SOMERSET WEST, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA

After years of negotiations, the Somerset West County Club sold one of the portions of land containing 5 holes, for development. With players having to cross both a railway line and major road, it became impossible to provide a safe and secure environment for golfers, and the Matkovich team were able to fit the 5 holes onto the remaining land. Having to reshuffle and realign some existing holes, the final project resulted in 9 new holes being built. The club continued play on the existing 9 holes around the clubhouse, without interference from the construction work.

Construction commenced in April 2017, and is planned to be complete during early December 2017.

With the additional benefit and challenge of receiving an additional 80 000m3 of soil from a nearby construction site, the Matko team were able to add some additional shaping and mounding, providing a bit more separation between the course and surrounding major road and railway line.

The new course aims to provide a fun and interesting challenge for all golfers – the majority of the club’s members are more advanced in years, so the course needed to provide a very playable course. On a number of holes though, golfers can choose a more risky approach, with a potential scoring opportunity, or a more conservative, and safer way, depending on their skill and the weather on the day – being very close to the ocean, wind plays a large part in the course’s defence and playability, providing a different challenge should the wind change direction.

With limited bunkering on the course, the green’s complexes help provide some gentle movement, allowing for some easier and more challenging pin placements. With fun and playability being the number one aim, golfers are sure to enjoy the new challenge, navigating the new links.