Teeing Off With OG Molefe

With award winning sports journalist, television presenter, philanthropist, and keen golfer OG Molefe, we could not have landed a better interviewee for our inaugural edition. His rich sports journalism career spans over 20 years; countless international sporting events including the Masters, The Open, the Tour de France, and the FIFA World Cup; and interviews with the world’s finest sports people including Tiger Woods, Gary Player, and Rory McIlroy.

Championing golf as a means of uplifting young people, OG founded the OGMolefe Foundation, a non-profit charitable organisation working to change young children’s lives through golf. With a three-pronged programme including golf coaching and mentoring, academic assistance, and a food programme, the organisation helps children develop strong interpersonal skills, form pro-social relationships, and continue on the path to adulthood with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

We asked OG to draw on his decades of experience as both a sports commentator and avid golfer to give us his run down of SA’s most unmissable golf courses.

Sasfin: Golf is often seen as an affluent sport because of the prohibitive fees involved. You’ve tried to counter this image with the OGMolefe Foundation. Can you suggest a course that shares your vision of making golf more accessible?

OG: Without a doubt one of those for me is the Soweto Country Club. Located in one of the world’s most iconic township’s this Gary Player designed gem has to be on everyone’s bucket list. Refurbished by Gary Player Design, with Phil Jacobs overseeing the project in 2017, the new course layout is attractive, mainly due to the exceptional bent grass greens complexes which are a stand-out feature. With thickly tree-lined holes providing a parkland feel, it is honestly one of the best courses you’ll ever play for just R300 as a non-affiliated visitor. 

One of the best experiences I like to offer guests is asking one of the local caddies to run to a nearby merchant for an ikota. It’s a sandwich made from a hollowed out quarter loaf of bread and filled with a variety of ingredients, like potato "slap" chips, sausage, egg, beef patty, cheese, polony and atchar.

Some players worry about security in Soweto, but many are blown away by the friendly welcome they receive upon arriving in Pimville. The caddies are some of the most knowledgeable in the country, with a few often looping on the Sunshine Tour. The kids that hang around the fence along the par 4 8th hole will also bring a smile to any hardened or struggling golfer as they applaud even those who have pulled one out of bounds. 

It is honestly one of my favourite courses in the country and as far as value for money goes, I don’t think any other course comes close.

Sasfin: You’ve played golf all around the country. Have you found any course to be particularly challenging?

OG: I think the most challenging course I’ve played is the Gary Player Country Club. I’ve been fortunate enough to play it a number of times on the Monday following some of the world’s best players strutting their stuff at Sun City. Following Max Homa’s victory last year, I went out the next day and – let’s just say from the championship tees – it is a beast of a course and truly reflects just how good those DP World Tour and PGA Tour players are. 

But it is equally challenging for us amateurs from the club tees. Not only is it long, but it truly punishes you if you miss a fairway, as you might have a limited recovery shot or be forced to peg up another ball. Once you’ve navigated your way off the box, you then have to contend with the GPCC’s quick and sloping greens. The green complexes are uniquely designed with their cloverleaf shapes, and the pins can be tucked away into narrow parts of the greens which are hard to reach and will test any shaky putting stroke.

Sasfin: What about a course for beginners. Any recommendations here?

OG: There is very little doubt that a great short game will help any beginner golfer score lower while also taking pressure off their long game. So, for me, I think that the Whistling Thorn 18-hole Par 3 Championship course at Serengeti Estates is one of the best places to hone your skills. Newcomers to the game get to experience a fun yet challenging introduction to golf.

It’s not one of those mashie courses where a player can just grab a few short irons, a lob wedge and a putter, but they will also get the opportunity to use their full set of clubs depending on the tee they choose to play from, as there are five tee markers to create enjoyable options for all levels of golfers.

Sasfin: What about the 19th hole? Any favourites after a gruelling game?

OG: For me, the 19th must have the ability to cheer you up after a poor round or provide the backdrop for you to celebrate an achievement while continuing the camaraderie with mates. Choosing the best 19th hole is difficult as I have a few favourites around the country, but I will narrow it to my top three. In no particular order:

Pinnacle Point’s circular clubhouse which sits on high cliffs above the Indian Ocean has arguably some of the best views you’ll find anywhere in the world. The bar service is also exceptional and the staff are among some of my favourite people in golf. 

Parkview Golf Club does not have similar views, but it’s got a traditional old spacious clubhouse that overlooks the finish hole. The sunsets are amazing, and there is almost nothing better in the summer than sitting with a cold beverage in hand watching golfers stressing about their approach shots into the 18th knowing that the entire clubhouse is watching. 

My other favourite is the Leopard Creek 19th. It’s an elegant clubhouse situated on the banks of the Crocodile River. Sitting there after a round, one can watch players on both the 9th and 18th greens while enjoying a leisurely drink and taking in the superb views of the animals in the Kruger National Park.