It?s the only 18-hole course in the southern Berg and is a 16-year-old, updated version of the original nine-hole layout, which stood for many years. Holes 4, 5, 6, 7 and the par-four 12th (which has been converted into a par five) are the only holes that remain from the original design, with the chairman of the company, AW Gooderson, taking it upon himself to come up with the new layout.

At first glance, the temptation is to say, "I?ll have my way with this little course," but the distances are deceiving, with some of the short par-fours protected by greens that are difficult to hit, unless you have a Tiger-like ability to carve out a huge divot from the fairway and make the ball ?talk? as it stops on a sixpence, close to the hole.

That?s due to the clay base on the greens, although some, like the par-three 3rd, are in better shape than others, because of their proximity to the river. Unfortunately the availability of water is something the Glengarry staff struggle with, as they are completely reliant on the heavens for their supply and have no irrigation system.

The greenkeeper, Paul, also uses his discretion to produce a few tricky pin placements, making it quite difficult to get the ball close to the hole. Certainly the short 8th, where you have to carry water to a narrow green, springs to mind, and the 14th, where you?re likely to have a downhill lie, approaching a green that slopes away from you. If you can get the ball up in the air very quickly, you?ll be successful, while accuracy off the tee is also important.

A couple of beautiful driving holes await you on the back nine, where you can be treated to the sight of your ball soaring into the distance, from elevated tees, as with Cathedral Peak. The par-five 16th is a great example of this and is preceded by the signature hole, the par-five 15th.

The temptation must have been to make this a rather difficult par-four, at 415m up a steep incline, but I think they chickened out. Two healthy beats will get you up there, although there is a rather narrow landing area for one?s tee shot.

As with all the Berg golf venues, they make good use of the clubhouse terrace, which overlooks Lake KwaNyoni and provides more beautiful views of the mountains.

For more info

• Champagne Sports Resort: Length 6 203m (par 72)
  Greenfees Affiliated ? R295; non-affiliated ? R340; hotel guest ? R195
  Contact 036 468 8062
  Best time to play March, April, May
  
• Cathedral Peak: Length 5 542m (par 70)
  Greenfees Affiliated, non-affiliated, hotel guests ? R135
  Contact number 036 488 1888
  Best time to play October, November
  
• Drakensberg Gardens: Length 5 635m (par 72)
  Greenfees Affiliated ? R130; non-affiliated ? R175; hotel guest ? R130
  Contact number 072 184 7800
  Best time to play March/April, November