The San Lameer golf course, which was opened in 1992, is situated on the Kwa Zulu Natal South Coast and is rated one of the top 10 South African golf courses. It was the first from-start-to-finish project undertaken by Peter Matkovich and Dale Hayes, who became one of the most successful golf architectural teams in Africa.

Although only 6100m long, this 18-hole par-72 course is a rare challenge as it is built on one of the last wetlands in South Africa, with water hazards appearing on just about every hole.The putting surfaces are smooth and the sloping fairways, bordered by splendid forests, are well kept. Water comes into play on 10 holes. Our advice is to bring more than enough balls. San Lameer is a parkland course situated in a nature conservation area.

Shortly after the opening of the course, Peter Matkovich described it as challenging but fun to play. 'It is easy to make a bogey, but pars are hard won. The experienced golfer will play San Lameer down the middle and have a good time. The young guns will probably take chances and be frustrated' says Matkovich.

The playing surface at San Lameer is kept as close to perfection as is humanly possible. Country club grass, which is fast, smooth, almost spike-proof and well suited to coastal conditions, has been chosen for the greens. The fairways are covered with an indigenous South African cynodon, known as Sahara, a hardy grass which grooms well.

The 4th hole is an outstanding par-three, played over a stretch of water to a narrow green, not unlike Augusta National's famous 12th. The 385-meter par-four 6th is a gem. The drive is tight with thick bush left and right. The approach is nothing short of terrifying for the player who tends to hook the ball, as the green is closely guarded by water on the left. The scenario becomes even more problematic if there is a wind blowing, which is often the case..

The 199-meter par-three 9th is played from an elevated tee to a green almost completely surrounded by water. The 9th is the beginning of an almost continuous stretch of holes right through to the 18th where water comes into play. Slice at the 10th ad you're definitely in the drink! If you are tentative with your approach at the 11th, the same fate awaits you. The 13th, a magnificent par-five with water almost everywhere, is a great challenge. It is reachable in two for the longer hitter, but double bogeys are more common than birdies.

Try not to miss the green with your tee shot at the short 14th - a steep bank falls away sharply on the left and there's trouble on the right too. The 18th is a short par-four which requires no more than a long-iron off the tee and a short-iron in. Be warned that the second shot must clear a stretch of water which seems to gobble up golf balls when the game is close and the pressure is on.

The estate is extremely conscious of protecting the environment and the course was designed to avoid areas of sensitive vegetation and utilize natural features. This course is a nature lover’s dream surrounded by over 195 species of bird, troops of Impala, Reedbuck and Bushbuck.

This challenging, yet fun to play course, lies 3 kilometers past Southbroom, heading south on the main highway between Durban and Port Edward.