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East London Golf Club
Established: 1893
Current Course Opened: 1923
Designers: George Peck, Col S.V. Hotchkin
Review from Planet Golf
One of South Africa’s oldest golf Clubs, East London’s current course is a charming layout built amongst thick native bush on fabulous coastal duneland along the Eastern Cape. Reminiscent of other heavily wooded seaside courses such as Newcastle in Australia, it was designed by George Peck and Colonel S.V. Hotchkin and opened shortly after the First World War.
The strength of this course is the front nine which tumbles wildly across beautifully rolling ridges, the unconventional routing heading into and around the dunes, plunging down valleys and over hills to hidden targets. There are probably a few too many short par fours for the modern golfer’s liking, but those early on are genuinely fun to play and only offer up birdies to players taking an aggressive line from the tee.
Holes like 1, 3, 4 and 5 are all terrific while the 9th is a cracking hole that heads over a large crest then down and left through a pronounced bush-lined valley.
On the back nine the 12th is a standout and follows a similar shape but rises toward the coast and offers players great views of the nearby Indian Ocean. Elsewhere the short 17th is a fabulous par three and although most of the other closing holes are fairly ordinary they fail to tarnish a tremendous day’s golf.
In terms of topography and quality, East London is a real roller-coaster and is the sort of high class, unpretentious golf course that South Africa desperately needs more of.
NEW MEMBER GUIDELINES
Please take note of the following guidelines:
- The game of golf is regulated by the rules of the game, a copy of these rules in booklet form is available to you, free of charge from the Golf Shop. If this is not the case, kindly contact our Golf Director, who will be able to arrange this for you. Alternatively, you can download the R&A Rules of Golf app.
- Whilst the above booklet does contain certain rules of etiquette, we ask you to take specific notice of the following, often abused or misinterpreted rules:
- Dress regulations – only recognized golf attire may be worn on the course and smart casual dress inside the Clubhouse. You and your guests are requested to observe these at all times in order to avoid embarrassment. Please see Dress Code below.
- Unfortunately, slow play is spoiling our sport. Please help prevent this by being ready to play when it’s your turn and play at a pace that is reasonable without rushing. Please keep up with the players ahead of you. A round should last approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.
- Always be ready to tee off at least ten minutes before your allotted time.
- Time at the Halfway House should not exceed ten minutes. If you have fallen behind the players in front of you, please ‘grab-and-go’.
- Use of cell phones, in particular on the course, but in all member areas is discouraged out of respect to your fellow players and their rights to a cell-free period. If absolutely essential, you are requested to set the phone on silent and take/return calls only at the Tea-house or after the game.
- There are many local rules applying to golf car use; preferred lies during winter and others so please ensure you make yourself aware of these on the Local Rules board or speak to one of the Golf Managers.
- Members are encouraged to attend all competition prize-givings not only to support the sponsor but also in the event of you qualifying for a prize, non-attendance could result in you losing this.
- Always carry, and use, a sandbag. The course belongs to members so please assist the greenkeeping staff by not only repairing your own pitchmarks and divots but also any you see nearby and please rake bunkers properly.
- A copy of the Club’s Constitution is available from the office or it can be downloaded CLICK HERE. It is recommended you obtain this and read it for a more in-depth knowledge of how your Club works.
- A regular newsletter is e-mailed to all members. If you are not on e-mail please request a copy from Club management.
- Booking a golf game may be made in the following ways:
- Phone the Golf Shop and request an available tee-off time, or visit the shop and select a time from the timesheets available.
- The duty personnel will assist you in finding a game, on any day that suits you unless it is reserved for a private function such as a corporate golf day or league match.
- It is not necessary to have a full 4-ball, or even a partner. If there is a space on the timesheet /in the field you are welcome to insert your name.
- New members are encouraged to play with existing members. In this way you will get a chance to meet your fellow members.
- The only times that are restricted are those of the President, Captain, Vice-captain and Sponsors on formal Club competition days.
- Club competitions are reserved for golfers with official handicaps and certain exclusions apply to juniors and other non-full members. Timesheets are usually available eight days before Club competitions.
