weather is one of the finest golf experiences in South Africa, and the course was complemented by the most outstanding greens I have played on this year. They were simply remarkable, putts running true at a superb pace, and relatively firm for approach shots. I cannot recall Humewood ever looking this good.
Stuart McLean
01 November 2020
This remains the only true links in SA and a pleasure to play. It is playable under most conditions and should be ranked among the top 10 courses in SA. Despite the drought in the Eastern Cape it is in good condition and a must play for any serious golfer!
Anton Bezuidenhout
21 October 2020

Humewood has always been one of my favourite courses providing me with "Scottish" shots that reward a good bump and run. They battle with the ever-present kikuyu grass, but with it cut tight on the day it played properly. The greens may have been the best I have seen them, smooth and true. Pity the clubhouse was closed due to the virus as a pint upstairs would have capped off a great day!

Jeff Clause
29 June 2020
The best natural layout in South Africa. True links with magnificent rolling fairways built by nature. Tranquil surroundings with no cars or houses nearby to break the peace. One of our few top courses to have these attributes. A true test for any level of golfer but always playable. The various winds and undulating fairways make every round unique.
Simpson
03 June 2020
Humewood lives up to its reputation. Beware when the wind blows (which is almost every day, ha ha). Real test of golf with few flaws. Great layout, great memorability, and an awesome set of par 3s.
Sandor Kovacs
28 April 2020
Submit Your Review & Ratings

HAVE YOU PLAYED Humewood RECENTLY?

If you've played this course recently, why not tell us all about it? Follow the link to our review section, complete our grading criteria and give us some details on your experience. If selected, your review will appear amongst the course’s collection of player reviews.

Review this Course
Course Location
Other Top 100 Courses in the Area
  •
    St Francis Links
    St Francis Bay
    RANKED 3
  •
    Wedgewood
    Port Elizabeth
    RANKED 87
  •
    St Francis Bay
    St Francis Bay
    RANKED 80