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The history of the Milnerton Golf Club

Celebrating over 100 Years

The course was closed at the start of the First World War and re-opened in 1925. The “9 out, 9 in” Links type layout is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the West side and Rietvlei lagoon to the East and provides a golfing experience unique to South Africa.

In 1995, the course underwent a major facelift as a result of the development of the Milnerton Links housing estate on part of the course. Some of the original holes were retained, while others were completely rebuilt. The new layout, together with all its features, has proved to be a huge success.

With its glorious and unobstructed views of Table Mountain acting as a backdrop to unsurpassed beauty from most holes, Milnerton Golf Club is truly a wonderful gateway to the “Fairest Cape in all the World”.

Milnerton Golf Club Timeline (1925–2025)

1913–1925
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1913–1925

Early Years & Reopening.

1913
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1913

Originally laid out as a six-hole course, Milnerton Golf Club opens.

1914–1925
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1914–1925

Club closes during WWI; reopens in 1925 as a nine-out, nine-in links-style course.

1940s
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1940s

War-Time Adjustments.

1942–1943
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1942–1943

During WWII, the club suffers challenges; Milnerton Estates donates £250 and later a 25‑year lease is signed with substantial improvement funding.

1970s
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1970s

Development & Prestige.

1977
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1977

New clubhouse officially opened by Prime Minister B.J. Vorster on 26 February.

1978–1983
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1978–1983

Hosts the South African Masters, part of the Sunshine Tour. Champions include Gary Player, Nick Price, Mark McNulty (twice), Tony Johnstone, Dale Hayes.

1978 anecdote
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1978 anecdote

George Schwartzel famously abandoned his clubs mid-round for a dip in the ocean.

1979
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1979

Calvin Peete shoots a thrilling 63, but next-day wind causes an 83.

1990s
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1990s

Major Redesign & Estate Integration.

1995
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1995

Course is redesigned by Mark Muller (Golf Data) in tandem with the development of the Milnerton Links housing estate. Some holes rebuilt and new layout established.

2000s
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2000s

Legal Disputes & Growth.

2006–2007
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2006–2007

The club becomes a subject in property litigation (Allaclas Investments vs Milnerton Golf Club) involving neighboring homeowners and land rezoning, confirming its legal existence since 1925.

2013
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2013

Awarded 5-star rating by WorldGolf.com for design, conditioning, service, and facilities, also hosts the Sanlam SA Women’s Amateur Championship.

2014
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2014

Venue for the World Left-Handed Golf Tournament.

2018–2021
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2018–2021

Competitive Play & Rankings.

2018
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2018

Amateur Wilco Nienaber shoots sensational rounds to win the Western Province Stroke Play title.

2021
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2021

Ranked in the South African Top 100 (position ~86–99).

2024
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2024

Severe coastal erosion due to Atlantic storms threatens several holes (including the 2nd and 3rd), prompting the extension of greens and relocation of tee boxes.

2024–2025
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2024–2025

Conservation Challenges.

Dale Hayes

Kronenbrau 1308 Open
Champion 1978

Gary Player

SAB SA Masters
Champion 1979

Tony Johnstone

Safmarine SA Masters
Champion 1984

Nick Price

SAB SA Masters
Champion 1981

Mark McNulty

Safmarine SA Masters Champion 1985
SAB SA Masters Champion 1982

Signature Events & Course Features

1978–1983

Hosts SA Masters – PGA stars including Player, Price, McNulty

1995

Reinvented layout by Mark Muller under residential integration.

2013–2014

Five-star status + sanctioning of major amateur events.

2024

Facing coastal erosion, with mitigation steps underway.

Course Characteristics

Layout

9‑out, 9‑in links-style on narrow land between Atlantic and lagoon

Length

Approx. 6,100 m, par‑72

Designer

Original—Archie Tosh (1925); Modern layout—Mark Muller (1995)

Turf

Fairways are Kikuyu grass; greens are Poa Bent mix

Wind factor

“Cape Doctor” south‑easterly significantly influences play.

Natural & Strategic Value

  • Links character with dunes, sand base, and improved drainage.
  • Rich birdlife and occasional sightings of whales/dolphins on seaside holes.
  • Erosion risk from the sea necessitates adaptive engineering.

Current Status (2025)

Still operating as a full-fledged championship course, hosting club and union competitions (~50,000 rounds/year), awarded top national rankings, with ongoing responses to environmental pressures.

The Club took transfer of the land with a multilateral agreement between the Milnerton Municipality and The Graaff Trust, which, in effect, transformed the members into owners of the club. Milnerton Golf Club also has strong parliamentarian connections that include the Honorary President, Sir David Graaff.

The Club has featured well in all the local Western Province Golf Union leagues, having won the Masters, Harry Solomon, The Challenge and the Premier Stephan leagues on various occasions.

Member’s competitions are held on Saturday, Wednesday afternoons and Sunday mornings with the club’s group of loyal stalwarts, known as the “Sunday School” taking over a section of the 1st tee on Sunday mornings, so advance booking is always advisable.