Two Holes, a River and Restricted Access
The Thirteenth beside Kruger
The par-five thirteenth begins with a generous fairway. Farther along, a stream cuts diagonally across the playing line and feeds a pond short and left of the green. A bunker near the approach reduces the landing area for the second shot. From the green the view extends across the Crocodile River into Kruger. It is possible to see wildlife on the banks, though sightings cannot be predicted.
Leopard Creek has extensive water features and carefully shaped bunkers. Several holes descend or climb enough to affect the club selected. At the eighteenth, another par five, the approach is played toward an island green. Water surrounds the target, leaving a demanding finish even when the drive has found the fairway. This is a hole where laying up can remain a difficult decision.
An upgrade began in 2017, and members were back on the course from April 2018. Kikuyu was replaced with an indigenous cynodon grass, new greens went in, and Golf Data reworked the ninth and eighteenth. From the gold tees it now measures 6,501 meters. Leopard Creek is home of the Alfred Dunhill Championship.
What a Visitor Must Arrange
Golfers cannot book an ordinary public tee time or enter the estate simply to see the clubhouse. Leopard Creek releases a limited number of visitor rounds in off-peak periods, around member play, events and maintenance. To qualify, visitors must stay at an approved lodge, which books the round; the club then confirms it. The course is closed on Tuesdays, and visitors cannot book on weekends, public holidays or during peak vacation periods.
Lukimbi, the lodge used on our golf tours, is one of the participating properties. The distances matter: the nearest approved lodge is about 10 kilometers from the club, while others are up to three hours away by road. The visitor fee includes a cart and a halfway-house offering, and club dress rules are detailed. Confirm current charges and the lodge's ability to obtain the tee time before making travel commitments.
When Golf Determines the Itinerary
From May to September the Lowveld is dry and the golf weather at its most comfortable, but the club calendar matters more than the season here. Summer can be very hot, with thunderstorms. African Sky's privately arranged 21-Day Grand South African Golf Tour plays Leopard Creek during its safari stay. On the 15-Day South African Golfing Splendor the round is fitted between game drives at Lukimbi. On both, the round depends on the club's visitor rules.
The Safari Country around Malalane
1
Game Viewing in Southern Kruger
The southern region of Kruger National Park supports elephant, buffalo, giraffe and a wide variety of birds. Safaris take place in suitable vehicles, led by guides or rangers according to the lodge arrangements. A sighting from the golf course is a bonus; a game drive provides more time to explore the reserve.
2
Staying at Lukimbi
Lukimbi Safari Lodge occupies a private concession in southern Kruger, with suites overlooking the Lwakahle River area. Its resident rangers lead game drives. Golf is requested through the lodge, and the club confirms the tee time.
3
An Evening after the Course
Many safari lodges serve dinner at the property after the evening game drive. The rhythm depends on wildlife activity, travel distance and the day's golf arrangements. At Leopard Creek itself, the clubhouse veranda overlooks the ninth and eighteenth greens, with the Crocodile River beyond. Access to those facilities is restricted to eligible visitors and members.
