Kimberley Golf Club - Kimberley, Northern Cape

The Kimberley Golf Club, located in Kimberley, Northern Cape, is one of South Africa's oldest golf courses, established on the 3rd of July 1890. This 18-hole, par-72 course offers a challenging layout set amidst the arid landscapes of the region. It is a popular venue for local tournaments and social golf, providing both members and visitors with a well-maintained course and clubhouse facilities. The club also offers practice areas and golf lessons.

Founded during the diamond rush era, the original course was laid out near the bustling mining town, featuring sand “browns” for greens and basic fairways carved out with dynamite. Despite its rudimentary setup, the club quickly gained prominence by hosting the inaugural South African Amateur Championship in 1892 and later the South African Open in 1907 and 1913. These early tournaments were played under challenging conditions, including dusty greens made from diamond mine tailings.

In the late 1950s, the club made a significant move to a new location about ten kilometers north of Kimberley near Kamfers Dam. The redesigned 18-hole, par-72 course was completed in 1960 under the direction of renowned golf course architect Bob Grimsdell. The new layout introduced grass greens and Kikuyu fairways, while retaining the unique seasonal personality of the course—lush and vibrant in summer, frosty and firm in winter. Indigenous flora and natural water features, including habitats for flamingos, enhanced both the challenge and the beauty of the setting, making it a standout course in the region.

Throughout its history, Kimberley Golf Club has attracted major golfing talent and hosted landmark events. Notably, British golfer Tony Jacklin claimed his first professional victory here in 1964, and Ernie Els secured his first pro title in 1990 on this very course. The club also pays tribute to Freddie Tait, a celebrated Scottish amateur golfer who died during the Anglo-Boer War, with a dedicated memorial and annual cup competition. Today, Kimberley Golf Club remains a thriving hub for golf enthusiasts, hosting popular tournaments like the Barney Barnato Festival and continuing its legacy as both a historical and competitive golfing destination.