There are a mere four Royal
Golf Clubs in South Africa
and Port Alfred – the lively
small town known as the
heart of the Sunshine Coast
– is proud, very proud, to
host one of them.
Sunshine Coast region and the embrace of the
hospitality that the club is well known for.
The course experience is memorable as golfers
take on a plethora of interesting holes – some
overlooking the ocean with the chance of seeing
whales and dolphins at play; while others test
the golfer’s skill as the ups and downs are a far
cry from the manicured layouts many are used
to. The names cause amusement – how about
Whale’s Back, Hippo Hollow, The Connaught,
Hugh Kelly and more? And on a windy day even
This enchanting links course bordering on the the most patient of golfing enthusiasts will have
warm Indian Ocean boasts not only 18 very their mettle tested.
fine holes of testing golf but also several very
unusual “residents”.
Port Alfred is about one third of the way along
the beautiful Sunshine Coast, which extends from
A round of golf can also turn into a game- East London down to Port Elizabeth. Land at
viewing experience to remember as herds of either airport and you will enjoy a smooth drive
Springbok, Gemsbok, Impala and the usually along the stunning coastline to the small town
elusive Bushbuck and tiny Blue Duiker roam locals call ‘Paradise’.
nonchalantly about the course.
Or if you have the means you can charter a
Port Alfred gained its “royal” status all of 95 private flight and land a mere 10 minutes out of
years ago when King George V bestowed it on town at 43 Air School, a world-renowned facility
the then unassuming village course. Its royal training pilots for major international airlines.
patronage lasted for a fair number of years
as the Prince of Wales – later to become King
Edward VIII, who later abdicated – visited and
enjoyed many days and several rounds there.
Yes, the Heart of the Sunshine Coast has many
surprises in store – and Royal Port Alfred Golf
Club is surely the sparkling gem that keeps avid
golfers returning time and time again.
Now all these years later Royal Port Alfred
Golf Club is attracting golfers from all over the
world who are keen to enjoy the warmth of the
www.rpagc.co.za
DG SAIO 2020 | 31