Book Description

This lavishly illustrated coffee-table book presents a diverse array of South African golf courses, from Gauteng’s Blair Atholl and Royal Johannesburg & Kensington to Arabella and Erinvale in the winelands of the Western Cape, from Beachwood and Zimbali in KwaZulu-Natal to the bushveld splendour of Leopard Creek on the edge of the Kruger National Park, which comes with unique water hazards that are home to hippos and crocodiles. Specialist golf course photographer Jamie Thom and Golf Digest South Africa editor Stuart McLean, both passionate golfers, have chosen the top thirty courses in South Africa and another twenty-eight quality and scenic courses that hold particular appeal for golfers and visitors. The text explores why these courses are so exciting to play, what prestigious tournaments they have hosted, and which illustrious players have competed there. It also records some of the most dramatic and memorable moments in tournament golf. Special features include a list of some of the best golf holes in South Africa, an overview of the most influential golf course architects in the country, and notes about the challenges of photographing golf courses. Jamie Thom set out as a mechanical engineer before indulging his passion for the outdoors and photography, and he has won a number of photography awards. He is a regular contributor to Golf Digest South Africa and Compleat Golfer magazines and also manages the marketing and advertising for Matkovich & Hayes Golf Estate Solutions. His images have been published in magazines, calendars and books worldwide. Stuart McLean has been editor of Golf Digest South Africa since 1997. The magazine publishes an annual list of the Top 100 courses in South Africa, which he initiated in 1997, and he has played each and every one of them since then. He is also the author of South African Golf Courses: A Portrait of the Best, published by Random House Struik.