Although no individual can lay claim to the overall design of Pearl Valley, the masterplan was shaped by the vision of Jack Nicklaus. His unique touch is evident at Pearl Valley Golf Estates. This golf legend sees the Pearl Valley course as the sum of his knowledge and his experience. Officially opened at the beginning of November, 2003 by Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, Pearl Valley Golf Estates was named ‘best new golf course of the year’ by Golf Digest magazine in 2005 and in 2008 is ranked the '5th best course in South Africa' by Golf Digest.
Traversed by roads in only three places, with an ingenious drainage system that allows play to continue just minutes after a severe cloudburst, the Pearl Valley Golf Estates' course is in a league of its own.
To meet the ‘Golden Bear’s’ uncompromising standards of golf course design and aesthetic beauty, a combination of the intense colours of the greens and fairways, together with the brilliant white river sand lining the bunkers was carefully planned, to make Pearl Valley Golf Estates the most visually spectacular golf course in the country. The total length of course is 6801 metres, whereas the members’ length ranges from 4685 to 5876 metres. Bunkers on Nicklaus’ signature courses are renowned for being shallow, long and relatively undaunting. Every hole is played against the spectacular backdrop of the mountains surrounding the estate and all are challenging due to the bunkers and fast greens. The course has been designed with the area’s prevailing winds in mind; the winter northwesterly and the summer southeasterly. All par 3s and par 5s play in different directions, ensuring that the same conditions are not experienced too many times in one round.
The 4th is the ‘Signature’ hole and one of the most scenic of par 3s. The water cuts in on the right and a greenside bunker awaits the cautious tee shot. This hole tests your ball stroking and your nerve.
Hole 13 is also challenging with no room for error as you need to cross the creek three times en route to the green. This par 5 is listed as one of the best 18 holes in South Africa. On the 17th hole you might consider using a rescue wood or iron off this tee, but the closer you get to the green the better. Bunkers, as with all holes are difficult. There is a bunker on the left and water on the right for this tee shot. Your second shot requires pin-point accuracy as you are about to hit over the water to the green.
