Founded in 1931, Humewood Golf Club is one of the oldest and longest standing true links courses in South Africa. Using the natural landscape and dunes available on the coast, this is how golf originally started. It was how golfers could make use of land that could not be farmed. As with most true links courses, it is nature that offers the greatest defenses. With a traditional stiff breeze, you could be looking at 4-6 club swings for the same distance depending on direction.
Right on the seaside at the beginning and end of your rounds allows for some spectacular views given the right time of day. It has hosted the South African Open a few times in its heyday, but unfortunately political situations in the city and a lack of travelers returning to the city has led to a slight decline in foot traffic. It is still an incredible golf course steeped in history. As you leave the putting green and head towards the 1st tee you walk behind the 18th green, with the ocean as an incredible backdrop. The main problem and protection for the golf course is the bloody wind. It whips. Most of the time making the wind direction critical to your course management and expectations on each hole. Most of the par 5’s are reachable for longer players unless the wind is truly pumping. The 8th is a colossal mammoth of a par 4 and on any given day could become unreachable in 2, for some of the average length hitters. Personally, the 16th, a short par 4 is a personal favorite of mine. Being short enough given the wind to choose to take on the green in one or to lay up and rely on your wedge game. Which for me unfortunately has never been consistent enough to rely on regularly. The 17th has the ocean on the right side, encouraging you to continue and reach the 18th to look up at the clubhouse and balcony of the club bar. Which has a wonderfully old school feel with photos of the past and stained wood walls and chairs. It’s warm, the staff are friendly, and the sunset brandies and coke are some of the best that I have experienced I have had with some of my longer known friends.
Along the South African coast a number of notable golf courses, which unfortunately have faded from my memory are Pezula, Goose Valley, George Country Club, Kingswood, Simola, St Francis Golf Club, St Francis Links, Port Shepstone Country Club, Royal Cape and Mossel Bay Country club. A golf course to try in Northern South Africa is Koro Creek in Molimolle. Other courses I have played in South Africa have unfortunately left my memory as it was too long ago.
How to get there
Humewood Golf club is located on Marine Drive in Summerstrand. Normally, you would drive West along Marine Drive and you will see the entrance on the right-hand side of the road or the opposite side of the road to the coast depending on where you are staying. As I found out when driving to play, Gqeberha offers many sporting events, and some may close Marine Drive. Should this be the case, you will drive into Nelson Mandela University’s North Campus gate. About 100m after the gate there is a turn off onto a dirt road, follow that dirt road until you arrive next to the 10th tee box.
Price and rating
This is by far the most expensive course in Port Elizabeth for non-affiliated members. At R700 for 18 holes, it is quite steep. However, this is probably due to it being the only ‘true’ links in South Africa and an incredibly unique experience. If you are an affiliated member at another course, at R320 it is much more affordable. A solid 8/10 Toes, the only drawback, as with most historical clubs, is the strict dress-code and some members can be a bit pretentious about things.
