Royal has a unique setup of two courses they can use, depending on the size of the field. With a separate scorecard for each course. For big-field events, such as this weekend’s Kelly Foursomes interclub tournament, the re-routing of holes is such that all competitors return to the clubhouse after 9 holes, in order to enjoy the main halfway house facilities. Starting on the first, you play the first five holes, and then switch to No 10 (Whale’s Back) with its tee close to the fifth green. You play 10-13 back to the clubhouse. The other nine begins on 14 (Southern Cross) in front of the clubhouse. After playing that par 5, there is a detour to the par-5 ninth. This takes in a circular route of holes including No 6 to No 8. From there you finish the nine from No 15 to 18. It all works efficiently, particularly for those with carts. The course has a lush look to it, and interesting to see some greens being overseeded with bent grass, a first for Port Alfred. The club is following the lead of East London GC in this regard, and hopefully it will transform the quality of their cynodon greens.