Durban Golf Club

Durban GC, more commonly known as Papwa Sewgolum GC is one of two municipal courses in Durban, the other being Windsor GC.

Papwa is a very uniquely 3rd world golf course as it sits adjacent to a squatter camp (informal settlement) where the poorest members of society live. Despite this, the residents respect the golf course as they realise that it provides much needed employment to their community. Nonetheless, it is still heartbreaking to witness how a large portion of South African society lives - a massive failing of the government.

The golf course itself is a very fun yet challenging course to play. It is probably one of the tightest courses I've ever played with a large imperative on accuracy off the tee. Some corridors are no wider than 15m across. Most holes are not terribly long, so a good drive is well rewarded. But there are a few seriously long holes too. Most greens are also well guarded with deep cavernous bunkers ready to swallow a stray ball.

The greens role beautiful and true and are generally sloped heavily from back to front with not much other movement in them. The routing takes you through some of the best parts of the land and has really made the most of the land.

It is by far one of the best value for money rounds one can get - R120. The conditions far exceed what you pay and is a great way to get people into the game. One can only hope that these kind of facilities remain for the foreseeable future.