Playing the first at Olivewood, a downhill par 5 which asks longer drivers for a brave second over water to a raised green, all my attention was focused on a herd of a dozen wildebeest which were acting skittish in our presence. They were hanging around close to the green and the last thing we wanted to do was frighten them into stampeding over it. What a mess they would have made. Olivewood has a growing wildlife population, newcomers being giraffes. Stroll out to the 18th green at dusk and you will see quite a few species. This course is part of a vast nature reserve, with magnificent coastal forests, and the holes are spread out over a wide area of land. Hilly terrain makes for some quirky holes, uphill and downhill variations, and many scenic ones too. The last six climb back uphill to the clubhouse, which makes one grateful to be doing it in a golf cart. Olivewood is one of the most attractive stay-and-play destinations in South Africa, with 5-star facilities and a terrific course.
