#3 · PAR THREE

"There's a proposal at Parkview to transform the gentle opening hole, a 473-metre par 5, into something altogether more challenging. A 200-metre-long storage dam would be built on the right side of the fairway up to the front of the green. It would make a telling difference to a hole that some might regard as an easy birdie and introduce a new element to this outstanding layout. Parkview as a club don't sit still. Their visitor car park adjoining the first hole has shelters covered in solar panels which has substantially lowered power bills and provided off-grid capabilities. The upper tee on the par-3 fifth has been enlarged. And new cart paths enhance the experience for the four-wheeled brigade, plus improve access for maintenance vehicles. Parkview generally is in a stunning condition. Presentation is pristine. A delightful walk."

"Super course-super atmosphere - A proper golf club-one of the best courses in Johannesburg, and one where visitors are made to feel very welcome. I was there with eight other golfers on a trip from the UK, and we could not have had a more enjoyable day.The course itself is challenging but fair, and is an absolute pleasure to play. The staff and members could not have been more welcoming, which makes Parkview an absolute "must play" on any trip to Johannesburg."

"Not just for golf - What a lovely, welcoming Club - gorgeous view over the golf course as the sun settled over the trees & I sipped on my G&T and caught up with friends .. there is a good selection of Gin & lots a variety of drinks to choose from with a friendly buzz throughout the early evening both in & outside. For a light dinner we had the specials which were delicious & thoroughly enjoyed by all our party! I’m looking forward to going again soon and definitely going to try their breakfast looking over the glorious green of the course."

"A parkland layout which keeps getting better in the heart of Johannesburg. Parkview continues to provide a good test and is currently in excellent condition. The bunkers are consistent and the greens are running true. It is clear that Parkview is well supported by members and visitors. The service is always of a high standard and the 19th is a treat."

"Countryside in Johannesburg - Sitting on the terrace with a G and T and looking down the 18th hole you feel that you are in the country. The Clubhouse has an old-fashioned feel none of the glass and chrome and bright lights of modern clubs. The Sunday lunch comes highly recommended."

"The classic golf experience. Parkview is a beautiful course and the conditioning all year is up there with the best. Fun to play, and it includes some memorable holes, my favourites being 2 to 4, 7 to 9 and 15 to 17. While every hole is tree-lined the fairways are wide enough to give every player an enjoyable experience. Great greens and attractive bunkering that frames the individual holes."

"Parkview is arguably one of the best conditioned courses in Gauteng and has been for some time. Plaudits to greenkeeper Ashley Nenungwi and his team. The greens are rolled regularly and run fast and true. Fairways are in excellent condition and cut tight. A real pleasure to play."

"One of the oldest golf courses in Joburg The golf course is built along a river bed which means most holes are long and narrow as well as the fields naturally directed towards the river i.e. the balls tend towards the river. The course is decided by a road frequented by cars so you have to cross it to get to the other 9 holes. The course was built 1916, and has a nice golf club premise overlooking the course. The halfway house is very small. It is a nice experience overall in case being in the area."

"The presentation at Parkview is exceptional and the greens have a consistency and responsiveness that makes for a pleasurable round. The attention to detail is another aspect that impresses when you play this Johannesburg gem. The Par 3 distance boards, for all tees, are clear and updated. This should be standard at our courses. Most greenside traps are well presented and the refined white sand pleasing to the eye. Parkview is not long but will bare its teeth when you stray from the fairway. Risk and reward is a common theme with multiple options available off the tee: 12 and 16 being good examples of tempting short par 4s. In contrast the Wallers (par-4 fourth and stroke 1) is one of the most demanding of holes. The nuances, greens and variety of design will keep you coming back for more."

"While the course definitely looks and plays well, the greens were a touch slow and not in the same condition as some other Johannesburg courses. However, given the deluge of rain in Gauteng, Parkview is holding up well in comparison to other courses. Parkview is always a pleasant round. Staff are friendly and willing to assist."