The recently launched Pinnacle Point Beach and Golf Resort, perched atop staggering cliffs along the dramatic coastline near Mossel Bay in the Western Cape, has been selected as one the World's Top 10 Best New Courses for 2006. This is the first time, in the history of golf, that a South African course has been selected.
The announcement was made during the official press briefing at the opening of the world's biggest golf trade show the Orlando Golf Show in Florida, over the weekend. Eight of the top 10 courses are in the US.
In addition, in November 2006 the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) voted the Garden Route in South Africa as the 'Best Golf Tourism Destination in Africa and the Middle East.'
Chairman of Pinnacle Point Holdings Ivor Stratford says "it is extremity exciting for us and not only for Pinnacle Point itself but for the tourism potential for South Africa.
“The Garden Route has become golf’s new Garden of Eden and Pinnacle Point Beach and Golf Resort, is a proud addition to the exclusive list of neighbouring golf courses.”
Whilst most golf courses can boast one signature hole, Pinnacle Point Beach and Golf Resort is unique in that it has an incredible seven. These remarkable holes, each one perched on the edge of the high winding cliffs, have the potential to make Pinnacle Point Beach & Golf Resort the most photographed golf course in the world. Four of the seven cliff-hanging holes play across the ocean offering never to be forgotten awe-inspiring and challenging tee shots.
Designed by South Africa’s renowned golf course architect Peter Matkovich, at the opening in November, Irish golfer Darren Clarke described the completed layout as the “best golf course on the planet.” This in itself seemed an inadequate description from the amiable Ryder Cup hero, and he emphasized his point by adding that “Pinnacle Point is Pebble Beach on steroids!”
Lee Westwood recently fitted in a fleeting visit to the new Pinnacle Point Beach and Golf Resort in between competing in the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek and attending the SAA Open at Humewood. Westwood, accompanied by local SA professional Louis Oosthuizen, was to marvel at the majesty and quality of the Pinnacle Point layout.
"Darren (Clarke) told me it was a special place. And it is spectacular! It ranks as one of the best courses I have ever played and believe me when I say I have played the majority of the best in the world. It isn't a course for players who may suffer from a fear of heights as those seven holes along the cliffs are enough to make a grown man tremble, absolutely incredible!" exclaimed Westwood.
Following his round with Westwood, Oosthuizen said "Pinnacle Point makes me proud to be a South African golfer. This course is awesome and it is destined to become a must play destination for global players."
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