Pinnacle Point Golf Course
Pinnacle Point is one of a rare group of golf courses in the world built on high cliffs overlooking the ocean. It’s a spectacular experience and ranks with the likes of Pebble Beach in California, Old Head in Ireland, Kauri Cliffs in New Zealand and Playa Grande in the Dominican Republic.
This Clifftop Fynbos Golf Course inspires the golfer to play this challenging layout with a level of respect due to its dramatic views and breathtaking terrain. It has to rate as one of the most amazing golf experiences in South Africa; if not the world.
Several of the holes at Pinnacle Point are amazing in terms of wow factor, and even when you’re playing inland you still enjoy wonderful views of the Indian Ocean. The Peter Matkovich course in Mossel Bay is possibly South Africa’s major golf attraction for tourists, and has contributed immensely to the success of the Garden Route as an award-winning golf destination. With sensational views from every tee, it was once described by St Francis Links CEO Jeff Clause as golf on an “Imax Screen.”
It became a global phenomenon from the day it was first opened for play in late 2006, and was soon featured on the covers of international golf magazines. American writer George Peper described it as being set “on more jaw-dropping terrain than Pebble Beach and a much better course than Old Head. This is extreme golf, but it is honest golf. There are no silly holes – just engaging, exhilarating ones.”
Pinnacle Point is primarily a cart course owing to the severity of the terrain. The opening three holes climb uphill, and there are long walks around ravines where having a cart helps speed up play.
Course Designer
Peter Matcovich
Feature Holes
Where to start? There are three fabulous par 3s on the cliff edge, while the par-3 17th playing towards the ocean is one of the country’s best one-shotters. There are downhill holes like the par-5 fifth; a short par 4, the eighth, where long hitters can attempt to carry a ravine over the ocean; and a dramatic tee shot at 12 with plenty of hang time where the fairway is a distant long drop. And the round finishes with a scary downhill par 5 to a green on the edge of the cliff.
Practice Facility
Excellent range, which includes the Louis Oosthuizen Junior Academy, is at the entrance to the estate, before you drive through security to the clubhouse. There are practice putting greens at the clubhouse.
Course Summary
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Five tees / Par 72
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Black 6460 metres, CR76.3/152
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Yellow 6090 metres, CR74.4/149
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White 5646 metres, CR71.9/144
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Blue 5262 metres, CR69.2/140
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Red 4699 metres, CR66.2/133
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Women’s blue, CR75.8/143
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Women’s red, CR72.2/133
