Blair Atholl Golf and Equestrian Estate is a premier residential and golfing community situated on Gary Player’s original farm in the Hartbeespoort Dam area. This stunning piece of land was purchased by Gary Player with the vision of creating an exclusive golf estate.
The land has a rich history, having been owned by Sir Rod Douglas, a famous Jersey Cow farmer, who was visited by King George the Fifth of England in 1947. The Oak tree planted by King George still stands today and is situated outside of Gary Player’s house. After being owned by the Goodman family, the farm was bought by Mr. Player and developed into a picturesque residential and golfing community that continues to grow and offer a magnificent place to live for its residents.
The Blair Atholl Golf Course is a Gary Player Signature Course, known for its challenging layout and beautiful natural setting. At over 7,500 meters, it is the third-longest course in the world and takes in all the different features and moods of the estate. The course is situated on the former home of golfing legend Gary Player and is the heart of the estate with its rolling greens and meadows adding to the sense of space.
The course features no less than eleven water features, which adds to the challenge and beauty of the course. Designed in a loop, it is both challenging and rewarding, perfect for scratch players to test their skills, yet still an enjoyable round for golfers of all skill levels. Limited guest tee-off times are available upon request from the ProShop. The course is an excellent place for golfers looking for a challenging round and a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
The Blair Atholl Golf Course is a premier golfing destination, designed on the former farm of golfing legend and 9-time Major Golf Champion, Mr. Gary Player. The farm was home to his family for 30 years, and it also housed the Gary Player Stud where he bred many thoroughbred champions in the South African horse racing industry. The course boasts a number of unique features, including the largest greens and bunkers in Africa and being the second longest course in the world off the Black tees (pro) at 8350 yards. The Crocodile River meanders through the golf course, and being one of the cleanest rivers in Gauteng, the estate is proud of its efforts in preserving this valuable asset.
The course offers five sets of tees to best suit the golfer’s game, and a Par 3 course within the main course to allow juniors and new golfers the opportunity to establish their short games. Mr. Player designed the course over a 20-year period, and many high-profile guests have passed through Blair Atholl during its history. The Halfway house has been voted number 1 in South Africa on numerous occasions along the banks of the Crocodile River. The estate is 660 hectares in size with 329 erven, low density featured with space and wildlife.
The course record is held by Thriston Lawrence who shot a 64 in 2021 at the Inaugural BA Championship. Established in 2007, the course has a signature hole, the 3rd hole, which is similar to Augusta’s 12th hole. The 16th Hole is the stroke 1, and it’s known as the toughest par 4 in South Africa measuring 512 meters uphill from the pro tee. The Blair Mile, holes 14, 15, and 16 are the 3 longest consecutive par 4s in South Africa, they measure 1509 meters from the pro tee or 1650 yards. The Crocodile River is featured on 8 holes of the course, adding to the beauty and challenge of the round.
About Gary Player
Gary Player is a South African professional golfer who is considered one of the greatest players in the sport’s history. He is one of the “Big Three” in golf during the 1960s and 1970s, along with Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer.
Gary Player is that he is the only non-American to win all four of golf’s major championships, also known as the Grand Slam. He won the Masters in 1961, 1974, and 1978, the U.S. Open in 1965, the Open Championship in 1959, 1968, and 1974 and the PGA Championship in 1962 and 1972. He is also one of five golfers to have won all four majors, known as the Career Grand Slam, and one of only three to have done so on both the regular and senior tours.
Gary Player is that he is the only golfer to have won professional golf tournaments on all six continents on which golf is played: Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. He has also won tournaments in more countries than any other professional golfer in history.
Gary Player is also an accomplished horse breeder and owner, owning a number of breeding farms and racing stables. He also owns a successful golf course design company, Gary Player Design, which has designed over 300 golf courses worldwide.
Gary Player’s career is full of interesting accomplishments and records, making him one of the most accomplished and successful golfers of all time.
