WATCH: Skukuza Golf Club proves worthy of its tagline of the wildest course in the world

Courses

James Richardson
November 12, 2023

Originally built as a recreational facility for park personnel, Skukuza Golf Club lives up to its advertised tagline of the wildest course in the world.

Skukuza is a simply breathtaking example of bushveld golf, with the course nestled into the middle of the Kruger National Park.

It is the only golf course in the Kruger National Park itself, and while nearby Leopard Creek is an exclusive experience, Skukuza has a bit more of a come-one-come-one-come-all approach, and their green fees are a fraction of what you will play to play at Johan Rupert owned venue for the Alfred Dunhill Championship.

Every visitor to the Kruger National Park is invited to make use of the Golf Club’s recently refurbished amenities, cosy furnishings, and remodelled space. The Big Five, a vast array of birds, and several other creatures may be found in the rich wildlife sanctuary that surrounds the Skukuza Golf Course, which is located on the outskirts of Skukuza Rest Camp. The visitor to Skukuza is treated visitor to a harmonious close-to-nature golfing experience.

Sometimes that nature comes a lot closer than you might have anticipated. Some of the wildlife might catch you by surprise, but it is hard to miss an elephant on the fairway.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ZIRE GOLF (@ziregolf)

As for the course, it’s a Par 72 and is 5831m (6450 yards) for men and 4950m (5480 yards) for women. The course has nine holes so an 18-hole round sees you play each hole twice.

Since the course is not fenced-in, uninvited spectators are a common sight, hippo, impala, warthog and baboons to mention but a few.

The course promises the pleasure of challenge and adventure.

For instance, on the tricky Par 3 second, you have water on the left and to the back of the green. The signature Par 3 ninth is about 150m and is played across Lake Panic.

Lake Panic is also in play on the challenging opening hole, especially for the golfer with a hooking problem as well as the Par 5 third.

The Skukuza Golf Course famously has no bunkers, although they warn of ‘aerial bunkers because of the many trees found on the course.

Your approach to wildlife intrusions should be tailored to the animal you have encountered and its proximity to you if you choose to play Skukuza although staff at the course will give you a thorough briefing on what to expect on your round.