Get to Know Us
The Kimberley Golf Club, by virtue of its founding date 3rd July 1890, is rich in history, not only of its own, but also in the broader sense of the game in this country.
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A humble beginning in the halcyon days of the Diamond Fields – the greens began as sand putting browns, followed by diamondiferous blue ground, mats served for tees and dynamite was employed to blast the stones on the fairways (among many other oddities) – has finally evolved through to the current Bob Grimsdell designed parkland layout that boasts Elliot grass tee to green, which, in itself is also an oddity.
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The course today has two distinct faces, a green summer look that has the ball holding, and a frosted winter white look that has the ball rolling. Whichever the face the course remains particularly player friendly.
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Of course the 19th hole is more consistent, inviting a warm welcome throughout the year. And, this can be ably testified by the 600 golfers who annually partake in the Barney Barnato “Festival of Golf, Ribald and Revelry” held every October.
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Despite being situated in the middle of South Africa, Kimberley remains somewhat isolated. Visiting golfers, therefore, are most appreciated.
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In addition the Club has two new neighbours, Sun International’s Flamingo Casino and the Kimberley Road Lodge. They naturally ensure added entertainment and easily accessible accommodation.
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As was astutely observed by Phillip Galgut of the Compleat Golfer “The only disappointment which this august club could possibly be accused of setting before members and visitors is the fact that although this is Kimberley, the holes aren’t any bigger”.
TOURNAMENT HISTORY
Welcome to Kimberley Golf Club – home to some of the most historic and prestigious golf tournaments in the region. Our courses have seen some of the best players in the world compete. Whether you are an avid golfer looking to compete or just want to watch some of the best players compete in a beautiful location, Kimberley Golf Club has everything you need to enjoy a great tournament. We take pride in the quality of our courses and the service we provide, and we’re committed to ensuring your experience is unforgettable.
Timeline
ERNIE ELS
1990
He won his first professional tournament, the Spoornet SA Classic, here in 1990. This was also the same year that the Barney Barnato – the annual nine-night, eight-day Festival of Golf, Ribaldry, and Revelry – was founded. Additionally, the Freddie Tait Golf Museum, the first of its kind in South Africa, was established in 1990, marking the club's Centenary Year.
CHAMPIONSHIP FOR SOUTH AFRICA
1893
Rich in history, this is the place where the first South African Championship was held in 1893, where Cecil John Rhodes donated his Challenge Cup in 1897, and where diamondiferous tailings were used as a putting surface medium in 1900. It was here that Jaw Prentice became the first player to win both the South African Amateur and South African Open in 1913, and where J.H. Taylor presented F.G. Tait’s putter to the club in 1936. In 1960, Robert Grimsdell’s new grass course was opened, and in 1964, Tony Jacklin won his first professional tournament here.
In 1983, a young club member, Des Terblanche, won the World Junior Championships, and in 1992, during the South African Interprovincial, the country’s golfing bodies amalgamated to form the South African Golf Federation (later renamed the SA Golf Association).
It was also here that the Freddie Tait Golf Week was inaugurated in February 2000.
At Kimberley Golf Club, we have a team of dedicated professionals who strive to provide the best possible experience for our members and guests. Our team includes experienced golfers and industry experts who work together to ensure the success of our club.
Management Team
Executive Committee
Club Captain
Cedric Vd Ross
Chairperson
Oban Cronje
Club President
Michael Doherty
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Get in Touch
If you have any questions or comments about Kimberley Golf Club, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can reach us at the following address:
N12, Kimberley Golf Club,
Kimberley, South Africa
Alternatively, you can send us an email at operations@kimberleygc.co.za or give us a call at 053 841 0179.