The Mole believes that Zimbabwe is still a great golfing destination, unless of course you have moral reservations.

Most golfers would probably look at you rather strangely if you were to mention the idea of a golfing holiday in Zimbabwe. A three-ball, which of course included the Mole, actually visited the country a little more than a year ago, at a time just prior to the elections. It was a time of hyper-inflation, and wholesale political intimidation – hardly ideal conditions for touring, but with Zimbabweans being what they are, a good time was had by all. In the October issue of Compleat Golfer, editor Brandon de Kock wrote a travel article on his weekend in Harare, which gives one a good idea of what to expect.

The Zim economy is showing signs of stabilising, and one is now able to pay for goods and services with hard currency. (A practice that could have landed both the tourist and the person receiving the cash in jail before the “new deal”.) Petrol coupons are freely available (they can be purchased in South Africa), and there is no shortage of fuel for the tourist.

The truth is, a holiday in Zimbabwe still represents excellent value – this is a beautiful country populated by the friendliest people. The golf courses, at least those that have survived, are a joy to play. Royal Harare with its magnificent trees is a superb parkland layout, and Leopard Rock on the border of Mozambique is probably one of the most spectacular inland layouts in the world. All of Chapman, Borrowdale Brooke, and Wingate are definitely worth a visit, as is Elephant Hills, near to the Victoria Falls.

But by visiting Zimbabwe, are you actually endorsing a government that is still led by a paranoid despot who might still have to face charges of crimes against humanity? The Mole reckons that very little of the money you spend will end up in the government’s coffers, and if you were to pay your caddie R50 (double the going rate), his family could eat for a week.