Depending on which nine you begin with, you’ll find yourself sharply veering left or right off the tee with two of the most pronounced dog-legs in Cape Town, both holes descending from tee boxes situated just in front of the elegant clubhouse. Beyond these initial challenges, the course levels out, looping back on itself and playing with the wind: from the thrill of launching a drive with a strong tailwind to the humbling task of taking three solid shots to reach the green on a par-four against a fierce headwind, Clovelly presents a variety of exhilarating highs and challenging lows.
The course also features some charming short holes, and with its overall length being modest by contemporary standards, it’s perfect for the leisure golfer not wanting to tackle an overly long and demanding course. The final hole is particularly impressive, requiring an uphill approach to an elevated green that calls for precise wedge play. Local expertise is invaluable here: Clovelly boasts an excellent team of caddies, renowned for their golfing knowledge and engaging personalities.
As you wrap up your round, take note of the promising young players on the range: Clovelly hosts the Raymond Ackerman Golf Academy, which not only hones golf skills but also fosters academic and life skills among underprivileged children in the area. It’s an outstanding program that has already produced several success stories.
Fish Hoek beach, considered by many to be the best swimming beach in the Cape, is just a few minutes away, and a short ten-minute drive further leads to Boulders Beach, home to a delightful colony of penguins. Clovelly is thus an excellent base for a day of golfing tourism – continue down the road until you find the course, and you’ll find the journey well worth it.
