White River Country Club
South Africa
White River Country Club overview
Location: South Africa | Par: 71 | Architect: Gary Player & Reg Taylor | Opened: 1992 (18 holes)
White River Country Club, established in 1924, lies just north of the town of White River in Mpumalanga, South Africa, and is a short drive from Kruger National Park.
Nestled among hardwood plantations and alongside the White River, the club blends a rich history with natural beauty. Initially a nine-hole course, it was later enhanced by golf legends Gary Player and Reg Taylor, and eventually extended to a full 18 holes.
Today, the club is renowned not only for its parkland golf course but also for its welcoming atmosphere and wide range of facilities.
Golf course overview
The 18-hole, par-71 championship layout offers around 6,036 yards of diverse and scenic play.
The front nine reflects the course’s heritage, weaving in and out of tree-lined fairways with the river influencing several holes. The back nine, more modern in design, features open fairways, contemporary water hazards, and integration with surrounding estate housing.
Golfers face a mix of undulating fairways, elevated tees, sloping greens, and strategically placed bunkers. The design delivers a balance of challenge and playability, making it enjoyable for both casual players and seasoned golfers.
Signature holes
One of the most memorable holes is the par-3 5th, requiring a precise tee shot across the river to a green framed by trees and water.
Equally striking is the par-5 7th, which demands accuracy to navigate water crossings and natural obstacles.
The finishing hole, a par-4 18th, plays from an elevated tee over a dogleg with an uphill approach to a green protected by bunkers and rough - providing both a visual highlight and a true test to conclude the round.
Post round
The club offers much more than golf. Visitors can enjoy a rustic yet welcoming clubhouse, complete with a wood-paneled bar, pub-style lounge, and Yoons Restaurant serving hearty meals in a relaxed setting.
Sports facilities extend to tennis and squash courts, cricket and hockey fields, pétanque, and a swimming pool, making it a hub for both golfers and the wider community.
The pro shop provides rentals, buggies, trolleys, and caddies, with practice areas for putting and chipping.
