fairways & beyond
Atlantic Beach
Estate & Links Club
One of the country’s premium estates has plenty to offer golfers and families alike
When developers set about drawing up plans for Atlantic Beach Estate & Links Club, during South Africa’s great golfing estate boom of the late 1990s and early 2000s, Melkbosstrand was a quaint coastal village up the Western Cape’s West Coast.
The course, which opened in 2000, was one of the country’s few genuine links layouts as it weaved up and down the natural coastal dunes, flanked by endemic Strandveld vegetation (fynbos), with the residential estate designed to integrate and feature this environment. Offering some of the finest postcard views of Table Mountain and Robben Island, Atlantic Beach presents a spectacular challenge for those golfers who are perhaps more accustomed to their forgiving parklands tracks than the nuance of links golf.
Although the fairways are wide enough to accommodate a small aeroplane, the Strandveld vegetation and clever angles incorporated by course designer Mark Muller created many tee shots requiring thought as to how to play the hole.
Atlantic Beach is not just about a golf course, the entire estate plays an important role in the environmental corridor along the west coast and for this reason the Strandveld areas are protected.
from the expert...
Cara Gorlei shares her insight on the Atlantic Beach Links course.
read more
FROM THE EXPERT…
Cara Gorlei shares her insight on the Atlantic Beach Links course.
Cara Gorlei’s remarkable expertise in the wind has netted her nine top-five finishes on the Sunshine Ladies Tour since the Blouberg native joined the pro ranks in 2020. THE GOLF MAG asked Gorlei, who frequently hones her skills at Atlantic Beach, to give us the lowdown on her favourite, toughest and the most beautiful holes at this Western Cape gem.
"For me, the toughest hole – the par-three 3rd (above), called ‘The Island' – is also the most beautiful at Atlantic Beach. When you stand on the tee box, you are aiming straight at Table Mountain across the ocean and it’s a very striking hole. The green is long, but fairly narrow and flanked by bunkers. You would usually hit a 7- to a 5-iron straight into the South-Easter, and it’s tough to hold that green in the wind. There is a bailout area short of the green, which leaves you with a manageable chip, but you get a real sense of accomplishment if you can land it on the green.
"My favourite hole is ‘Long', the par-five 6th. It’s a real risk-and-reward hole, and you can definitely attack it when it plays downward in the South-Easter.
"You can whack a drive down between the bushes, you can choose to go either left or right and very often you can get on the green in two with a 4-iron or hybrid in the tailwind. However, the placement of the pin will determine your strategy. If the pin is on the right, you can go for it and you’ve got a really good chance for eagle, but any pin on the left or at the back will be super slopy, and you have to keep the false front in mind. Misjudge it and you are looking at a big number."
Gallery below
They are home to a wide diversity of flora as well as wildlife that roam freely through the course and estate, including springbok, mongoose, tortoises, grysbok, cape cobra, and a variety of birdlife including the sunbird. A wildlife co-existence plan and dedicated planting list has meant that residents and members have successfully achieved the perfect balance of protecting, respecting and living in this unique environment. For this reason, players are not allowed to search for, or retrieve, their lost balls in the protected areas.
It’s safe to say that much has changed since the early days. For starters, Melkbosstrand, while retaining its coastal feel, has transformed into one of Cape Town’s most desirable outer suburbs. The Estate & Links Club has matured into one of the country’s most successful golf and lifestyle estates and, given the modern South African trend of semigration and the work-from-home habits of many, it has certainly become one of the most sought-after postal codes in the Western Cape. It offers an escape for those seeking a unique and diverse lifestyle just a relatively short drive from Cape Town.
The golf course has grown into itself, and subtle changes over the years have seen the layout enhanced for golfers of all skills. Greens have become less firm, and the old pot bunkers have been replaced and reshaped, while retaining the links feel.
FACILITIES AND AMENITIES
Everything you need to know about what’s on offer at Atlantic Beach Estate & Links Club.
read more
facilities and amenities
Everything you need to know about what’s on offer at Atlantic Beach Estate & Links Club.
