The current Gauteng daily rain has been welcomed at Jackal Creek, where the fairways have deteriorated after a long dry winter and spring. They should recover quickly having been fertilised last week. The greens are in good shape though and the putting surfaces slick. The visibility of some bunkers has previously been an issue, and a species of “love grass” has been planted in their faces so they can be seen from the tee or fairway. Improves the definition of the holes. There’s one right of the fairway at the dogleg left uphill fourth, and those behind the green on the daunting par-5 18th, which has the biggest uphill climb of the round. An enjoyable course to play because it does pose differing challenges, not least the undulating terrain which means you’re often playing up or down to a green. Not many level approaches. Short and medium irons are important clubs in the bag for most, as there are essentially only three longish par 4s, Nos 2-4-14, where the average golfer might need a hybrid or fairway metal to reach the green after a reasonable drive.
