Noodsberg is among the top echelon of 9-hole courses in South Africa, in terms of its design, challenge, routing and quality of the greens. Beautiful surroundings and a first-class clubhouse (good catering) make for a special golf experience. The day I played, immediately before the May club championships, the Royal Blue cynodon greens were as good as I’ve ever seen this grass perform. They were firm, true, and quick when running with the nap. Several memorable holes where positioning off the tee is key due to tree-lined fairways. The stroke 1, No 14, would be among the best par 4s I’ve played in South Africa. The opening par 4 is another good hole curving around the cricket field, while No 16 is a thrilling 360m par 4 where you drive over the main dam to the fairway, a substantial carry. The three par 3s (there are 10 holes) were varied and enjoyable. The final hole, short 4, is a bit weak yet it has a well-shaped green. The design of the greens is of a quality you don’t expect at a rural 9-holer.
