The Kimberley Golf Club: A Timeless Golfing Haven

Located on the northern outskirts of the city, the Kimberley Golf Club is more than just a place to tee off. It's a luxurious, green legend, a chapter of Kimberley’s history that has been telling stories since its inception on July 3, 1890.

Affectionately referred to as the ‘grand old dame’ of Kimberley, this golf course boasts a heritage that few can rival, attracting both seasoned professionals and eager amateurs year after year.

What sets the Kimberley Golf Club (KGC) apart is its unique relationship with the changing seasons. As summer descends upon this corner of South Africa, the course transforms into a lush, green oasis, offering golfers a vibrant backdrop for a leisurely round.

But as winter approaches, the landscape undergoes a magical metamorphosis. The fairways don a matte white coat, and the game takes on an entirely different character. Here, the golf ball seems to acquire a life of its own, rolling endlessly across the snow-like terrain. Yet, through every season, the course remains a welcoming haven for golf enthusiasts.

Throughout its illustrious history, the KGC has witnessed an evolution in its layout. In 1991, a significant enhancement project reshaped the landscape, culminating in the creation of six holding dams. These dams serve not only as visual delights but also as vital sources of sustenance for the course's well-established trees and the newly-planted willows.

But it's not just the physical transformation that makes this club legendary. It's the stories etched into its very soil. In 1990, this course bore witness to Ernie Els' maiden professional victory, the Rail Freight Classic. The same year marked the birth of the Barney Barnato, a nine-night, eight-day festival of golf that has since become an annual tradition. Moreover, the Freddie Tait Golf Museum, the first of its kind in South Africa, stands as a testament to the club's rich history.

Going further back in time, it was here at the Kimberley Golf Club that the inaugural South African championship was held in 1893. The prestigious Cecil John Rhodes' Challenge Cup found a home here in 1897.

In the early 1900s, golfers faced the unique challenge of putting on diamondiferous tailings, a practice that added an extra layer of intrigue to the game. In 1913, history was made when Jaw Prentice became the first player to clinch both the SA Amateur and SA Open titles on this hallowed ground.

But that’s the history, what about the Grand old Dame of today? The DFA spoke to Ronnie Engelbrecht, asking about the current circumstances of the course and the club.

Addressing the challenges, Engelbrecht, the affable general manager of the KGC, playfully acknowledges that each of the 18 holes presents its own unique test. Yet he couldn't help but reveal his favourite – the 14th hole. This par-3 gem boasts an exquisite layout and, like many others on the course, features small greens that demand precision.

The players who frequent this charming course come from all walks of life. While the over-40s hold a prominent presence, a new generation of golfers is taking root thanks to the club's junior academy. Several young talents have already made their mark, competing in the Under-13 SA Tournament and showcasing the club's commitment to nurturing local potential.

For those keen to sharpen their golfing skills, the KGC offers a helping hand. The club's golf shop, owned by Christo Botma, a Professional Golfers Association (PGA) coach, is a hub of knowledge and guidance for beginners and those looking to refine their game.

Throughout the year, the KGC hosts a variety of tournaments and events, including the exclusive club championships, the Northern Cape Open, the Masters, and the iconic Barney Barnato tournament. This Saturday, the course will host the Sol Plaatje University Chancellor's Golf Day, which is open to anybody who would like to take part.

For those who would like to book a spot, they can contact the golf shop at 053 841 0484.

As for the club’s flagship tournament, Engelbrecht spoke with warmth.

“The Barney Barnato, in particular, draws golfers from across South Africa and even as far away as Australia and Zambia” he said.

“This year we will have KWV and Weird Industries sponsoring the Tuesday, Heinekin will sponsor the Wednesday, on Thursday SA Breweries will be sponsoring the day, and Sun Flamingo Casino will sponsor the Friday.

“Our main sponsor, New Vaal Motors, will sponsor Saturday.”

Besides the Barney, Engelbrecht spoke about other highlights coming up. “We have the contractor's golf day moving closer to the end of the year. We also have Diamantveld High School that will be hosting a golf day here, which is a fund-raiser for their school,” he said.

With Kimberley seemingly set for a scorcher this summer, the DFA asked how the club intends to maintain the course, especially with Kimberley’s regular water interruptions.

Engelbrecht assured the DFA that the KGC remains dedicated to maintaining its greens and fairways in top-notch condition emphasising the fact that the club takes immense pride in its eco-friendly practices, opting for sustainable products and utilising effluent water for irrigation, all in an effort to preserve the natural beauty that surrounds it.

He says that a team of 12 dedicated groundsmen and greenkeepers, armed with tractors, mowers, and a wealth of expertise, ensures that the course remains a joy to play on.

Engelbrecht explained, “We maintain the course by using three tractors, a surround mower, a green mower, and general manpower. Then, once the growth season starts, we will start scarifying the greens to speed them up and get them smooth.

“Course maintenance is an ongoing task that never truly ends,” he said.

As for visitors, the general manager told the DFA that the club extends its warm hospitality with a clubhouse, pro golf shop, bar, and restaurant to those visiting the KGC.

Recent upgrades to the bar have breathed new life into the venue, with further plans under way to enhance the restaurant, providing golfers and visitors with an all-encompassing experience.

Meanwhile, the Kimberley Golf Club is also committed to making golf accessible to the local community. Plans are in motion to structure subscriptions to cater to all, considering the economic challenges that Kimberley residents face.

The goal is simple: encourage more rounds of golf and greater utilisation of the bar and restaurant facilities.

Beyond golf, the KGC plays a significant role in the local community, especially during tournaments. Employment opportunities abound for caddies, bar staff, waiters, and security personnel, providing a welcome economic boost to the area.

The club is also deeply involved in promoting junior golf, forging partnerships with the Northern Cape Golf Union and various regional tournaments to nurture young talents as they hone their skills on this historic course.

Throughout its history, the KGC has witnessed countless moments of golfing perfection. Those elusive hole-in-ones have added a touch of magic to the course, making it all the more enchanting.

So, whether you're a seasoned golfer or a newcomer eager to take up the sport, the Kimberley Golf Club offers an unforgettable experience on its beautifully maintained fairways and greens.

Pop in sometime and embrace the rich history, savour the challenges of the holes, and bask in the warm hospitality of this iconic club in Kimberley.