Paarl Golf Club, Boschenmeer, Paarl SA

The Paarl Golf Club, is an integrated part of the Boschenmeer Golf and Country estate and the first 27 holes facility in the Western Cape area. The course is located the beautiful South African wine region, with the sparkling Paarl mountains in the background (when the light is right, it looks like the hills are covered with pearls). Tee up early in the morning as temperatures can rise here! 7 or 8 AM is great to start: the nature awakens and the grass is still moist which is preferable, as the South African grass can be tough as plastic! Watch out for the very fast greens.

The course is great to play, with quite some water, mature trees and bunkers. Don't get scared at 13 where there is seemingly huge lake to conquer. You'll make it, trust me.

Facilities are perfect. Grand dressing rooms with good showers, fresh towels, lockers, etc. The shop offers some nice memorabilia. A very nice touch is the break possibility between 9 and 10. If you're on schedule, you can get some refreshments. After your round, refreshment towels and drinks are available at the restaurant. Topping it off are the caddies. Yeah that's right, no matter how lousy you play, everybody can get a caddy here. It won't cost you a fortune, and more important, you give these guys (often coming from the townships) a paying job. And don't think they'll only carry your bag: they all have handicaps most of us can only dream of, and you'll will definitely benefit of their advises.

Overall: 8.5