67 - Simola Golf & Country Estate

Location: Knysna, South Africa

Rating: 8.3

Another stunning course in the Knysna area. Similar to Pezula it’s set on top of a hill with stunning views of the area and overlooking the Knysna river. There’s great hospitality, as I arrived someone came to collect my bag and drop it off near the practice area.

Carts are mandatory on the course and it’s really the only option to play here as I think walking would exhaust even the fittest athlete. There’s a small hike from the clubhouse down to the 1st tee.

The course itself is stunning with some fascinating holes. The 2nd hole has a very elevated tee box with great views over ensuing holes. Par 3 12th was probably my favourite hole, tricky one in length 168m set in amongst a ton of trees and bunkers front left and right. The course overall was in great conditions and had some of the fastest greens I’ve ever played on. It’s a little more forgiving than Pezula as you can miss left or right on more holes but the fairways are mostly sloping so have to be careful where you place your tee shots.

Sadly, there was no driving range but a pretty good chipping & putting area. Pro shop was pretty well stocked too. As part of the estate there is a viewing room on top of the hill where you can sit and admire the course lower down in the valley