Clovelly Country Club, located in the Fish Hoek (Silvermine) Valley near Cape Town, was established in 1934 by Dr. Charles Molteno Murray, who also designed notable courses like Royal Cape and George. The Silvermine River influences play on this moderately long yet narrow course, which weaves through sand dunes and various water hazards, emphasising accuracy over distance.
Among the course’s challenging drives, the par-four 4th hole stands out, with a stream and out-of-bounds on the left and a pond guarding the green. This layout demands precise approach shots, rewarding skillful play. The course offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, False Bay, and the ocean, making it one of Bobby Locke’s favourite courses.
In “South Africa’s Greatest Golf Destinations,” co-authored with Jamie Thom, Stuart McLean praises Clovelly for its scenic beauty and charming character. The attractive clubhouse overlooks the course, where golfers face challenging drives into the valley. Clovelly’s relative remoteness and natural surroundings—bordered by the Silvermine River, sand dunes, and indigenous bush, all set against a rugged mountainside—offer a serene golfing experience.
The course’s design emphasises precision and finesse, rewarding accurate shots over sheer power, which contributes to its enduring popularity. However, it can become very busy during the summer months.
