Hermanus Golf Club

The East Course at Hermanus Golf Club occupies dramatic coastal terrain along Walker Bay in the Western Cape, where the layout takes full advantage of clifftop views over the Atlantic Ocean. Robert Grimsdell originally designed the course, with later modifications by Peter Matkovich that refined the routing and strategic elements. The property sits within the town of Hermanus, known internationally as a whale-watching destination, and the course itself offers elevated perspectives across the bay and surrounding fynbos-covered hillsides. The routing moves through varied topography, with several holes playing along or near the cliff edges while others turn inland through more sheltered valleys. Wind is a consistent factor, particularly on the exposed coastal stretches, and the design requires careful club selection and course management. The natural fynbos vegetation frames many holes, and the underlying rock formations occasionally influence both the playing corridors and green complexes. The layout rewards strategic positioning rather than pure length, with doglegs and elevation changes creating visual interest throughout the round. Hermanus Golf Club maintains a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the town's character as both a holiday destination and year-round community. The club serves as a social hub for local members while accommodating visitors drawn to the region's coastal beauty. The East Course represents the club's primary championship layout, complementing the shorter West Course on the property. The setting combines golf with the broader appeal of the Overberg region, where mountain ranges meet the ocean and the climate supports year-round play.