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The history of the Milnerton Golf Club
Celebrating over 100 Years
The course was closed at the start of the First World War and re-opened in 1925. The “9 out, 9 in” Links type layout is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the West side and Rietvlei lagoon to the East and provides a golfing experience unique to South Africa.
In 1995, the course underwent a major facelift as a result of the development of the Milnerton Links housing estate on part of the course. Some of the original holes were retained, while others were completely rebuilt. The new layout, together with all its features, has proved to be a huge success.
With its glorious and unobstructed views of Table Mountain acting as a backdrop to unsurpassed beauty from most holes, Milnerton Golf Club is truly a wonderful gateway to the “Fairest Cape in all the World”.
Milnerton Golf Club Timeline (1925–2025)
1913–1925
1913–1925
Early Years & Reopening.
1913
1913
Originally laid out as a six-hole course, Milnerton Golf Club opens.
1914–1925
1914–1925
Club closes during WWI; reopens in 1925 as a nine-out, nine-in links-style course.
1940s
1940s
War-Time Adjustments.
1942–1943
1942–1943
During WWII, the club suffers challenges; Milnerton Estates donates £250 and later a 25‑year lease is signed with substantial improvement funding.
1970s
1970s
Development & Prestige.
1977
1977
New clubhouse officially opened by Prime Minister B.J. Vorster on 26 February.
1978–1983
1978–1983
Hosts the South African Masters, part of the Sunshine Tour. Champions include Gary Player, Nick Price, Mark McNulty (twice), Tony Johnstone, Dale Hayes.
1978 anecdote
1978 anecdote
George Schwartzel famously abandoned his clubs mid-round for a dip in the ocean.
1979
1979
Calvin Peete shoots a thrilling 63, but next-day wind causes an 83.
1990s
1990s
Major Redesign & Estate Integration.
1995
1995
Course is redesigned by Mark Muller (Golf Data) in tandem with the development of the Milnerton Links housing estate. Some holes rebuilt and new layout established.
2000s
2000s
Legal Disputes & Growth.
2006–2007
2006–2007
The club becomes a subject in property litigation (Allaclas Investments vs Milnerton Golf Club) involving neighboring homeowners and land rezoning, confirming its legal existence since 1925.
2013
2013
Awarded 5-star rating by WorldGolf.com for design, conditioning, service, and facilities, also hosts the Sanlam SA Women’s Amateur Championship.
2014
2014
Venue for the World Left-Handed Golf Tournament.
2018–2021
2018–2021
Competitive Play & Rankings.
2018
2018
Amateur Wilco Nienaber shoots sensational rounds to win the Western Province Stroke Play title.
2021
2021
Ranked in the South African Top 100 (position ~86–99).
2024
2024
Severe coastal erosion due to Atlantic storms threatens several holes (including the 2nd and 3rd), prompting the extension of greens and relocation of tee boxes.
2024–2025
2024–2025
Conservation Challenges.
Dale Hayes
Kronenbrau 1308 Open
Champion 1978
Gary Player
SAB SA Masters
Champion 1979
Tony Johnstone
Safmarine SA Masters
Champion 1984
Nick Price
SAB SA Masters
Champion 1981
Mark McNulty
Safmarine SA Masters Champion 1985
SAB SA Masters Champion 1982
Signature Events & Course Features
1978–1983
Hosts SA Masters – PGA stars including Player, Price, McNulty
1995
Reinvented layout by Mark Muller under residential integration.
2013–2014
Five-star status + sanctioning of major amateur events.
2024
Facing coastal erosion, with mitigation steps underway.
Course Characteristics
Layout
9‑out, 9‑in links-style on narrow land between Atlantic and lagoon
Length
Approx. 6,100 m, par‑72
Designer
Original—Archie Tosh (1925); Modern layout—Mark Muller (1995)
Turf
Fairways are Kikuyu grass; greens are Poa Bent mix
Wind factor
“Cape Doctor” south‑easterly significantly influences play.
Natural & Strategic Value
- Links character with dunes, sand base, and improved drainage.
- Rich birdlife and occasional sightings of whales/dolphins on seaside holes.
- Erosion risk from the sea necessitates adaptive engineering.
Current Status (2025)
Still operating as a full-fledged championship course, hosting club and union competitions (~50,000 rounds/year), awarded top national rankings, with ongoing responses to environmental pressures.
The Club took transfer of the land with a multilateral agreement between the Milnerton Municipality and The Graaff Trust, which, in effect, transformed the members into owners of the club. Milnerton Golf Club also has strong parliamentarian connections that include the Honorary President, Sir David Graaff.
The Club has featured well in all the local Western Province Golf Union leagues, having won the Masters, Harry Solomon, The Challenge and the Premier Stephan leagues on various occasions.
Member’s competitions are held on Saturday, Wednesday afternoons and Sunday mornings with the club’s group of loyal stalwarts, known as the “Sunday School” taking over a section of the 1st tee on Sunday mornings, so advance booking is always advisable.
