Humewood
Colonel S.V. Hotchkin designed Humewood in 1929 on the Indian Ocean shore at Gqeberha, and it opened in 1931 as what remains Africa’s only true links. A par 72 over about 6,370 meters of wind swept duneland, it is one of South Africa’s great championship tests.
Photo: Humewood Golf Club via Google.
The verdict
Humewood Golf Club sits on the Indian Ocean shoreline at Gqeberha, the city long known as Port Elizabeth, and it holds a unique title, the only genuine links course in Africa. Colonel S.V. Hotchkin, the Englishman behind Woodhall Spa, drew up the design in 1929 and the course opened for play in 1931.
The golf is honest, exposed and difficult, wide undulating fairways running through thick coastal bush, firm greens and a wind that rarely rests off the bay. It is a regular championship host and a course that the world’s links lovers seek out, a true seaside test on a coast better known for its beaches. It rewards the player who can flight the ball and accept that par is a good score when the wind is up.
Humewood at a glance
- Opened
- 1931
- Designer
- Col. S.V. Hotchkin
- Type
- Links
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- About 6,370 m
- Green fee
- Visitors welcome
Designer, opening year, par and length verified June 2026 from Humewood Golf Club, Top 100 Golf Courses and leading databases. Colonel S.V. Hotchkin designed Humewood in 1929 and it opened in 1931, a par 72 of about 6,370 meters, roughly 6,970 yards. It is a members club that welcomes visitors; green fees vary by season, so always confirm the current rate directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
Humewood plays as a links should, along the ground as much as through the air, the fairways tumbling between dunes and thick scrub that swallows the wayward shot. The wind off Algoa Bay is the chief defence and it can turn a gentle hole into a brute in an afternoon.
The par 3s and the longer two shotters are where the course bares its teeth, the greens firm and the bunkering and bush punishing anything loose. Local knowledge of the bounces and the prevailing wind is worth several shots to the first time visitor.
The closing holes run hard by the sea with the wind often into and across, demanding control and patience to the last green. Humewood gives back the rarest thing on the continent, authentic links golf, and it ranks among the most distinctive rounds in South Africa.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Members club that welcomes visitors and societies; Africa’s only true links |
| Green fee | Visitor green fees apply and vary by season; confirm the current rate directly (indicative, 2026) |
| Booking | Reserve tee times ahead through the club, especially in the summer season and around events |
| On the day | Walking links terrain with caddies available; bring wind ready clothing whatever the forecast |
| Getting there | Humewood, Gqeberha, on the Eastern Cape coast, minutes from the city and airport |
| Best months | The South African summer, roughly October to April, for the warmest weather; wind is year round |
Access and fees verified June 2026; rates and policies change, so always confirm the current green fee and availability directly before booking.
Where to stay nearby
Humewood sits within minutes of central Gqeberha and its beachfront, so visitors have plenty of hotels and guest houses on the doorstep, many with sea views over Algoa Bay. The course is easy to reach from the airport.
Humewood pairs well with the Garden Route to the west, where Fancourt and the coastal courses make a natural extension. It is a strong anchor for an Eastern Cape and Garden Route golf trip.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Humewood.
Build a South Africa golf trip
We book the Humewood tee times, pair them with the Garden Route and the best of South African golf and arrange the lodging around them. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Humewood questions
Who designed Humewood Golf Club and when did it open?
Humewood was designed by Colonel S.V. Hotchkin in 1929 and opened in 1931 on the Indian Ocean coast at Gqeberha, formerly Port Elizabeth.
Is Humewood really a links course?
Yes. Humewood is widely regarded as the only true links course in Africa, a genuine seaside layout over wind swept duneland and coastal bush.
What is the par and length of Humewood?
Humewood is a par 72 measuring about 6,370 meters, roughly 6,970 yards, and it plays far longer when the bay wind is up.
Can visitors play Humewood?
Yes. Humewood is a members club that welcomes visitors and societies. Book tee times ahead and confirm current green fees directly before your visit.
Related
The Tee Sheet
Tee time windows, course access changes and the trips worth taking. Every other week.
Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening year, par and length verified June 2026; access arrangements verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.