1000 Hills Golf Course
Hey, golf pals! Imagine swinging your driver while hills roll out like a green ocean and a bird you’ve never seen before chirps nearby. I’m no tour pro my handicap’s hovering around 15—but the 1000 Hills Golf Course had me grinning like I just sank a hole-in-one. If you’re an American golfer itching for something different, let me take you through my adventure at 1000 Hills Golf Course. Spoiler: it’s worth the long flight.
Pulling Up to Paradise
I flew into Durban from Atlanta—about 17 hours, including a pitstop in London where I grabbed a terrible airport sandwich. Rented a car at King Shaka Airport and drove 30 minutes to the 1000 Hills Golf Course. The road’s lined with these wild, lumpy hills, and I kept thinking, “Am I in a safari movie?” The 1000 Hills Golf Course is part of the 1000 Hills Resort, and when I rolled up, the clubhouse hit me with this warm, wooden vibe, like a fancy cabin with killer views of the 1st fairway. Coming from Georgia, where my local course is flat as a pancake, this was a whole new world.
The 1000 Hills Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-72 course designed by Gary Player, that South African legend with the slick all-black outfits. It’s about 7,100 yards from the back tees, but they’ve got options for hacks like me or beginners like my buddy Dave, who came along and spent half the day in the rough. Green fees at 1000 Hills Golf Course are like $50 a total bargain compared to $300+ at places like Kiawah Island. It’s open to everyone, no country club vibes, and the staff were so chill, they helped me figure out how to say “Msunduzi River” without tripping over my tongue.
A Bit of History to Nerd Out On
I love when a course has a story, and 1000 Hills Golf Course delivers. Back in the ‘90s, some folks wanted to make this valley a hot spot for tourists. They called up Gary Player, who’s designed a bazillion courses, and he built this gem, opening 1000 Hills Golf Course in 1999. It’s made to blend with the land hills, rivers, trees, the works. No fake lakes or forced vibes here, just pure nature. The 1000 Hills Golf Course is part of a resort with a hotel and spa, so my girlfriend was stoked to chill while I played. I also swung by a Zulu village nearby and got a crash course in their culture tried saying “yebo” (yes) and got a laugh from the guide.
The 1000 Hills Golf Course has hosted some local tournaments and snagged a Golf Digest “Place to Play” award, which is legit. I heard from a caddie named Sipho that Player still checks in on 1000 Hills Golf Course sometimes. Imagine sinking a putt and seeing him stroll by? Total bucket-list moment. It’s got that same natural feel as older US tracks like Merion, but with an African soul.
Hitting the Course: The Good, the Bad, and the Monkey
Let’s talk golf at 1000 Hills Golf Course. It’s a parkland course, so it’s all lush fairways, big trees, and hills that mess with your head. The front nine at 1000 Hills Golf Course is friendly wide fairways, greens you can actually read. I nailed a 250-yard drive on Hole 2 and felt like Rory McIlroy for about 10 seconds. Then the back nine got spicy. Hole 10 at 1000 Hills Golf Course is the one you’ll tell your buddies about a par 3 where you’re hitting over a valley to a green that feels like it’s mocking you. I pulled my 7-iron, prayed, and somehow stuck it 10 feet from the pin. My best shot of the year, no lie.
There’s five tee boxes at 1000 Hills Golf Course, so Dave played from the front (about 5,300 yards) and only lost three balls, a personal record. Water shows up on holes like the par-5 14th at 1000 Hills Golf Course, where I chunked a 3-wood and watched my ball splash like a sad duck. The greens are quick but smooth, and the fairways held up even after a morning shower. Then there’s the wildlife at 1000 Hills Golf Course. On Hole 7, I saw a bushbuck—like a deer with better PR—munching grass. And get this: a monkey snatched my protein bar on Hole 9 at 1000 Hills Golf Course! I laughed so hard I forgot I was three over.
The clubhouse at 1000 Hills Golf Course is a great spot to chill post-round. The pro shop’s got 1000 Hills Golf Course hats and balls—I grabbed one for my desk. The restaurant’s where it’s at. I tried “braai” barbecue with this spicy sausage called boerewors that had me rethinking my life choices in a good way. Meals are like $10, and they’ve got burgers if you’re homesick. The resort’s got pools and trails for non-golfers, so my girlfriend was happy getting a massage while I chased birdies.
Oh, and 1000 Hills Golf Course is big on eco stuff—smart water systems, native plants, the whole deal. Reminds me of places like Streamsong in Florida, but with monkeys instead of gators.
Why You Need to Play 1000 Hills Golf Course
Look, I get it South Africa’s a haul. Flights from the US run $800-1,200 from places like NYC or Atlanta. But once you’re at 1000 Hills Golf Course, it’s so cheap. A round, dinner, and a room at the resort cost less than a day at Pebble Beach. Plus, you’re not just golfing—you’re living. I did a quick safari after a round at 1000 Hills Golf Course and saw a freaking rhino. Beat that, Myrtle Beach.
Durban’s got stuff for families an aquarium called uShaka Marine World kept my nephew entertained. The weather’s a dream: warm summers (our winter) and mild winters. Perfect for ditching snow or humidity. Everyone speaks English, booking 1000 Hills Golf Course is easy online, and the course is welcoming. Slope’s 132, so it’s tough but fair, and they’ve got clinics if your swing’s a mess.
Compared to US courses, 1000 Hils Golf Course feels like a secret hideout. No crowds, just you and the hills. It’s a chance to play a world-class course and support global golf.
Tips for Your Trip to 1000 Hills Golf Course
Plan ahead—book tee times at 1000 Hills Golf Course early, especially October to March. Mornings are best: cool breeze, empty course. Hit the website or call +27 31 777 1500. Fly into Durban, rent a car (left-side driving takes a minute to get used to), and it’s a 25 km cruise to 1000 Hills Golf Course. Stay at the resort rooms start at $80 with fairway views.
Pack your clubs, sunscreen (African sun’s intense), and bug spray for those sneaky monkeys at 1000 Hills Golf Course. Carts are there, but I walked to soak it all in. Bring some Rand, though cards work fine. US folks get 90 days visa-free—score.
Save money with golf packages at 1000 Hils Golf Course. Mine was $200/day for rounds, a room, and a game drive. Get travel insurance, just in case. Safety’s no issue in the resort area—stick to main roads, maybe Uber in Durban, and you’re good.
Final Swing: Go Play 1000 Hills Golf Course
I’m still buzzing about 1000 Hills Golf Course. It’s not just the golf it’s the hills, the braai, that monkey who’s probably still eating my protein bar. For us American golfers, it’s a chance to play a Gary Player stunner, save some cash, and see a place that’ll change you. I’m already saving for my next trip to 1000 Hills Golf Course—maybe I’ll finally par that 10th hole. So, grab your clubs, book that flight, and get ready for a golf story you’ll tell forever. Who’s coming with me?