Parkview Golf Club Verified listing

Parkview Golf Club is one of the oldest and most prestigious golf clubs in Johannesburg, South Africa. The club was founded in 1916, during a time when golf was becoming increasingly popular in the country. Over the years, Parkview Golf Club has hosted numerous important tournaments, including the South African Open and the South African PGA Championship. The club has also been home to several notable golfers, including major champions Bobby Locke and Gary Player.

Parkview celebrated its centenary in 2016, and its parkland layout is one of the oldest in Gauteng, with many of the original holes remaining. It does have a modern look to it, though, as a major upgrade by Golf Data in 2001 transformed a deteriorating classic thanks to new greens (with Penn A4 bent grass), stylish bunkering, swales and mounding. Plus, a water hazard built in front of the green at the par-3 15th has made this a signature hole. It’s not a lengthy course, but with 12 par 4s and creatively designed greens it remains a strong challenge when the green speeds are up.

Parkview is similar to nearby Killarney GC in that it is shoe-horned into three narrow parcels of land, each separated by roads. A deep stormwater sluit runs through the middle, with holes on either side, and occasionally features as a hazard. The biggest parcel contains the first eight holes, including some of the most attractive, before returning to the clubhouse.

Parkview is renowned for being a hospitable and social members club and that spirit has continued to thrive. The modest-sized clubhouse has much to do with that. It’s only a few strides from the front door to the locker room or bar, or downstairs to the putting green and pro shop.