The De Zalze course, crafted by Peter Matkovich, is located on the 750-acre Spier Estate in Stellenbosch’s wine country, under the Helderberg Mountains. The oak-lined Blaauwklippen River meanders through the property, adding strategic water hazards to the course.
Opened in 2001, De Zalze is part of a development that includes a hotel, visitor centre, clubhouse, and outdoor activity centre. Housing on the estate is thoughtfully placed to avoid encroaching on the golfing experience, allowing players to fully appreciate the scenic beauty.
In 2006, De Zalze, alongside Stellenbosch, co-hosted the prestigious World Amateur Championships. The Netherlands secured the Eisenhower Trophy in the men’s competition, while the South African ladies won the Espirito Santo Trophy.
De Zalze is a charming parkland course, playing to a par of 72 and extending over 7,000 yards from the championship tees. The standout hole is the short par-four 13th, where a boardwalk leads to tees set in a lake. The fairway lies to the right of the water, tempting long hitters to aim directly for the green, though caution is advised as noted by the club’s warning: “Do not bite off more than you can chew.”
