It’s not every day the Mole is invited to a grand golf resort opening with everything laid on, although his readers may not agree... So sometimes the Mole and his mates have to be creative and come up with their own plan to get away and play golf somewhere different...

And the greatest thing about doing something different is that it doesn’t have to involve spending inordinate amounts to stay at luxury hotels in order to be able to play a “five-star” course where you have to take a caddie (or a cart)... The Mole’s friends had something completky different in mind, they were thinking about heading up the West Coast in the middle of winter...

Initially, the Mole had little faith in the foul weather relenting and allowing us the opportunity to get a decent day’s play in, but with careful monitoring of numerous weather websites, he found the break he needed and headed up the coast with the remainder of his fourball where they stayed at the recently completed Langebaan Country Estate.

Conditions were breathtaking. No wind, warm and a clear sky. Ideal for an outdoor braai, spending time with your friends and enjoying the food and beverage you had bought at the last minute on the way up. Festivities continued into the night, free from the hustle and bustle of urban life, if only for a while.

The great thing about the West Coast in winter is that it’s not the “in” season. This meant that The Mole’s fourball was able to go leisurely about their business, arriving at the golf club (in golf shirts and shorts in MID winter!) without a booking. Not to worry, because there was no timesheet, or a starter. Pay your greenfees and go have a blast.

In the past couple of years the course has been revamped, with new holes replacing some of the old on the original Langebaan layout to come up with a typical Gary Player design. Bunkers are well positioned to catch you out when you aren’t putting the ball in the right spots and the paspalum greens, although a little long, were smooth and true. It’s a rather enjoyable course, the Mole couldn’t complain about much, except possibly his lack of rhythm early on in the round!

The Mole’s conclusion: an absolute blast! It cost us next to nothing and, if you are looking for a similar break, maybe you too should get some mates together and head out to a lesser known destination. It’s about being with your friends away from the stresses of everyday life and the regulars at your home club. Who cares if it isn’t a “five-star” golfing experience? Isn’t that what golf should be all about? Having fun, challenging yourself and sharing that challenge with your mates.

Should you wish to head out to Langebaan, contact their director of golf, Bob Parry, on +27 (0)22 772 2112 or email him at golfdirector@langebaanestate.co.za