98

Magalies Park

Hartbeespoort Dam - North West Province

Played this course? Review it now
Find a Course
Search by name, province or ranking
General manager: Muis Lombard
Golf club manager: William van Mierlo (PGA AAA)
Greenkeeper: Willie Snyman
Pro shop manager: Suzanne Nolte
CRITERIA SUMMARY: Total points 62 out of 100
Conditioning13.8 / 20
Playability12.0 / 20
Aesthetics10.3 / 15
Design Variety9.2 / 15
Shot Values8.0 / 15
Memorability8.7 / 15

Course Summary

Four tees / Par 72

Yellow 6047 metres, CR70.8/132
White 5694 metres, CR68.9/128
Blue 5302 metres, CR66.9/124
Red 4749 metres, CR64.6/111
Women’s white, CR74.9/141
Women’s blue, CR72.2/137
Women’s red, CR68.9/129

Visitor green fee

R250 affiliated
R380 non-affiliated
R140 affiliated pensioners
R300 Wednesday meat day
R350 midweek including cart
R425 Sunday including cart
Golf cart R350

Course designer

Loutjie van Aswegen 1986;
William Van Merlo 2013

Contact

012 207 9101 or 067 373 3945
magaliesparkproshop@firstgroup-sa.co.za

Previous ranking

New entry

The Magalies Park 18-hole course is part of a First Group resort and spa close to Hartbeespoort Dam. The 120-hectare resort, offering self-catering chalet accommodation, plus hotel rooms, occupies an attractive position on the Magalies River, overlooked by the Magaliesberg mountain range.

The par-72 parkland-cum-bushveld course, with bent grass greens and kikuyu fairways, was built in the 1980s, the first one in the area, then redesigned in 2013 by PGA professional and club manager William van Mierlo, who has been involved at Magalies Park since 1998.

It has five par 5s and five par 3s to complement eight par 4s on undulating terrain which slopes from the mountain to the river. There are several tee shots from elevated positions.

The front nine is relatively short at 2823 metres (par 35) from the back yellow tees, but the back nine (par 37) is 400 metres longer and more challenging. It is an out-and-back course (No 9 does not return to the clubhouse). However, No 10 is not far from the clubhouse (at the halfway house) and can be used as a starting tee on busy days.

The club offers affordable membership fees starting at R1 700 a year for pensioners (60 plus) and juniors, and has built up a substantial membership of 1300, making it the biggest club in the North West Golf Union. It is particularly strong in league golf and assisting juniors.

Magalies Park played host to the Sunshine Tour professionals for the first time in March 2022 when it served as the Pre-Qualifier for the MyGolfLife Open at Pecanwood close by. Divan van den Heever won that 18-hole event with an eight-under 64. The course proved a more difficult test than the 85 competitors may have expected, the average score for the round being 72.76. Four of the toughest holes were on the back nine, led by the 414-metre tenth.

The club hosted the SA Disabled Golf Open in both 2018 and 2019, and 2024 North West Women’s Open won by Lourenda Steyn on four-under 212. Caitlyn Macnab won the same title in 2019 on 207, including a 67, Lindi Coetzee in 2018 on 211, and Kelly Hope in 2023 on 218.

Magalies Park is part of the North West Golf Union and the resort is an excellent base for golfers wishing to explore other NWGU courses in the immediate area. These include the Jack Nicklaus design at Pecanwood (10 kilometres), Rustenburg (70km), Sun City resort (100km), Seasons-Eco (11km), and the 9-hole courses of Mooinooi (35km) and Sandy Lane (7km).

Additional Course Facts

Course Record

64 by Divan van den Heever, 2022 Pre-qualifier for Pecanwood DP World Tour event
Wynand Dingle shot 60 in the club’s Holiday Classic

Club Champions

2023 Doug McCabe & Karen Stanz
2022 Janko van der Merwe & Karen Stanz
2021 David-Luis Nortje & Karen Stanz

Janko van der Merwe, aged 13, won the Ernie Els SA Primary Schools individual title at Magalies Park in 2019. He was SA Boys Under-17 champion in 2022.

Practice Facility

Short-game area close to clubhouse and putting green. Warm-up nets at first tee.

HOLIDAY CLASSIC

Magalies Park hosts the Holiday Classic, a 72-hole individual Stableford tournament for club golfers, between Xmas Day and New Year’s Day. Each day a different tee colour is used. There is R100 000 worth of prizes.

Did You Know

1/ Former champion boxer Kallie Knoetze is a regular player at Magalies Park, hosting his Meat Day competition every Wednesday, and has had four holes-in-one at the 14th. He used to be a frequent player at Pecanwood nearby, where he has had another two aces.

2/ Long-serving Club manager William van Mierlo, a AAA PGA of SA member, is one of golf’s allrounders. In his 25 years at the resort he has also served as the greenkeeper and three times been the club champion at Magalies Park (he played off +6). Also a qualified club fitter (he has a workshop in the pro shop). He has played a big part in the growth and improvement of the golf course.