Atlantic Beach lives up to its name as a lifestyle estate, with multiple additions to its lifestyle, sporting, recreational, entertainment and security infrastructure taking place over the years.
A revamp of the clubhouse in 2020 has made it the hub of this family-centred estate, with the Milkwood Deli and Sunbird Restaurant which offers seasonal menus, Links Bar, Atlantic Boutique, Strandveld Boardroom, indoor play areas and golf shop set against the backdrop of Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean.
The Sports & Fitness Centre, a short walk from the clubhouse, includes tennis courts, a swimming pool, gym, golf driving range and practice facilities and on-site biokineticists. It also boasts a world-class Pump Track – for skateboards and bicycles – which is a buzz of activity among the younger residents. There are also are walking/running trails, a new Sand Olive Outdoor Studio, two newly constructed padel courts, and a Milkwood Express offering food and beverage.
There is also an active event schedule catering for the Atlantic Beach community, from kids and teens holidays clubs, live music and dining events, to markets, quiz nights, environmental education events, fun walks/runs, community activities and more.
The Atlantic Beach Junior Sport Inclusion & Participation Strategy, guided by the twin principles of transformation and inclusivity, sets in place a clear strategy for growing participation in sports at the estate. The Atlantic Beach Grow Golf Academy, in partnership with EOGA Golf Academy, has focused on introducing newcomers to the game, and their progression to becoming active club golfers and onwards to elite golfers.
For promising junior golfers, the Atlantic Beach Grow Golf Academy provides a squad structure offering high-level coaching and facilities.
CONTACT DETAILS
Tel: (021) 553 2223
Email: info@atlanticbeachlinks.com
Website: https://golf.atlanticbeachestate.co.za/
As with all true links courses, Atlantic Beach is exposed to the ocean’s (Atlantic) coastal breezes and, with each nine looping away from the clubhouse, it is unusual to play two consecutive holes with the same wind. The contours of the fairways can create challenging lies and the bunkers remain strategically placed to catch errant shots, yet there is something truly satisfying about putting together a good round on this true links test.
Importantly, Atlantic Beach – with its excellent natural drainage and a sustainable water management system – seems to remain in prime condition all year round under the watchful eye of Southern Turf Management, a feat matched by the high level of service the Links Club presents its members, residents and the visiting golfer.
A recent flurry of awards collected by the Estate & Links Club indicates that it has stayed true to the principles of ensuring a round at Atlantic Beach is not simply an enjoyable 18 holes of golf but a truly memorable experience, from start to finish.
PROMOTING FROM WITHIN
At the heart of Atlantic Beach are its people, its team.
read more
PROMOTING FROM WITHIN
At the heart of Atlantic Beach are its people, its team.
Many team members have been at Atlantic Beach since the first sods were turned in the construction of the golf course and estate almost 25 years ago.
“It is truly a unique and special working environment, with a team energy, friendliness and sense of community that collectively drives us to be the best we can be. Our roots may be that of a residential estate and club, however, foremost is our culture of being a hospitality service for residents, members and visitors,” says CEO Francois Swart.
“What this team will do for Atlantic Beach residents, members and visitors is like no other. Likewise, what our residents and members will do for the team is unmatched. That is what makes Atlantic Beach so special.
“Through ongoing training and a culture of teamwork, respect, family, community, belonging, and a goal to promote from within, we have seen team members grow from entry-level positions to climbing the ranks at Atlantic Beach.
“By promoting from within, we have a team that is already familiar with our culture, values and communication channels. They have a deep understanding of our vision and goals, which enables them to communicate more effectively with homeowners, residents, members and guests.
“When staff members see their colleagues being promoted from within, it also boosts morale and creates a sense of trust within the organiSation. They feel valued, motivated ans recognised for their contributions.
“We are truly blessed with the best when it comes to the team we have, who help create the unique and diverse lifestyle at Atlantic Beach Estate & Links Club.”
Atlantic Beach Links/Gary Bogner