Dainfern comes across on TV as one of SA’s most beautiful courses, watching the Stella Artois Players Championship. Scenic closing holes make good viewing. However, if ever there was a strong case to roll back the ball, just study the average scoring at this tournament (68.9, a full stroke lower than 2023) and the obliteration of par 5s. No 18 (500m) is a great hole for club golfers but not pros who can almost reach the 150m marker with their tee shots in perfect Gauteng conditions and preferred lies (is this now standard in SA?). On Sunday it averaged 4.15, easier than the only two par 4s on the course which trouble the pros, No 1 and 7. Winner Heinrich Bruiners had 30 birdies in his 28-under total, testament to the quality of the greens. There were 120 eagles, edging Glendower’s 119 as the most this season.