- Certain booking restrictions apply to visiting players on a Wednesday. If you would like to bring a guest on these days, please consult the shop staff or Golf Director for assistance.
- Please note that you are required to enter a score within 24 hours every time that you play. Failure to do so will result in a Penalty score. There are a number of ways in which you can enter a score:
- At any SAGA Handicap Terminal.
- Through the website www.handicaps.co.za using the login details provided to you.
- Via the HNA app that can be downloaded through the Play Store or the App Store.
- You can write your score into the book next to the Handicap terminal.
- You can email your score to [email protected].
For further information on the handicapping system please visit www.handicaps.co.za or ask one of our Golf Managers for assistance.
| CLASSES OF MEMBERSHIP |
| FULL MEMBER: |
Any person over the age of 35 who is entitled to all the privileges of the Club with full voting rights. |
| OFF-PEAK MEMBER: |
These members will pay the Full member’s green fee on all non-competition days. The Management Board will determine the off-peak times and the appropriate peak and off-peak green fees on competition days. |
| INTRODUCTORY MEMBER: |
Being one who is entitled to all the privileges of the Club but not entitled to vote. This membership shall be valid for one (1) year only and shall include a number of rounds of golf as determined by the Management Board. After the year has expired, such members shall be required to take up membership in one of the other relevant categories should they wish to continue being a member of the Club. |
| 31-35 AGE GROUP: |
Subscriptions are phased in according to age. Full member’s green fee applies. |
| 19–30 AGE GROUP: |
Any person between the ages of 19-30 who is not a bona fide student. Full member’s green fee applies. |
| OVER 65 MEMBER |
A member who has reached the age of sixty-five years and who is entitled to all the privileges of the Club with full voting rights. The annual membership fee of this class shall be fixed at 67% of the fee of a full member. |
| CLERGY / SERVICEMEN / TEACHERS |
These members shall be entitled to all the privileges of the Club with full voting rights. The annual subscriptions payable by such members shall be determined by the Management Board from time to time. |
| CORPORATE MEMBER: |
A group of at least three members from the same firm or business. Full member’s green fee applies. |
| STUDENT MEMBER: |
Any person under the age of 26 who is a bona fide registered student, either full-time or part-time, of a recognised tertiary institution or an articled clerk registered with the relevant professional body. Copy of student card required. Student green fee applies. |
| SCHOLAR: |
Any school going person under the age of 18. Scholar green fee applies. |
| ABSENTEE MEMBER: |
Any person living outside the Republic of South Africa for more than 8 months of the year. The fee due (including entrance fee) shall be 1/3 of the applicable membership fee. Full member’s green fee applies. |
| COUNTRY MEMBER: |
Any person not residing, carrying on business or employed within a radius of 100km from the East London City Hall and must be a full member of another golf Club in South Africa (proof of membership required). Full member’s green fee applies. |
| SOCIAL MEMBER: |
Any person who utilizes the facilities of the Club except the golf course. Social members are entitled to the member discount at the bar. |
| GREEN FEE PACKAGES & TERMS and CONDITIONS |
Should you want to buy rounds upfront, the following prepaid or monthly green fee packages are available:
- 12 rounds
- 24 rounds
- 36 rounds
- Unlimited rounds - adult
- Unlimited rounds - student
- Unlimited rounds - scholar
The following terms and conditions apply to all green fee packages (including Composite) which are valid for the duration of the Club’s financial year which runs from 1 July until 30 June. |
- Green fee packages can only be bought once and must be paid for upfront or by monthly debit order together with subscriptions and affiliation fees.
- Existing members have until the end of August of each financial year to purchase rounds. New members may purchase green fee packages as part of their membership application but the number of rounds may be limited according to the time left in the financial year.
- The member acknowledges that subscription fees including rounds of golf purchased, do not carry over year on year. They are valid from the date of purchase to 30 June of that financial year and rounds which were paid for but not claimed will not be refunded or transferred.
- Rounds will only be loaded or can only be used once they have been paid for or the debit order form has been signed.
- The member will be entitled to the use of the golf course until 30 June in the year of purchase as per the rounds purchased, at times he/she would ordinarily be able to play and subject to prior bookings and availability.
