Knysna’s chief project this year has been improving the drainage of this low-lying layout of tidal waterways alongside the lagoon. They are winning the battle. It had rained for two days before I played, some 60mm, and yet other than occasional wet areas the course was hardly affected. In the past, it might have been closed for play. Positive news is the ninth hole being played again as a 444m par 5 rather than a short 4 or even a 3. The fairway height has been raised and is less prone to flooding. This has always been a feature hole, with a stream running down the right-hand side, and is more aesthetically pleasing thanks to the clearing of bush around the tee. You can see the back of the ninth tee from the enlarged third tee close by. No 8 — what a challenging par 3 this is with its island green — has been opened up on the right, exposing trees, and presented more attractively in harmony with the ninth tee. Yellow-billed ducks and spoonbills are enjoying the waterways and wetlands. Greens continue to be among the best in the Garden Route. Knysna doesn’t have a range, yet two new nets next to the clubhouse are a good substitute alongside a good short-game practice area.