Gowrie Golf Course

Gowrie Farm Golf Course is an 18-hole championship layout designed by Pietermaritzburg attorney Guy Smith, who drew inspiration from classic golf designs including Scottish links and American courses like Pinehurst and Merion. The course features bent-grass greens and runs over undulating terrain, creating a visually distinctive venue that appeals to traditionalists.

The design emphasizes classic principles: low-profile tees, fairways dictated by natural land features, push-up greens with interesting run-offs, and strategically positioned bunkers. This philosophy creates an engaging challenge for average golfers while demanding precision from low-handicappers. Notable holes include The Wall (inspired by North Berwick's 13th), Venns Alley as the finishing hole, and several risk-reward designs like Moses and Duncan Price.

The course incorporates natural landscape elements, with fairways hugging contours and slopes following the land's natural movement. Players encounter various hazards including water features, waste bunkers, and strategically tucked bunkers near greens. The setting blends golf with wildlife, with crowned cranes, cattle, reedbuck, and birds visible throughout play. The design encourages creative shot-making and strategic club selection, rewarding thoughtful play over pure distance.