3/ Magalies Park is unusual in having consecutive par-3 holes, Nos 8 and 9, a rare sight in South Africa on a course longer than 5000 metres. No 8 was originally a par 4 and had to be shortened for safety reasons. And another par 3 soon follows, at No 11.

4/ There’s an abundance of wildlife on the property, various buck species, wildebeest, monkeys, birds.

5/ Two Padel courts have been built in front of the clubhouse.

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
The course offers splendid views of the Magaliesberg range and in general there is a relaxed vibe at this venue, perhaps due to it being a holiday resort. The kikuyu fairways are sometimes challenging. However, teeing off from the lush green tees with the mountain backdrop makes up for it.
Peru Meyer
14 August 2024
With its abundant bushveld trees, wildlife, tranquil countryside, and Magaliesberg backdrop, this is a most attractive and pleasant course to play. Being so short, and with so many fun holes, it could be labelled the "Southbroom of the North." Without the wind! Several greens, with undulations and tiers, will test the putting skills of the best, yet they are part of the character of the design, which is on the quirky side (back-to-back par 3s at 8 and 9). And there are numerous flat greens too. Magalies Park has some distinctive holes, Nos 3, 7, 12, 13 and 15, which has an unusual green site for a downhill par 5. No 14 is a superb par 3 yet the green is unfair. A recovery from the back bunker often sees the ball roll into the water hazard fronting the green.
Stuart McLean
26 January 2024
blank
View more reviews
This course enjoys great conditioning all year round.
Leon Bevan
07 October 2023
Magalies Park is mostly a playable, scenic course, with decent variety. The exception being the par 3s which all play a similar length. There is a distinctly different feel between the two nines. The front nine feels somewhat like a housing estate with a few road crossings and Out of Bounds where houses are in play. The back nine is more forgiving and feels more like your typical parkland layout. The most noticeable detractor from the experience is the excessive slope on many greens. If running too fast or having ill-considered pin placements certain holes can be borderline unplayable. Even at moderate speeds expect tough putts. The stunning backdrop of the Magaliesberg mountains, wildlife on course and plenty of trees creates a pleasing country feel. We received excellent service at halfway and after round. Magalies Park is worth a visit.
Barry Tanner
07 September 2023
I enjoy everything about this course. It’s rated as short based on handicap index, but far more difficult than indicated.
Claudette Beukes
23 May 2023
Just love this course, the people, the ambience, nature and animals!
Ansie Fouche
22 May 2023
Most impressed with this bushveld course. It is full of character against a stunning backdrop of the Magaliesberg range. So many interesting holes and a few exceptional ones up there with the best in SA. The amount of variety and challenges makes Magalies Park fun and enjoyable. Good condition from tee to green, attractively presented. Built on a gentle slope means the terrain is continually shifting and golfers have to factor in elevation changes. No 15 is a memorable downhill par 5 (short at 459) through the trees. A good drive puts the green in reach, but what a shot you have to play to get there in two. The green is perched high on a hillside, five bunkers scattered in layers on a steep slope below it, two others behind the green. No 10 is a testing dogleg right par 4, again playing uphill for the approach. A shortish layout, yet with plenty of defence to get your attention, including some sloping greens where you don't want to be on the wrong side of the pin.
Stuart McLean
16 May 2023
Marking of penalty hazards and out-of-bounds with red and white stakes are not always visible. I enjoyed the quick greens and closely mown fairways.
Rudolf Broderick
21 April 2023
A pristine course that poses a challenge for the best golfers. Greens are in top shape.
Adriaan Gross
21 April 2023
A delightful country course within easy range of Pretoria and Johannesburg. Although a resort/estate course, the houses are not close to the fairways. Challenging for low handicaps from the back but forgiving for high handicaps from forward tees.
Stephen Lambert
21 April 2023
A great course local to me. The views of the mountains at some tee boxes are special. There is a range of wildlife to be seen while playing. The course is not that busy that you struggle to book a round. Reasonable prices and a good variety of holes.
Trevor Walsh
21 April 2023
The course is in good condition and in a lovely setting with its mountain views. Great break from the hustle and bustle of the city yet close to Johannesburg. Enjoy having the springbok on the course.
Andries Theron
17 April 2023
The course is already at a high standard regarding layout and maintenance and continues to improve. I live in Pretoria and joined Magalies not only for its competitive annual fees but also for the relaxed atmosphere on and around the course.
Edward Ruziecki
17 April 2023
My favourite course. Everything about Magalies Park is awesome. View, environment, holiday feel and challenging course. Greens and fairways in great condition.
Wikus Lee
17 April 2023
