ERPM has enjoyed better times as a club yet is still an exceedingly pleasant and attractive course to play, with excellent quality greens. Fairways parched and firm after a dry summer in Gauteng. Packed with interesting holes, several a strong test of driving ability. Missing fairways here can lead to a frustrating day of sideways golf. There are some claustrophobic tee shots to be faced, notably at the demandingly long par-4 eighth with its water hazard right of the fairway, and trees enclosing the left side. It is one of three tigerish 4s on the front nine which measure 441, 432 and 427 from the yellow back tees. ERPM is full of subtle dogleg par 4s and 5s, downhill, uphill, left, right, so being able to shape shots is essential. The 30-year-old greens are a feature, beautifully shaped and contoured, well bunkered. Whether you start the round at No 1 or 10, you open with tricky short 4s where the greens are hidden from view.
