Milnerton Golf Club turns 100

The Milnerton Golf Links Club, a non-profit organisation, is celebrating 100 years of existence from Monday, November 3 to Sunday, November 9.

Tabletalk met with general manager and longtime member Mark Schacht last week, who shared the rich history and current plans for the centenary celebrations.

Mr Schacht said there had been no fundraising events leading up to the milestone.

“Golf is an expensive sport, and there were many times we nearly had to close,” he said.

He added that the club members had worked hard over the years to build the club into what it is today.

The land originally belonged to the municipality and only later became a conditional title under the club. In the early days, he said, support came from the sports federation, but the club largely operated on an overdraft.

“There’s a secret to how we did it, and we will share that secret one day,” said Mr Schacht.

He also noted the club’s roots as a working man’s club and explained that the course links the sea and arable land, providing a unique golfing experience.

Over the years, the course has hosted many world champions, he said.

He added that every resident in Milnerton and the surrounding areas should be proud to be near such a golf course with such a rich history.

The club first opened in 1913 as a six-hole course. It closed during the First World War and reopened in 1925 as a nine-out, nine-in links-style course, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and Rietvlei Lagoon to the east.

In 1995, a major redesign coincided with the development of the Milnerton Links housing estate. Some original holes were retained, while others were rebuilt, creating a highly successful layout.

With unobstructed views of Table Mountain, Milnerton Golf Club remains a scenic gateway to what many call the “Fairest Cape in all the World.”

Throughout its history, the club has faced numerous challenges. During World War II, Milnerton Estates donated significant funds, followed by a 25-year lease with substantial improvements.

In 1977, the new clubhouse was officially opened by Prime Minister B.J. Vorster.

Between 1978 and 1983, the club hosted the South African Masters, attracting champions such as Gary Player, Nick Price, Mark McNulty, Tony Johnstone, and Dale Hayes. 

Memorable moments include George Schwartzel abandoning his clubs mid-round for a swim in the ocean, and Calvin Peete shooting a thrilling 63 before battling wind the next day, according to a statement provided by the club.

In 2006 and 2007, the club was involved in property litigation, confirming its legal existence since 1925.

In 2013, it earned a five-star rating from WorldGolf.com for design, conditioning, service, and facilities, and hosted the Sanlam SA Women’s Amateur Championship.

In 2014, it hosted the World Left-Handed Golf Tournament.

Competitive play continues to be strong, with amateur Wilco Nienaber winning the Western Province Stroke Play title in 2018 and the club ranking in South Africa’s Top 100 by 2021.

Severe coastal erosion in 2024 prompted the extension of greens and the relocation of tee boxes to protect the course, said the statement.

“The club took transfer of the land through an agreement between the Milnerton Municipality and The Graaff Trust, effectively making members owners. It has strong parliamentary connections, including Honorary President Sir David Graaff, and has performed well in local Western Province Golf Union leagues, winning competitions such as the Masters, Harry Solomon, The Challenge, and Premier Stephan leagues. Members’ competitions are held on Saturdays, Wednesday afternoons, and Sunday mornings, with a loyal group known as the ‘Sunday School’ taking over part of the first tee, making booking essential,” said the statement.

The centenary celebrations include a full week of events open to members and residents, said Mr Schacht.

Seniors Day is on Monday, November 3, followed by the Fillies and Stallions event for schools and ladies' groups.

Members’ competition days are Tuesday, November 4, and Wednesday, November 5. Friday, November 7, will see The Links Classic, while Saturday, November 8, is the main celebration of memories and milestones at the Lagoon Beach Hotel at 7pm.

The week concludes with a Christmas Golf Day on Sunday, November 9.

As part of fundraising efforts, the club is hosting a draw with cash prizes of up to R60,000. Tickets for the draw and the Lagoon Beach Hotel event can be bought by contacting Lorette at 072 193 7566.

The non-profit urges residents to support these initiatives to help maintain the Milnerton Golf Links Club and strengthen its status as a local tourist attraction.

In the next edition of Tabletalk, we will meet the director, club captain, women’s club captain, and the oldest member to hear their stories and reflections on a century of golf at Milnerton.