Black 7054 metres, CR76.3/153
White 6570 metres, CR73.7/149
Blue 5973 metres, CR70.5/138
Red 5225 metres, CR66.8/128
Women’s blue, CR77.2/150
Women’s red, CR72.5/140
R1 600 includes golf cart
Nicklaus Design 2014
010 597 1030
www.steyncity.co.za
golf@steyncity.co.za
17 (2023), 23 (2022) & 26 (2021)
Steyn City is the most expansive property in Africa, six times the size of Sandton City, four times the size of Monaco, and two-and-a-half times larger than New York’s Central Park. Developed by insurance magnate Douw Steyn, it is South Africa’s largest playground for adults and children alike, centrally situated between Johannesburg and Pretoria.
The opulence of the clubhouse and its facilities is matched on the 18 holes by a distinctive level of conditioning that illustrates the priority given to the course in the overall image of the estate. Bent grass greens and tees, and kikuyu fairways enable the course to stay green throughout the year.
In keeping with the grandeur and breadth of Steyn City is a world-class modern golf course by Nicklaus Design which was nearly six years in the making by course construction experts Golf Data, who continue to maintain it. Its undulating setting over an area of 90 hectares has resulted in a succession of fabulously creative holes. At 7 054 metres off the black tees it’s a big challenge for the longest hitters, yet wide fairways make for a player-friendly layout.
The golf course is not the only attraction. One of the impressive aspects of The Club at Steyn City is the way the elegant award-winning clubhouse blends so perfectly into the golfing landscape around it. A spacious deck flows beautifully around the buildings and opens up the golfing vistas. The first tee is right in front of you, teetering high above the Jukskei River which flows through the property.
The opulence of the clubhouse and its facilities is matched on the 18 holes by a distinctive level of conditioning that illustrates the priority given to the course in the overall image of the estate. Bent grass greens and cool season grass on the fairways enable the course to stay green throughout the year.
As with many of today’s modern layouts, this is a cart course. Water hazards have to be carried on several approaches, notably at the challenging par-4 18th (443m off the club tees). Softly undulating greens leave golfers with mostly straightforward putts. Thousands of trees have been planted between holes, and as they mature the course will benefit aesthetically.
62 by Shaun Norris in 2022 Steyn City Championship second round (32-30) with 8 birdies, 1 eagle.
The first tee shot is an exciting experience on what ranks as one of the most scenic and challenging opening holes in South Africa. A 377-metre par 4 off the club tee, you play across the wide Jukskei River to a fairway that moves diagonally left to the line of play following the river. The green sits below the ridge of what used to be an old quarry. Another unique par 4 is the 359m seventh which plunges steeply downhill and entices golfers to have a crack at driving the green. The front nine ends with a 168m par-3 back across the Jukskei to an elevated green.
Long and spacious 300-metre range behind the clubhouse with target greens, plus a short-game area, and practice putting green at clubhouse. There are teeing areas
at both ends.
2023 Jonathan Butt
2022 Justin Mackenzie
2021 Stephen van Rhyn
1/ Golf is just one of many activities at this 2000-hectare lifestyle resort. There is an equestrian centre; recreation and leisure activities placed strategically along open green belts and the Jukskei River; plus a skate park, soccer pitches, nature trails, tennis and padel courts (alongside a 300-metre long lagoon), gym equipment, and a kids wonderland.
2/ Developer Douw Steyn’s palatial home sits on a ridge overlooking the course and clubhouse, towering over golfers on the tenth tee.
3/ Limited non-resident golf memberships available. Membership has grown to 140. Visitors welcome subject to availability. Course closed Mondays.
4/ The clubhouse, a social hub for residents and guests, has won international acclaim for its innovative architectural design. All parking bays are on two covered levels. It includes a gym.
5/ Hosted first DP World Tour event in March 2022, the Steyn City Championship, won by Shaun Norris on 25-under 263 (64-62-67-70). Norris had 26 birdies and 1 eagle, just 3 bogeys. The 2023 event was won on 24-under 264 by Nick Bachem who had 29 birdies.
6/ The first hole-in-one at the downhill par-4 seventh was recorded by Don Wolmarans in June 2022 from 290 metres.
Conditioning RatingsFacility RatingsSteyn City is a pleasant high-end experience for golfers at any level. Facilities are world class and the warm welcome along with attention to detail (complimentary water & fruit, course background talk on first tee) make for an enjoyable start to the day. The course is well maintained with barely a blade of grass out of place. It is a forgiving layout with wide landing areas and large greens but from the back tees the length can make it challenging. The greens have good undulations with bunkers well placed to create interesting pin positions. In terms of a Nicklaus design I would not say it is at the same level as Simola or Pecanwood, but where it falls short on design it makes up with meticulous conditioning.
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