Home to two world class golf courses, four fine hotels including the famous Palace of the Lost City, casinos, a waterpark, a safari park and some fantastic restaurants, it is easy to understand why Sun City and Gary Player Country Club is one of the most popular stops on the European Tour.
With this edition of the Nedbank Golf Challenge hosted by Gary Player taking the form of a Final Series event for the first time, the facilities and golf course will be in even better shape, so we decided to give you a guide to this wonderful venue and resort.
The Golf Course:
The Gary Player Country Club, which was named South Africa’s Best Golf Course in the World Golf Awards last year, is an 18-hole par-72 walking course located a couple of hours from South Africa’s capital city Johannesburg. When construction of the Sun City Resort began in 1978, the decision was taken to build a golf course that would rival the best in the world, and one day host what is considered to be ‘Africa’s Major’, the Nedbank Golf Challenge.
Set in the African Bushveld and built in an extinct volcanic crater, the course borders the Pilanesberg National Park, with Africa’s Big Five wild animals just one wild drive away. Its manicured fairways and greens contrast sharply against the Acacia trees and roaming wild animals.
After a fairly gentle start the players will take on a delightful par three over water at the fourth hole. The front nine plays slightly longer than the back nine, and being at a high altitude we will see some big drives this week. It isn't until the eighth hole that you turn back and catch sight of the famed Palace of the Lost City hotel complex.
The scenic par five ninth hole is one of the signature holes at the Gary Player GC, with water guarding an island green and a grandstand full of spectators waiting to see if you can successfully take on the risk and reward hole, which will measure nearly 600 yards this week.
The final three holes rival any course in the world with water in play on each hole. First up over the important closing stretch is the deceptive par three 16th hole, which measures 211 yards, which is then followed by two very challenging and entertaining par fours. The 17th has the potential to be a true card wrecker, as you have to be very precise with your approach to successfully make it on to the postage stamp green.
The water is also very much in play on the 18th hole, which measures over 500 yards, and played as the fourth hardest hole when Marc Leishman won here last year. The 2016 field should expect another severe test on the closing hole this time round.
The Palace of the Lost City, Casinos and Nightclubs:
The most recognisable feature of the resort is the unmistakable five star Palace of the Lost City hotel, which is inspired by the myth of a lost African kingdom and set on the highest ground at Sun City, ensuring that its grand proportions and graceful towers are visible from across the resort.
The fantasy of an African palace is indulged in every detail, from the stately volumes of the reception and dining areas to the mosaics, frescoes and fountains that enhance the architecture. Set within beautiful verdant gardens, the hotel has achieved Botanic Garden status in South Africa.
If wondering around the gardens is too slow for you then there are plenty of other options for you, with Sun City’s legendary casino, which has been recently refurbished, offering around-the-clock fun of all kinds and 43 popular table games.
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining options at the Sun City Resort’s wide variety of restaurants and bars, with a diverse offering including luxury fine dining, family restaurants, fast food outlets and themed bars to choose from. Over 30 restaurants cater for every taste.
And if all of that eating has not tired you out there is also a nightclub which stays open through until the early hours.
Safaris and Waterparks:
If nightclubbing is not your thing then why not get up early and enjoy the experience of a lifetime at the Pilanesberg National Park, which is adjacent to the resort and offers safari-goers and families the chance to see the big five which comprises elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino and leopard. If you cannot make a safari, you will still come across plenty of monkeys and baboons roaming near the fairways of the Gary Player CC.
You could follow an early morning safari by taking to one of Sun City’s two water theme parks, one of which is dedicated to slides and rides, and the other to action-packed water sports.
The Lost City’s premier attraction is the Valley of the Waves, home to exciting water slides, a palm-fringed beach and a huge wave machine. The resort’s lake is home to Waterworld, where the attractions include bumper boats and parasailing.
So there you have it, our guide to the Gary Player Country Club and Sun City, a special place where boredom is not an option.
To find out more about Sun City click here.
