Atlantic Beach Golf Club

Atlantic Beach Golf Club: There is much to commend this challenging and thoroughly absorbing golf course north of Cape Town. Although much of the perimeter of the course has gradually been encircled by real estate, a good margin of fynbos vegetation has been retained to separate the gently undulating and always testing holes from the housing.

The wonderfully varied fynbos is not alone in underpinning Atlantic Beach's pleasantly natural feel. Several tame Springboks roam the fairways, and from the course there are fabulous views of Table Mountain, Robben Island and the Atlantic Ocean. The course itself is thoroughly enjoyable and often immensely challenging.

The fairways and light semi-rough often present relatively tight targets (especially on a first outing), with the thick fynbos awaiting anything hit too wayward. The gentle undulations of the fairways are mirrored, sometimes excessively so, in the often large and seriously sloping greens.

With sandy waste areas lining some fairways and deep bunkering and testing run-offs around the greens, it is not just several tight tee shots that will keep you on your toes. Among many excellent holes, the signature par-3 12th is the kind of gem found on some of the world's best links courses, while the blind drive at the par-5 4th is a knee-trembler, and the testing par-5 1st will clear away any cobwebs at the start of your round.

Allowing for the ever-present housing, albeit set in an originally very natural setting, Atlantic Beach can be enjoyed by links aficionados and holiday golfers alike.