Vaal De Grace was an enjoyable treat on a warm winter day, tranquil surroundings alongside the Vaal River, the greens exceptionally good. Parys greenkeeper Werner Ferreira is the club’s consultant. Firm fairways made for interesting conditions, yet there wasn’t much run, other than on the downhill par-5, No 7. Vaal de Grace is known for its fairway bunkering, yet there isn’t one on a 544-metre hole from white tees. Danger rather lies around the green. With few trees and wide playing corridors it’s a fun and flattering course if you drive reasonably straight, quite the opposite to Parys a few kilometres away. The par 5s are strong and all are low strokes. In contrast, the tougher and longest 4s are high strokes. The greens are well designed, shaped and positioned, a mix of sizes, with some extremely large. Putting at a perfect pace. There are now 5 well-balanced tee options.
