Most golfers dream of playing a round of golf or at least spending some time on the driving range during the week, but it’s just not possible because they don’t have the time. We found just the place, where you can fit in a quick round, at the mashie course at Wagner’s Golf Academy in Durbanville. We were quite impressed when we went to check it out, but be warned that you are likely to lose a few golf balls if you do not bring your ‘A’ game to this 9-hole par three golf course. If you are not in a hurry, then you can also look forward to enjoying a cold beverage and the chance to kick back and relax while watching sport on TV with the locals.
The first three holes in front of the club house lulled us into a false sense of security as the way forward seemed relatively easy, if you avoid the bunkers. The rest of the course is laid out behind the club house and accuracy is required if you want to hit the green and avoid searching for your ball in the bush or writing it off, and taking a drop, if it lands in the water.
It is not entirely unpleasant wading through fields of spring daisies looking for your golf ball, but there is no doubt that this mashie course will encourage the intrepid golfer to lose his or her slice. You will also have to improve your short game in order to avoid the disappointment of a dismal scorecard. Wagner’s Golf Academy was founded in 1994 and opened the 9-hole mashie course to meet the needs of golfers looking to test their skills after a warm up on the driving range. Professional coach Lawrence Collen and his team offer golf tuition to beginners as well as helping more seasoned golfers improve their game and perfect their swing. The fact that there are catering and braai facilities makes this venue popular with corporate clients who wish to entertain their clients or use the facilities for team building, and it is extremely affordable. It is also popular with the locals and we were told that the parking lot fills up quickly on a Friday afternoon so arrive early! Green fees for the mashie course cost R40 for nine holes and R80 for 18 holes and 60 balls per bucket on the driving range will cost visitors R45.Go to www.wagnersgolf.com or call 021 981 6042 for more information and for golf coaching lessons call Lawrence Collen on 082 780 7745 or email lawrencecollen@vodamail.co.za Go to www.compleatgolfer.co.za/article/top-three-mashie-courses to read our story on the top three mashie courses in the Western Cape.
