Upington Golf Club - Northern Cape

Upington Golf Club, located just outside the town of Upington in the Northern Cape, offers a striking blend of lush parkland fairways and the arid splendour of the Kalahari desert. The full 18-hole course plays to a par 72, with a length of roughly 6030 to 6076 metres from the men’s tees and about 5180-5200 metres for ladies. The grass on both fairways and greens is largely kikuyu, which stands out beautifully against the deep burnt-orange tones of the Kalahari sand. While the terrain is mostly flat, the layout is far from dull, as wind conditions and occasional undulations make club selection and control essential for a successful round.

The course was developed by the local municipality in 1946, making it one of the older established golf venues in the region. Over the decades it has retained strong ties to the community, welcoming visitors with friendliness and warmth. There are no extensive bunker systems; instead the challenge comes from maintaining accuracy off the tee, managing play against sometimes dusty roughs, and using the greens well. Despite the semi-arid surroundings, irrigation fed by the Orange River allows the fairways to remain verdant, especially given the striking contrast with the natural landscape.

Facilities at the club include a clubhouse welcoming golfers to relax after play, a pro shop stocked with equipment, and options for hiring clubs and carts. Practice amenities include putting greens and in many cases other warm-up areas. The remote nature of Upington means that visiting golfers are urged to book tee times in advance and to plan around the heat, especially in summer, when morning or late afternoon play is more comfortable.