Lots to admire in the design of greens and bunkering at Wingate Park, a parkland course which is one of the busiest in Gauteng yet never looks as if those 50 000 rounds a year impact general conditioning. The tees though are in poor shape, and several would benefit from being rebuilt. Wingate is an attractive property, isolated from traffic noise and with a countryside feel to it that makes for a pleasant walk. An interesting layout with variable terrain, used to good effect on holes 3 to 9. The greens, their defensive bunkers, and runoff areas are splendid creations. Big trees frame the back nine holes and emphasise the importance of hitting fairways off the tee. It’s a challenging back nine in every respect. At 3681 metres it’s only exceeded in length in Gauteng by the second nines at Els Club Copperleaf and Blair Atholl. Wingate has three 5s and three longish 4s. And it closes with three distinctive holes 16 to 18. First up is a perilous short 3 with a narrow green sitting between water and a bunker. No 17 at 426 is one of Gauteng’s best 4s, curving slightly right to what appears to be the tiniest of greens. 18 is a great risk-reward 5, a dogleg left around those giant trees, a water hazard guarding the right side of the green.
