A visit to Elements is not for the faint-hearted. Getting there is a challenge in itself unless you have a sturdy vehicle for the dirt road section from Bela Bela. When you arrive at the estate, you cannot imagine why anyone would build a golf course on this rocky terrain. But at the clubhouse you catch a glimpse of the holes and begin salivating at the prospect of playing them. It becomes clear this is not an ordinary golf experience. The condition of the fairways is average, as this part of Limpopo is not blessed with regular rain, but what distinguishes Elements as a great bushveld course is the selection and variety of its unique holes. They challenge every club in the bag without feeling overly protected or difficult. The bunkering is not imposing. Elements can be similarly compared with the Gary Player CC at Sun City, and our group of seven voted 4-3 in preference for Elements. You’re transported into the bushveld at the uphill par 4 opener and only emerge after eight holes when you drive your cart up a steep path to the tee of one of SA’s most dramatic par 3s. The ninth is spectacular from its high vantage point and the green below looks inviting. But you have to carry a wide stretch of water to safely find it. While teeing off we were serenaded by “Piet-my-vrou” calls so crystal clear it felt like it was on stereo. Clubhouse service has improved, and the quality of food is getting there. If it were not for the road, Elements would be my regular hangout away from Gauteng.