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3.5
2 Reviews (2)
5 Stars
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4 Stars
1
3 Stars
1
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
3.5
Value
5.0
Layout
3.5
Friendliness
3.5
Pace
2.0
Amenities
3.0
50.0%
Recommend this course
1 out of 2 reviews
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About

Holes 18
Type
Par 72
Length 6428 meters
Slope N/A
Rating N/A

Golf started in Observatory over a 9-hole course in 1912 and Observatory Golf Club was officially established in 1914, with the course extended to 18 holes.

Observatory Golf Club is the oldest golf club in Johannesburg still operating from its original ground, celebrating their 90th anniversary last year.

The layout of the course has changed somewhat in this time. The course is not that long, but with narrow fairways and smallish greens, is a true test of intellectual golf.

Course Details

Year Built 1914
Fairways Kikuyu
Greens 007Bend/Poa mixture

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes - R190
Clubs Yes - R300
Pull-carts No

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Caddies Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Walking Allowed Yes
Dress code No T-shirts, vests, Denim. No Drawstring or elasticized pants. No running shorts or tracksuit pants. No Jeans. No boots, sandals, or hard-soled shoes.

Food & Beverage

Restaurant, Halfway House

Available Facilities

Clubhouse

Reviews

3.5
2 Reviews (2)
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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Walked

In the heart of Joburg

I have played this course a lot of times.
This is challenging park lands course what can be a bit narrow at certain times with a lot of elevation changes... what makes a lot of fun . Use my driver only 3/4 times. most of the time I would use my 3wood to tee off.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 6
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Previously Played
Hot weather
Walked

Observatory - keep your eyes peeled for errant tee shots!

Observatory GC has got to be the tightest course in Johannesburg - long drivers beware! A tight short to medium layout awaits you in this tucked away golf course. Best tip would be to play 3 wood off the tee as I found myself sometimes 2 fairways off course with a wild hook!

The greens are in good condition but the clubhouse needs an overhaul.

Best hole design for me was the 7th Hole, a downhill Par 5 with water fronting a large green probably your best chance of a birdie after a decent drive.
The overall rating was downgraded as the round was very slow.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Poor
Amenities Fair
Difficulty Moderate
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