Humewood Golf Club will be celebrating their 89th anniversary with a few innovative twists on Saturday, with one of them giving modern-day players a feeling of what their peers experienced nearly a century ago.
Designed by Colonel SV Hotchkin in 1929 as a second course in the Port Elizabeth precinct, the famed layout has gained the status of being the only true links course in Africa, capable of testing players, no matter how good they are.
Hotchkin, who lived in Lincolnshire in England, had a special affinity for the St Andrews Old Course which inspired him to develop the Humewood links. The course was opened for play two years later.
And on Saturday, golfers will experience what it was like to play with the equipment of the 1930s when they tackle the challenging par-three sixth hole with a hickory club.
One of the major developments in sport over the years has been the introduction of new materials and a scientific approach to equipment design which has resulted in clubs being much more forgiving for modern players.
But now players can take a trip back in time to the days of hickory shafts as they take on what has been described as the “shortest par-five in the world”.
There is light at the end of the tunnel, though, because Humewood are offering the first person to get a hole-in-on on the sixth hole with the hickory club the chance to win a one-year membership at the club.
It will provide a unique experience for the modern golfer and will certainly add to what will be a fun outing.
The competition for the day is an alliance with a twist, said Humewood general manager Brendon Timm.
“We are going to play the course as it was originally designed, with a par of 76,” he said.
“The fourth, eighth, 10th and 13th holes will be played as par-fives, which is what they used to be. This doesn’t mean that they will be easy scoring holes as we have something special planned for them on the day.”
The club will also be accommodating juniors on Saturday, with free lessons provided from 9am to 11am. Bookings for this are essential.
“In addition, there will be an anniversary cake for the golfers and we’re asking everyone to get into the spirit by dressing up in your best 1930s dress to stand a chance of winning a voucher,” added Timm.
“Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate with us, but golfers must have an official handicap to win any prizes. Tee times are limited.”
Bookings can be done by contacting 041-583 3011 or bookings@humewoodgolf.co.za.
Alan Straton
Latest posts by Alan Straton (see all)
- Cockroach Problems in Flats Can Need a Building-Wide Response - 18 October 2026
- Urine Odours Feature in Gqeberha Carpet/Rug Cleaning Work Throughout the Year - 18 October 2026
- Top Click Explains Who Its SEO and Google Ads Service Is For - 17 October 2026
- Sky Dental Helps Sandton Plan Cosmetic Care Before December - 17 October 2026
- H2O Guru Offers SANS1657 Bottled Water Testing for Summer - 16 October 2026
