By Alistair Collier | The Business of Golf Magazine
Dear Club Manager, Director of Golf, Course Superintendent,
IS SA HEADING FOR ITS TIPPING POINT, IN TERMS OF THE NUMBER OF GOLF CLUBS?
In terms of managing a golf course in a sustainable manner, the three pillars of sustainability; environmental compliance (“E”), social responsibility (“S”), good governance and financial responsibility (“G”) come into play.
Within the compass of the “E” pillar, one of the issues concerns the stewardship of the land comprising the golf course, and the sustainable development principle of nurturing the land for present and future generations.
Over the years, from a legislative perspective, several pieces of policy and legislation have been implemented regarding the use of land in South Africa.
Very few people can fault the intent of land use policy and spatial development, and yet if one looks at the demise, or possible closure of many golf courses in South Africa one wonders what are the consequences for the sport of golf – how will reduced accessibility impact on the growth of the sport- is there an appreciation for the benefit of open spaces in an ever-increasing urban sprawl – what impact will political populism, governmental policy and expediency have over the protection of green open spaces in urban areas? These questions in turn prompt the key question for the game itself, which is what criteria can be applied in assisting, reaching a decision as to whether to close a golf course or not?
At one stage there were over 480 golf courses in South Africa, however it would seem there are currently 420 operating golf courses, but the evidence points to further golf courses closing or being under the threat of closure. This might suggest that South African golf is on a tipping point, and we might want to reference what has recently happened in Singapore, where almost 25% of that nation’s golf courses face closure over time.
In this context, on 7 July 2025 the Singaporean Ministry of Law, which oversees land policy and administration, announced that the leases or tenancies of several golf courses will not be renewed, and will close permanently by 2035 to make way for other uses, such as housing.
The ministry said that in deciding whether to renew the leases of golf courses, it considered competing land demands, such as housing, economic activities, transport infrastructure and essential services.
It added that the demand for land for national uses will become more acute in Singapore, and this will impact the amount of land available for golf over time.
In South Africa, is it possible that this tipping point may already have arrived in the form of course closures and general accessibility to golf?
The reasons for closures are many and varied, but what is clear is that the public sector, in the form of municipalities, the National Defence Force, the South African Police Service and Correctional Services are withdrawing their support for golf.
This withdrawal includes municipal closures of King Williamstown Golf Club, Alexander Golf Club in East London, and Germiston Golf Club. In terms of the military, the Shark River Military Base Golf Club in Gqeberha has closed, while the South African Police Services closures include the Engineers Golf Club in Ekurhuleni, the SAP Mechanics Golf Club and the Durban Police Golf Club. For its part, Correctional Services, has closed Leeuwkop Golf Club and the Kroonstad Correctional Services Club.
Land restitution awards have also contributed to the demise of golf courses such as Fish River near Port Alfred, and Zebedelia Golf Club in the Limpopo Province, and there are also examples of clubs that are currently faced with land restitution claims, which might cause the closure of more facilities.
Many municipalities are reviewing their lease arrangements with golf clubs, to maximise income generation from the usage of the land or in response to the question – are there more efficient and effective ways of utilising the land?
From a sporting perspective, historically South Africa’s professional golfers have punched well above their weight and continue to do so, with Garrick Higgo and Aldrich Potgieter registering wins on The PGA Tour in 2025 and Dean Burmeister on the LIV Circuit. In addition, our amateur golfers continue to hold the South African flag high on the international stage.
In terms of sustaining this great national sporting legacy, one hopes that the effects of any tipping point on the game’s overall well-being can be mitigated.
If you have any queries, why not contact the John Collier Golf through our website or via email ajcollier@telkomsa.net?
Yours in Sustainable Golf
JOHN COLLIER
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email ajcollier@telkomsa.net or visit the John Collier Golf website at www.johncolliergolf.com