The Highland Gate Golf & Trout Estate, located near Dullstroom in Mpumalanga, South Africa, features an 18-hole, par-72 championship course designed by Ernie Els. Just a 2.5-hour drive from Johannesburg, this estate features an 18-hole, par-72 championship course designed by Ernie Els, renowned for its challenging layout and scenic beauty. The course spans 6,710 meters from the back tees, incorporating dramatic elevation changes, natural water features, and indigenous vegetation to provide a memorable round for golfers of all skill levels. For those looking to combine golf with a safari adventure, Highland Gate is also conveniently located about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Kruger National Park, depending on the specific gate and route chosen. This proximity allows for seamless travel between the estate and one of Africa’s premier wildlife reserves.
Ernie Els, a former World No.1 golfer with 80 professional victories, including four Major Championships, has an extensive portfolio of golf course designs worldwide. Highland Gate was one of the first golf courses in the Ernie Els Design portfolio. Signature holes include the 4th, a par-4 with a dogleg left and a green guarded by bunkers and a steep drop-off; the 12th, a drivable par-4 at 288 meters requiring precision due to its narrow fairway and elevated green; and the 14th, a formidable par-5 known as the course’s toughest, featuring a narrow landing area flanked by highland veld and a river that crosses in front of the green.
Beyond golf, Highland Gate offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking trails leading to a 65-meter waterfall, mountain biking routes, fly-fishing in well-stocked trout dams, and birdwatching opportunities. The estate’s clubhouse houses the Flycatcher Restaurant, providing gourmet dining with panoramic views of the course and surrounding mountains. Nearby Dullstroom enhances the visitor experience with its charming shops, cozy pubs, and the Dullstroom Bird of Prey and Rehabilitation Centre, offering educational demonstrations and insights into local wildlife conservation efforts.