Royal has two superb courses (lucky members), and for me the West is the more interesting in terms of its variety of 3s and 4s. The terrain is less hilly, although still having undulations. It must be the best 36-hole facility in SA, fractionally ahead of Fancourt, principally because of having four starting tees close to the clubhouse and a terrific practice area for putting and chipping directly in front of it. The West’s par 3s impressed me, but No 7 needs attention. From the back tees you can hardly see the putting surface due to the reeds in the water alongside the green. And being a yellow-staked penalty area you have to go to a drop zone which has seen so much activity it is hacked to pieces. A better solution surely could be found?
