The back nine at Pretoria CC is one of the best 9-holes in South Africa. The undulating holes are varied and challenging, and the parkland aesthetics stunningly beautiful. Every hole is excellent in its own distinct way. The dogleg right tenth is a thrillingly difficult long par 4; the downhill par-5 12th goes on forever (580 metres); the 17th is an excellent risk-and-reward short par 4 for longer hitters; and 18 concludes with an uphill par 5 guarded by a series of bunkers. The par-3s are superb. No 14 reminds me of the famous 12th at Augusta National, from an elevated tee over water to a narrow target, while No 16 is 200 metres from a high back tee to a green guarded by water. Course design at its very best.
