Western Cape
Oubaai Golf Club is a signature links course designed by Ernie Els, situated on the Garden Route in Heroldsbay, George. Established by the Kuwaiti Kharafi Holdings Company in 2005, this 18-hole golf course on the Oubaai residential estate in the Western Cape is the first signature course designed in South Africa by local golfing hero, Ernie Els. The par of Oubaai Golf Club is 72 with a length of 6446 yards, and with four tee options, the course accommodates diverse skill levels, offering a distinct challenge for each.
Smooth, undulating slopes, generous fairways and a large expansive layout may create the impression that Oubaai will be a "big easy" course to play. If however the wind is blowing straight off the Indian Ocean, then scoring on this well presented, Ernie Els designed course will be anything but straightforward. Fairways at Oubaai are generally wide with large landing areas but strategically positioned fairway and greenside bunker complexes deftly increase the degree of playing difficulty. The second most talked about Par 3 is the 6th where you stand on the tee box and enter another world. The green is framed by the Outeniqua Mountains in the distance and the Gwaing River flows below you. A 120 metre carry is required to cross the gorge and reach the fairway.
The signature hole is the par three 17th, played downhill to what, in modern course design parlance, is termed an "infinity green" with the sparkling Indian Ocean as a backdrop. With a mere 144 metres from the back, one would be forgiven for thinking this is an easy hole. The green is guarded by 4 bunkers and elevation and wind come into play, making it one of the most challenging plays. With its distinctly open, links-style qualities, and wonderful vistas onto the sea and across to the Outeniqua mountains, Oubaai is both wonderfully scenic and an excellent golfing test.
