Pezula, meaning “high up with the gods,” is located on a prominent headland at Knysna, in South Africa’s scenic Garden Route. Originally part of Sparresbosch Country Club, the course became part of Zimbabwean developer Keith Stewart’s Pezula estate in 2000. Designed by American architect Ron Fream of Golfplan, it’s renowned for being one of the most visually striking courses on the Western Cape’s coastline.
The front nine forms an anticlockwise loop away from the cliffs, with water coming into play at the 2nd hole, and holes 6-9 situated across a service road. The back nine also follows an anticlockwise path, featuring a picturesque stretch from holes 13 to 15, overlooking the cliffs above The Cove.
The standout hole is the short par four 14th, where long hitters may be tempted to reach the green off the tee, though a misjudged shot risks ending in a sandy wasteland or the dense vegetation by the cliffs. Despite mandatory golf carts, the average round here takes about 4 hours and 50 minutes, but with such captivating views, there’s little need to rush.
Fream’s design maximises the breathtaking scenery, with stunning views of the Indian Ocean and Knysna Lagoon. The challenging terrain and local vegetation, such as the unique fynbos, make Pezula both a visually and technically rewarding golfing experience.
