Heron Banks is steadily maturing into an improved course and has become a regular tournament venue for the Free State Golf Union and GolfRSA. A large practice facility close to the clubhouse is a plus. And the top players must enjoy the superb quality greens. The Senior Interprovincial is there from April 4-8, and the Sunshine Tour’s Final Q School from April 26-29. It’s a strong test of golf, particularly if the five par 3s are stretched out. The winning score in the 72-hole Free State Open in January was 7-under 277, with just five players under par. There’s a good design balance to the par 4s in terms of distance, but too many of them are straightaway holes. Same with the par 5s. Doglegs are notably absent here. The shorter back nine nearer the Vaal River is stronger in aesthetics, with holes running among the wetlands and bushveld trees.