Selborne Golf Estate, Hotel & Spa

Selborne Golf Estate, Hotel & Spa: Less than an hours' drive south of Durban and set 2 km back from the sea, the 80-hectare Selborne Estate has been acclaimed for many years as one of South Africa's premier golfing stay & plays.

The elegantly sweeping short par-5 opening hole sets the tone for this classical parkland course, which roams its way over undulating, partly wooded, partly open terrain. Occasional areas of real estate development have not detracted from the naturalness of this layout, with many holes lined by dense jungle vegetation.

Water hazards are a frequent threat, especially on the front-nine, with many small, strategically placed ponds to be negotiated alongside some fairways and in front of several greens.

The back-nine feels a little more open than the front, and also contains many memorable holes. The very good downhill par-5 10th and uphill par-5 12th are both played from nicely elevated tees, while the risk-reward short par-4 closing hole presents a good opportunity to finish on par or better; too often however, the extensive bunkering, accompanying palm trees and three-tiered green contrive to produce scores of bogey or worse.

Generally good-width fairways will give encouragement to big-hitters, but beware a few holes, like the short par-4 8th, where accuracy from the tee will serve you better than a long and speculative tilt at the green. With its abundant and diverse flora and fauna, Selborne is a delightful and enjoyable course to play, and occasionally throws in a view or two of the Indian Ocean at the far end of the course.