Playing golf with a wild touch at Skukuza Golf Club, in Kruger National Park, is unparalleled. Visitors to the Skukuza Golf Club in South Africa's Limpopo province, a renowned golf and wildlife resort, will share the course with an eclectic mix of zebras, antelopes, and other fascinating native wildlife. The course, self-proclaimed as the "wildest golf course in the world," has no boundaries; visitors are technically sharing the course with a host of wild animals, including lions, hyenas, leopards, and crocodiles.
Safety is the top priority for Greenkeeper Jean Rossouw, who has taken up the role in 2016. Having grown up in the 2-million-hectare park, Rossouw is uniquely suited for his position. He maintains a strict protocol of diligently inspecting the track every morning to assess animal activity and potential damage. Should the team deem the course unsafe, golfers are not permitted to leave the premises. Conversely, should the threat derive from a single area, relevant holes may be temporarily closed, allowing march to continue in others. Hierarchies are respected, and large predators, such as lions and hyenas, will be forced out of danger zones without harm.
What about the elephants and hippos, the natural inhabitants of the area? Elephants have been known to damage golf courses, but Rossouw and his team employ innovative strategies to manage this inconvenience. The Greenkeeper's team works tirelessly to safeguard the community and visitors by collaborating with park rangers and implementing emergency response protocols.
The Skukuza Golf Club, while known for its wild experiences, is a pleasant surprise for Jean Rossouw. Initially wary of hippos, he has grown to appreciate these water-dwelling creatures, but it's the buffalo that have truly captured his attention. Known for their unpredictability, buffaloes have the potential to disrupt golf courses and pose a genuine threat to players themselves. It's careful management, respect for the African wildlife, and an innate sense of their daily patterns that have enabled Rossouw and his team to coexist peacefully with the wildlife on the Skukuza Golf Course.
With more than 1.23 million benefits earned during 2022 in the form of free-rounds, the golf course has demonstrated an undeniable popularity among visitors. Relying on the charm of nature, this unorthodox eighteen-hole golf course remains one of the most sought-after attractions in South Africa.
Enrichment Data:
- Guided play: The golf course is operated by knowledgeable staff who are familiar with local wildlife, serving as guides or marshals to monitor the course and inform golfers of potential threats.[3]
- Wildlife awareness: Golfers are provided with information regarding the presence of wildlife, and instructions on how to behave and coexist with them, ensuring that they maintain a safe distance.[3]
- Secure facilities: The golf club maintains secure facilities with established boundaries to prevent wildlife from entering the playing area, safeguarding both gamers and animals.[3]
- Emergency protocols: In case of emergency, the golf club implements evacuation protocols and maintains contact information for park rangers and wildlife experts to handle any unforeseen obstacles.[3]
- Responsible golfing practices: Players adhere to responsible golfing activities, ensuring that food or trash is not left around the course to avoid attracting wildlife, and securing any loose property.[3]
Sources:
[1]
[3] Wildlife Tourist Destinations and Guidelines for Responsible Wildlife Interaction (n.d.). World Animal Protection. Retrieved April 27, 2023, from .
