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Royal Durban Golf Club occupies the unusual setting inside Greyville Racecourse in Durban. The club traces its establishment to 1892, when bank manager John Watt obtained permission from the town council to establish golf on the racecourse grounds. The present historical identity of the layout owes much to a 1932 reconstruction by Bob Grimsdell, who had trained with Colt & Allison.
Because large trees and bushes could obstruct views of horse racing, the golf course developed without the dense tree cover typical of many parkland layouts; rough and prevailing wind became important defences. The club received permission to use the 'Royal' prefix from King George V in 1932. Royal Durban has staged significant national and international events, including the South African Championships, Commonwealth Tournament and South African Open.
The course is an 18-hole parkland golf course. Designed by Bob Grimsdell, the course originally opened in 1892. It is semi-private, welcoming both members and visitors. On-site facilities include Junior Membership.
The club began in 1892 as Durban Golf Club after local bank manager John Watt approached the town council and obtained permission to establish a links-style course on land inside Greyville Racecourse. Early conditions were rudimentary: the putting surfaces were hard-clay scrapes rather than grass greens, while fairway grass was cut using an ox-drawn reaper.
A major rebuilding took place in 1932. A new clubhouse replaced the original wood-and-iron structure and Bob Grimsdell, who had trained with Colt & Allison, designed a new course layout. That same year King George V granted the club permission to use the 'Royal' prefix, following the Prince of Wales's earlier visit in 1925.
Royal Durban has played a substantial role in South African competitive golf. Its tournament history includes the 1911 South African Championships, the 1975 Commonwealth Tournament, where an 18-year-old Nick Faldo competed, and the 1985 South African Open won by Gaven Levenson.
The club remains in its distinctive Greyville Racecourse setting, with wind and rough continuing to form important parts of the course's defence.
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| Fee Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Visitors Rates for 9 Holes | $240 – $420 |
Prices shown are seasonal ranges. Check the course website for current rates.
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