- Packages or rounds cannot be shared (unless a shared product exists) and are not transferable to other members.
- Off-peak members may also buy one of the green fee packages but these rounds may not be redeemed on Wednesdays or Saturdays.
- Package rounds may not be used on non-club sponsored days or days when the course is hired out to an external club, association or any group.
- All categories need to pay the applicable security levy per 18 or 9-hole round.
- In the event of a package being fully utilised, additional rounds will cost the member the ‘pay-as-you-play’ green fee applicable to the member’s membership category.
- 9-holes or less will be regarded as half a round.
- The purchase of a package will not guarantee a member a round of golf at any time. Normal booking procedures need to be followed.
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| DRESS REGULATIONS |
In today’s world of relaxed dress codes it has become increasingly difficult to apply a fixed dress rule.
Whilst we recognize that today’s dress is a lot more casual than before, we cannot allow any extremes in this regard. In order to avoid any embarrassing situations, we ask you to take note of the following:
On the Golf Cours
- Recognized golf attire worn correctly is expected.
Not Permitted:
- Slops, sandals, cricket boots or shoes with metal spikes.
- Rugby socks or rolled down long socks
- T-shirts
- Denim Jeans, shorts or long trousers with a drawstring
- Gym attire and athletic shorts
In the Clubhouse
- Golfers and guests are requested to dress in a manner befitting the surroundings and atmosphere provided in the Club
- Smart casual and golf attire are permitted
- Torn jeans are NOT permitted
- Metal spikes are NOT permitted
- No caps
Management’s discretion remains final with the intention of ensuring a pleasant experience for all on the course and in the clubhouse. |
| MEMBER BENEFITS |
| The following discounts are available to members when making use of the bars and function facilities: |
- 50% discount on the venue hire fee when booking a function at the Club.
- 15% on beverage purchases when using your membership card at the bar provided there is a credit on your account.
- 10% on food purchases when using your membership card at the bar provided there is a credit on your account.
- FREE unlimited Wi-Fi. A username and password can be obtained from Reception.
- Scholars get FREE subscriptions if a parent is a golf member (only pay affiliation fees).
- Spouses of golf members may join as Social members for FREE. Application forms can be obtained from Reception or from [email protected]
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ONLINE BOOKINGS
Members are able to book rounds online via the ELGC app or website.
| GOLF CARS |
Please note the following:
- At present the Club has 18 golf cars which can be hired through the Golf Shop.
- If you wish to purchase your own golf car it must be a traditional design and colour i.e. no extreme shapes or colours.
- If you have your own golf car, you will be required to pay an annual trail fee (a trail fee sticker can be obtained from the Golf Director).
- No signage or decals of any sort are allowed on golf cars.
- A copy of the Golf Car Rules and Regulations may be obtained from the Golf Director.
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| RECIPROCAL CLUBS |
We currently have reciprocity with the following clubs:
SOUTH AFRICA
- Humewood Golf Club – Port Elizabeth
- Royal Johannesburg & Kensington – Gauteng
- Country Club Johannesburg – Gauteng
- Bryanston Country Club - Gauteng
- Parkview Golf Club - Gauteng
- Randpark Golf Club - Gauteng
- Royal Durban – Durban
- Durban Country Club – Durban
- Westlake Golf Club – Cape Town
- Mowbray Golf Club – Cape Town
- Chapman Golf Club - Zimbabwe
UNITED KINGDOM
We are also members of the 1893 Club. This club was founded by Wellingborough Golf Club in the UK and consists of clubs that were founded in 1893.
1893 Club Rules
- The clubs forming ‘The 1893 Club’ offer courtesy to members of the other clubs once per calendar year per individual member on a simple reciprocal basis.
- Any tee times, bookings and arrangements to play to be made in advance with the secretary of the respective club.
- Only members of those clubs registered with The 1893 Club can take advantage of the courtesy. Guests of club members will not be offered courtesy.
- Approval to play criteria may involve a letter of introduction from a “home” club and/or a handicap certificate and should be confirmed by the player in advance of the visit.
- All dress codes and club rules must be observed at all times.
Visit http://www.wellingboroughgolfclub.com/1893.asp or scan the QR Code below to see the list of participating clubs.
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