Metropolitan Golf Club, or ‘The Met’ as it is more affectionately known, has been in existence in one form or another, for over 100 years. Due to the course being located on land belonging to the City of Cape Town, there has had to be the occasional compromise with regard to other developments in the area.
Probably the most significant of these was in 2007, when, as a result of South Africa being awarded the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the new Cape Town Stadium was to be built slap bang in the middle of the existing course. Fortunately, the continued need for a golf course in the area was acknowledged, and as the new stadium took shape, a newly-commissioned course, designed by local architect Mark Muller, was wrapped around it. At the same time, the elegant Green Point Park, a must-visit urban park for both locals and visitors, was also established next to the course.
The Metropolitan Golf Club previously occupied a small footprint, even for a 9-hole course, but the new layout provided the perfect opportunity to create a unique golf course, which gives a genuine 18-hole experience. There are four double greens and ten singles – one for each hole. Even though there are just 9 fairways, a combination of long and separate tee boxes, coupled with the large or additional greens, creates holes of differing length and shape. It’s an ingenious design!
The views are as unique as the course itself. The iconic edifice of Cape Town Stadium stands sentinel over the grounds, and the proximity of Table Mountain and Signal Hill are constant reminders that you’re nowhere else in the world except Cape Town.
Not only a course of historical significance, inspired design and awesome location, The Met is a great track to play. There is a good mix of short and long holes, and enough bunkering and water hazards to focus your mind. The putting surfaces are of a supreme high quality, running true and fast; the fairways are lush, and a state of the art irrigation system ensures that the right amount of water is delivered to the areas requiring it. It’s a relatively flat, easy walking course, and has an enjoyable grandstand finish in front of the clubhouse.
Handy Tips:
This is the perfect course for a quick evening 9 holes. Even though you’re not playing all 18, you get the feel of the whole course, and it’s a stone’s throw from the city centre.
I would also recommend that if you enjoy spicy food, you must sample the speciality Cape Malay cuisine offered in the Halfway House.
You have little excuse not to play The Met – for your non-golfing companions, The V&A Waterfront, Green Point Urban Park and the many attractions the city centre has to offer will give them ample distractions while you enjoy golf in the heart of the city.
Holes to Watch:
Long par 5s; risk or reward par 4s; exciting par 3s … The Met has them all. Enjoy these three in particular:
Par 4 – 8th hole: Men 346m; Ladies 276m
The tee box has a remote feel to it, tucked into the corner of the course, with the impressive stadium towering above you. Your drive will echo dramatically off the structure, but stay focussed on the job in hand, and avoid the dense rough on either side of the fairway. The green is quite undulating, read it well!
Par 5 – 12th hole: Men 513m; Ladies 465m
One of the signature holes of the course, and one of the most challenging par 5s in the Western Cape, with a tight drive, a second over water, and an approach to a well-protected green. Make par and give yourself a pat on the back.
Par 3 – 18th hole: Men 148m; Ladies 138m
When you stand on the tee of a par 3, you’re only one shot away from a hole in one. Wouldn’t it be fabulous to achieve this in front of an audience on the clubhouse balcony? Now dispense with those flights of fancy, you’ve got to carry water all the way to the green. Take enough club, and don’t let it leak right, as here be demons. Well, out of bounds, anyway. Finish with a flourish, smile and wave, then enjoy a cold one on the balcony afterwards.
OF NOTE
Where Fritz Sonnenberg Road, Mouille Point
Contact +27 21 430 6011
Photography courtesy Metropolitan Golf Club and Karen Fletcher (image 3)