West Bank Golf Club Verified listing

West Bank is today one of only two 18-hole courses remaining in the river port of East London, situated on the less affluent side of the city, close to the harbour and industrial area. Like East London Golf Club, it is on high ground overlooking the Indian Ocean, with spectacular views from many of the holes and the clubhouse. Two notable features as you drive through the course to the clubhouse are a lighthouse (Hood Point) and a cemetery.

The club was founded in 1907 with a 9-holer on neighbouring property, but that was soon abandoned for a site closer to the ocean. A full 18 holes with grass greens were established in 1928/29. It’s an old fashioned layout with a linksy look to it that has hardly changed over the last 75 years, other than the eighth, shortened to a par 3 in 1999. It’s a short and quirky course – three par 4s under 300 metres – and extremely tricky when the wind gets up.

The clubhouse sits on a rise fronting the sea, overlooking the first three holes. The first is a driveable par 4 heading towards the lighthouse, but danger lurks behind the elevated green.

The front nine holes all run parallel to the coastline, and the back nine then moves inland from the 11th to 16th, although the good views continue. The finish is a good one and includes the difficult par-3 17th. The exposed 18th tee on one of the highest points offers a panoramic view along the coastline.