A well-balanced course alongside the Magaliesberg. If the views are not enough there is the wildlife on the course. I play almost every weekend and there is no better value experience.
Adriaan Lubbe
16 April 2023
I have been a member of Magalies Park for 25 years. Not an easy course if you do not plan your tee shots.
Winston Ayres
16 April 2023
Magnificent bent grass greens. Great facilities at the 19th hole restaurant and pub.
Peter Walsh
16 April 2023
Course improves each year. Now the tee boxes need levelling.
Jacques Labuschagne
16 April 2023
Great atmosphere in and around the club. Course views are attractive with the mountain backdrop. Greens on the first nine are tricky. The 19th is relaxed under the trees.
Les Mc Call
16 April 2023
There's a holiday feeling about arriving at Magalies Park. The pro shop staff are friendly and helpful. The course is in excellent condition and underrated. The greens challenge the best of golfers.
Werner Minnie
14 April 2023
Magalies Park plays short yet the defence of the course is its tricky greens and narrow fairways lined with lots of trees.
Chris Lodewyckx
14 April 2023
Short yet very challenging. The setting makes it visually attractive.
Cassie Pelser
14 April 2023
My home club for more than 10 years and no course in the North West comes close. Staff members always there to sort out problems. The course is friendly, grass cut to perfection and greens excellent.
Robbie Robinson
14 April 2023
The course is in a good condition most of the year. The only issue comes with a lot of traffic on the greens. They are damaged and can take time to recover.
Marno Gloy
13 April 2023
Excellent club and course. I have presented the SA Special Forces Association veterans golf day here for seven years, and the last three years have been recorded as Africa's biggest veterans golf day. David Frost twice flew all the way from Florida to play in the day.
Roy Marais
13 April 2023
Lovely course, but they do need to get the greens to a higher standard.
Hansie Hamman
13 April 2023
Magalies Park was a great experience and I enjoyed my four rounds during the US Kids Big Five tournament. Great course and club.
Ronan Patel
13 April 2023
Greens and fairways are particularly well maintained. Short holes, tight fairways and tricky greens with great surroundings. A good 19th hole to finish off a round.
Wesley Teague
13 April 2023
Immaculate course with stunning views of the mountains. Relaxing feel with wildlife roaming around. Enough technical challenges to keep you focused.
Kevin Johnston
11 April 2023
The rating for Magalies Park does not seem right. Here I play off 13 while usually an 18 at other easier courses.
Andre Rossouw
11 April 2023
Well maintained and a pleasure to play but on weekends play is very slow with limited marshal intervention, a problem over 18 holes. Quicker golf must be enforced so everyone can enjoy the game.
Rob Freeman
11 April 2023
I love this course. It's not in the bushveld, but it creates the feeling that you are. The tranquility and layout makes for a pleasant experience.
Mr FJ Nel
11 April 2023
Challenging course with a rating that makes it competitive. The length may let you think it is easy, but you need good course management.
Deon de la Harpe
11 April 2023
A course underrated in its difficulty and quality. It rewards good strokeplay and will entice the high risk shot while punishing any poor decision making. Worthy of top 50.
Richard Rogers
11 April 2023
I've been a member for six years and each year it keeps improving. Club manager William van Mierlo is passionate about the club and each player that sets foot on the course can see the result of that passion.
christo harms
07 April 2023
Friendly team in the pro shop and the course is well priced for a resort. Spectacular views. The 19th hole gives you that holiday vibe.
Mike Turetz
07 April 2023
I travel 60 kilometres from home to play at Magalies Park three times a month and have been doing that for the last 10 years. A worthwhile exercise. A beautiful challenging course kept in excellent condition.
Andre Gouws
07 April 2023
A challenging course that requires thoughtful layups and keeps improving every time I play there.
Dean Robertson
07 April 2023
Magalies Park is a friendly and happy place to be a member. Good facilities and a course that is in excellent condition all year round.
Karen Stanz
07 April 2023
Beautiful setting to play golf. Not a long course but tricky fairways and green designs. Great fun to play. Needs accuracy off the tee and an ability to read greens. Better sand quality in the bunkers would be welcome.
Gareth Dry
07 April 2023
The course is in excellent condition and it's a proper risk-and-reward layout.
William van Mierlo
06 April 2023
This must be one of South African golf's best kept secrets. Great course in a beautiful setting, great halfway house, friendly staff and, most of all, very reasonable fees. Fairways and greens are better than most.
Johann Jordaan
06 April 2023
When the Magalies Park greens are at their best they present a putting challenge for any golfer. The par 5s are not that long but if you don't hit the fairways there is danger from any position. In summer the kikuyu rough is almost as tough as that at Gary Player Country Club. Playing out sideways is the only option if you miss a fairway. And lots of bunkers and water to spoil your day.
Barries Barnard
06 April 2023
Submit Your Review & Ratings

HAVE YOU PLAYED Magalies Park 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