Fact File
Address – Golf Drive, Gaborone
Par – 72
Rating – 72
Length – 6209 metres (club tees)
Best Time to Play – January to April
History
This 18-hole championship course was designed by the DDV Design Group and opened in June 2002. The course has 15 dams, 75 bunkers and the average size of the greens is 700m². Additional facilities include the largest pro shop in Botswana, a driving range and a rather social clubhouse bar called The Office Bar, which overlooks the 18th green and is adjacent to Drotsky’s Restaurant.
The Course
It’s been described as a mixture of a bushveld and a parkland course, with the estate developed in and around the course. “The course is relatively flat and inviting to play”, says Golf Manager, Jon Warburton, “even though the fairways are a little tighter than most South African courses. The course has a fair number of fairway bunkers, water hazards and trees that come into play. These are very well placed and can be tricky to deal with at times. The course is generally always in great shape, although the rough can get quite thick in the summer seasons, which adds to the challenge. In my mind this course is designed to test the better golfer, whilst still keeping the game enjoyable for the average golfer”. Added treats on the course include an abundant bird life and occasional wildlife, including ‘friendly’ reptiles, whilst there are spectacular views from most parts of the course, along with unforgettable sunsets. At 6209 metres off the club tees, Phakalane is very playable.
Signature Hole
The 18th hole is a tricky stroke-13 par-5, measuring a good 501 metres from the club tee. “This hole requires accurate shots from tee to green, as there are two dams – one to the right from the drive and one to the left coming into play for your second and third shots”, says Warburton. “For the long hitters, a long iron or 3-wood is required off the tee, as there is a stream that runs across the fairway. But, from a good position on the fairway, this hole is reachable in two, if you want to take on the 180-200 metre carry over water. For the average golfer, it will take you three shots to get to the green, navigating your way between the water and the trees. This hole is very much a ‘risk and reward’ hole that leads back to the stunning clubhouse”. A good finishing hole.
Rates
Affiliated Visitor – P130 (R138)
Non-Affiliated Visitor – P150
Caddies – P140
Cart – P180
Club Hire – P200
Where is it?
The estate is situated within the municipal boundary of Gaborone, and only 15 kilometres from the city centre. It’s approximately 18 kilometres from Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, and about a 20-minute drive. Gaborone can also be reached by car from Johannesburg – that’s approximately a four-hour drive, depending on where you depart from.
Contact
Tel: +267 360 4000, phakalane.com