Colesberg Golf Club - Northern Cape

Colesberg Golf Club is a modest yet inviting course set against the stark beauty of the Karoo in Colesberg, Northern Cape. With nine holes laid out in parkland style, the course may not be long, but it offers a pleasing variety of tee shots, narrow fairways and relatively quick greens. The semi-arid climate gives the surroundings a distinctive character, trees and shrubs are sparser than one might see further west, but what is lacking in lushness is more than made up by wide open skies and views of the koppies, especially the nearby Coleskop (also known as Towerberg or Magic Mountain). The veld beyond the fairways contributes quietly to the golfing ambience: the wind, the light and the long distances visible in every direction turn a round into something more than just a game.

The facilities support both visitors and locals well. A driving range and putting green are available for warm-ups and practice while the clubhouse provides essential creature comforts including a bar, changing rooms with lockers and a space to relax after a round. Despite its small size, the club is well maintained and usually quiet, so pacing is relaxed and one can take time over each shot and soak in the surroundings. Its position just off the N1 makes it a convenient stopover for travellers between Cape Town and Johannesburg who might wish to stretch their legs with a round in a rural setting.

While detailed records of its foundation date are not widely published, the club is clearly part of Colesberg’s history as a town known for its frontier origins and pastoral traditions. Over the years it has remained a community hub rather than a high-profile championship venue, and that gives it a warm, unpretentious charm. Visitors comment favourably on the friendliness of staff and locals, and the sense that golf here is for enjoyment rather than prestige.