The “classic golf experience” is the tag line at Glendower and the current conditioning and experience fully lives up to expectations. The course conditioning is immaculate and the greens probably the best in Gauteng. The rough is brutal following record rainfall and will punish any wayward drives. Glendower remains timeless and will test all players with narrow landing areas, subtle breaks on the greens and well-placed hazards. The par-3 third is one of the best holes, with a hazard left and bunkering right of the green. It is followed by the strokes 1 and 3 (par 4s) adding to a demanding stretch which tests the full array of shots. The par-4 seventh (stroke 5) is another special hole which requires an accurate tee shot and well directed approach into a demanding greens complex. The back nine brings similar challenges off the tee, and includes some of the most beautifully framed holes. The par-5 15th is visually stunning, with the bunkering and shaping of the hole to the green representing some of the most memorable design. The only drawback at present is the consistency and maintenance of the bunkers. The greenside traps are acceptable, but many fairway bunkers are poor and frequently unraked by players (something that annoyingly appears to be an unfortunate trend on most Highveld courses). Glendower is a “must play” and is as good as it has been for years. Credit to Mike Burnard and his team. Play it on a Tuesday or Wednesday when it is exceptional value for money.
