93 Inanda Rd, Hillcrest,
nr Durban, KwaZulu-Natal 3650
Office
+27 (0)31 762 3660Pro shop
+27 (0)31 762 3661Fax
+27 (0)31 714 4432Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
Dean le View (Golf Director)The Course:
18 holes. Open parkland. Undulating terrain - several slopes to climb.
Surroundings:
Rural countryside, woodland and residential.
Designer:
Peter Matkovich
-29.760168
30.790687
35 km W of Durban
From Durban centre take the N3 direction Pietermaritzburg. After approx 12 km take exit 17 onto the M13, direction Pietermaritzburg. Take exit 28 (Old Main Rd) and follow the R103 direction Hillcrest. After 2.4 km at shopping centre, turn right onto the M33 (Inanda Rd). After approx 3 km, golf entrance is on your left (opposite "Le Domaine" on your right).
Cotswold Downs
Cotswold Downs Golf Club: Of many excellent golf courses recently designed by Peter Matkovich, Cotswold Downs is surely one of his best, as well as being one of the most dramatic inland layouts in South Africa.
Taking its name from the Cotswold region in England, this expansive, open and challenging course will thoroughly test your game, while also providing some wonderful views across the hills to Durban and the Indian Ocean. Spectacular elevation changes are a hallmark of this design.
The par-5 opener provides an early introduction to the range of hazards that await, not least the excellent bunkering, presence of water hazards and large, sloping greens. On many occasions you can enjoy generous width fairways from the tee; much needed when the wind is blowing. However, the secret of scoring well here rests on hitting the greens with your approaches; anything too wayward will be devoured by deep greenside bunkering or occasional water hazards.
Among the best of the short holes, the par-3 5th requires a plunging downhill tee-shot, with water seriously threatening in front of the green. The par-5 9th is played alongside a wonderfully natural stretch of forest that climbs up the hillside, and all around the course, wetland areas are home to a wonderful array of birdlife.
The par-5 12th through to the par-3 16th take you up to the highest and most wind exposed section of the layout. Real estate, much of it yet to be constructed, will hopefully not impact the scenic splendour of this Matkovich masterpiece, allowing it to quickly fulfil its potential in going from very good to great.
Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends. Closed Mondays.
Must book in advance.
Non-metal spike facility. Golf carts compulsory; carts are fitted with GPS.
Like much of this area of KwaZulu-Natal, Cotswold Downs has been carved out of what was former sugar cane plantation. In many parts of the course wetland areas have been retained or introduced to promote the continuing naturalness of Cotswold Downs. A new clubhouse and Stay&Play lodges are planned to be built at Cotswold Downs.
South Africa's 52nd best course (SA's Top 100 Courses, 2023).
Inanda Road, Hillcrest, nr Durban
+27 (0)31 716 8480
Visit websiteThis 5-star boutique lodge is located directly opposite Cotswold Downs, and occupies tranquil, landscaped grounds which offer wonderful views. The 32 rooms, eight of which are suites, are equipped with the very best fittings and furnishings, including plasma screen TV, microwave, mini-bar, PC modem and DVD/CD Hi Fi.
Cotswold Downs (opposite)
No
Royal Durban; Durban CC; Durban CC (Beachwood course).
5 Southern Avenue, Hillcrest, Durban, KwaZulu Natal
+27 (0)31 765 4481
Visit websiteRivendell Bed & Breakfast, in the heart of the 1000 Hills Experience, comprises nicely decorated rooms, all with en-suite bathrooms. The rooms lead onto an enclosed courtyard that offers a secluded swimming pool and quiet garden ensuring peace and quiet for a perfect stay.
No
Cotswold Downs
Royal Durban; Durban CC; Durban CC (Beachwood course).
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