Kingswood, one of the excellent range of courses in the George area of the Garden Route, is in exceptional condition, its bunkers and greens having improved significantly. It has an interesting mix of risk-and-reward holes, with two par 5s in the opening three. Each provides good birdie opportunities, but water lurks to the right of No 1 green so caution is necessary. The par 3s are memorable, notably the 12th playing towards the Outeniqua range. The location of the green makes for a challenging tee shot over a wetland with bunkers lurking around the putting surface. The finishing holes are strong, No 17 being one of the most demanding par 4s. The par-3 18th is quirky with a small landing area. The bunkers have typically been a major defence at Kingswood and not always well received by visitors due to the deep caverns awaiting an errant shot. But the quality and consistency of the sand now makes for a good test, rather than an unplayable lie in thick sand. Our group enjoyed the challenge and made some good sand saves.
