Driving up the winding old road from the Knysna Lagoon to the Simola resort, the anticipation builds. Expectations are high for a Top 20 course. And Simola delivers with amazing views and a well manicured course. It has a few fun holes and is great to play on holiday, especially if you catch it on a good day as then it is not particularly difficult. However, I suspect a big defence for the course (in addition to the numerous bunkers) are the prevailing coastal winds. An additional par 3 and a par 5 on the back nine deviate from the traditional layout but maintain a 72 par. Big hitters need to show restraint in chasing the driveable par 4s and eagles on par 5s as there is a lot of sand and danger to offer protection. The best part of the day for me was having a crack at the green on the elevated 321-metre par-4 second . . . just fun! What could be improved: a course marshal to assist the holiday hackers keep up with play!
