Golfing purists might not be as enamoured with Pinnacle Point as others, but if breathtaking scenery and a sense of adventure are the kinds of things that get you going, you can’t help be bowled over by the experience.
Starting in the clubhouse, which sits perched seemingly on the edge of the world overlooking the waves rolling into Mossel Bay and offers 270-degree views, you very quickly get an idea of what’s in store once you’ve made your way to the 1st tee.
The course’s location is simply stunning, prompting co-designer Peter Matkovich to echo Darren Clarke’s sentiments, saying Pinnacle Point is: “The most dramatic golf course site I've ever encountered anywhere in the world!”
The Course may have only arrived on the scene in 2006, but it hasn’t taken long to turn heads, being named South Africa’s Best Golf Course at the 3rd Annual World Golf Awards, and receiving a nomination for the same award in 2017. It will take something special to top it.
Panoramic views out over the Indian Ocean are served up the entire way around the course, and there are no less than 7 holes which could easily fall into the signature variety.
The first 6 holes are excellent in their own right, but the real fun starts at the par 3 7th, the first of the holes perched right on the cliff’s edge. This stunning par 3 features a forced carry from the tee to a green perched on the edge of the world and at certain times throughout the year, you might even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Southern Right Whales in the water below.
From the 7th onwards, golfers are treated to a further 6 clifftop holes, many of which feature forced carries over gaping ravines, with others providing lots of exciting risk vs. Reward scenarios and each is as beautiful as the last.
They arguably saved the best for last at Pinnacle Point too, with the par 5 18th being one of the best finishing holes in all of golf. Playing from an elevated tee, the hole sweeps and cambers around to the left, hugging the cliffs of Eden Bay, with a 330 yard long white sandy bunker lining the left of the hole. Suffice to say, a round at Pinnacle Point will probably have you taking as many shots with your camera as you do with your clubs.
The course stretches to over 7,600 yards from the championship tees, but these aren’t for the faint-hearted, with plenty of forced carries which are simply too long for the average handicap golfer to manage. Fear not though, there are 5 tee positions to choose from, allowing golfers of all abilities to find their comfort zone and enjoy this spectacular course.