Surrounded by the rolling Langeberg mountains in the Breede River Valley and bordered by vineyards and orchards, the new
18-hole Robertson golf course on the Silwerstrand Golf and River Estate opened for play on the 25th of April. It is the only 18-hole golf course
in the beautiful ‘Valley of Wine and Roses’. Described as a
fun, leisurely course it is extremely golfer friendly, with comfortable walks from tee to green. It has a great mix of long and short
holes, with course designer Danie Obermeyer’s signature “rivet faced” bunkers providing punishment for the wayward shot!
The tenth (a par 4)and 12th (par 5) are expected to be the toughest holes, especially
in the North Wester, whilst the 18th (a par 5) is a great finishing hole.
A unique feature of the course is the cart path on the 18th hole which crosses an old aquaduct that used to accommodate the irrigation water for the farms all the way down to
Swellendam. Although the bridge is navigable now, complete restoration of the stonework will take place in May 2008. The course is presided over by a superb new R5m club house, designed by international architect Richard Straw. Its spacious upstairs bar, restaurant and wrap-around veranda, boast breathtaking views of the mountains. The Pro-shop is run by Langley Perrins of Cutter and Buck fame, and the generous ladies and men’s changing rooms downstairs ensure that the golfers want for nothing.
The splendid new golf course is a result of the vision and determination of one man: developer Mark
Brumer. Despite many setbacks and hold-ups, largely by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Developmental Planning, the project took much longer to complete than its original launch date of 2004.
“But looking at the result today
there could not be a prouder man”, says Brumer. “It has been worth the
wait, but all the credit should go to the superb team of professionals and contractors who stuck by me through this entire process”
Playing fees for members are: R50 for 9holes and R85 for 18; Affiliated visitors: R150 for 9 holes and R230 for 18. Non-affiliated visitors: R230 for 9 holes and R400 for 18.
Meanwhile the Silwerstrand Golf & River Estate, which surrounds the new golf course, is taking shape with many houses completed or still in the building stages. Many residents have already taken occupation and are enjoying the tranquility that is Silwerstrand.
The elevated stands in Silwerstrand’s most exclusive area, Riverside, are now available and have magnificent views of the Breede River, the
vineyards and the mountains surrounding the picturesque Breede Valley. Town houses along the Breede River and on the golf course are also still available.
The Silwerstrand Golf & River Estate is still one of the most affordable golf estates in the Cape. It consists of 168ha’s of prime land bordered by 1.5km of the Breede River and is just 2km south
west of the rural town of Robertson.
Work on the Silwerstrand Hotel and Conference Centre has started and is in progress.
The caravan park facilities have
been improved and have been catering to campers since September
2007. Further extensive renovations are planned.
The town itself
has undergone a metamorphosis and wine tasting boutiques, trendy
restaurants and art galleries line the main road. Its' wide Jacaranda-lined avenues boast many historical cottages that have been tastefully refurbished.
Robertson Wine Valley forms part of
the longest wine route in the world, Route 62. Boasting a large number
of cellars, co-operatives and private estates, the award winning
wines will be a treat for all wine lovers.
The many attractions in
the area include lazy river cruises to vigorous mountain hikes, elegant wining and dining to outdoor picnics and exploring rich historical sites.
