Royal Cape has some fine examples of mature stone pine trees, and sadly several were lost over an extremely wet winter (rainfall was 1200mm) where they fell over under their own heavy weight. Something like 40 trees in total. Everyone notices the absence of that giant Pinus Pinea which stood beside the practice short-game area. It was iconic, possibly as old as the clubhouse, which had its centenary in 2023. It went down in September in the final storm of the winter. Another prominent stone pine guarding the left side of the par-5 fifth is still there in all its magnificence but has had its branches trimmed, so you can ease a drive under its canopy. There’s plenty of water still on the course, fortunately in dams and hazards which are full to the brim, enhancing the attractiveness of the holes, particularly around 3 to 5.
