REGIONAL NEWS - The 17th annual Ultimate Garden Route Road Trip once again showcased why the region remains one of South Africa’s premier golfing destinations, as 76 golfers from around the world teed off across some of the country’s most scenic and sought-after courses.
The recent week-long event brought together players for competition, connection and a shared love of the game.
Over the years, the Road Trip has become a close-knit community where lasting friendships are forged and new memories created with every edition.
This year’s field included 28 teams, featuring both seasoned local players and an international contingent representing Switzerland, the Netherlands, France, Austria, Germany, Latvia and Ireland. South African golfers travelled from as far as Cape Town, KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape, joining Garden Route locals for the occasion.
In total, participants played 10 courses in just eight days - a demanding but rewarding schedule that highlighted the diversity and quality of golfing on offer in the region.
Six of those courses are located in Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, widely regarded as home to some of the finest golf courses in South Africa. These included the iconic Pezula Championship Golf Course, Simola Hotel Country Club & Spa, Knysna Golf Club, Plettenberg Bay Country Club and Goose Valley Golf Course - all celebrated for their world-class layouts and breathtaking coastal and lagoon views.
The broader itinerary also took players to top-ranked courses across the Garden Route, including Oubaai Golf Club, George Golf Club, Kingswood Golf Estate, Mossel Bay Golf Club and the spectacular Pinnacle Point Estate.
The event teed off with a relaxed pre-tournament round at Knysna Golf Club and culminated in a memorable finale at Pinnacle Point, where players not only celebrated the week’s golf but also contributed to a meaningful cause.
This year’s event raised a record-breaking R173 240 for Wild Mongoo, an organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable women through employment opportunities and skills development.
Organisers praised the participants for their generosity and spirit. “This is about more than just golf - it’s about community, connection and making a difference,” they said.
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