The Garden Route, situated in the Western Cape province of South Africa, has become highly regarded by both locals and internationals alike. It teems with thick forests of indigenous flora, most of which is unique to the region. Some of South Africa's best beaches and most definitely Africa's best golf courses are found in this area. In recent years a number of top residential golf estates have emerged in the 200 kms of the Garden Route. All have been highly successful and all provide a service that both South Africans and internationals need, that is, a lifestyle where peaceful and safe living can be experienced, surrounded by incredible beauty.

Golf estates began their development in South Africa in 1986, with Roodepoort being the first establishment. This must not be confused with the Royal Cape Golf Club, which is the oldest golf course in the country, dating back to 1885 (Golf Estates & Resorts 2001/2002). This started a boom in golf estate developments and today we have more than 41 across SA, in different phases of development. These safe and secure environments have caused a surge in popularity, not to mention the investment opportunity they offer in view of the changing socio-economic environment. In addition to the economic benefits and the value obtainable in property investment locally, the latest trend is towards lifestyle and family-orientated living.

The most costly decision facing a developer is whether or not to select an overseas designer for the course. Added to this, it is not uncommon for a course to require upwards of 3 million litres of water per day (Golf Estates & Resorts 2001/2002). The developer also needs to obtain authorization to develop through the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This requirement could take up to 2 years for a full process, but getting this authorization done in advance will save both time and money. Then there is the choice of architectural style. Some developers prefer symmetry and feel that this helps towards the overall appeal or architectural face of the estate. The down side to this approach is that owners are forced to take on a style of home that has been chosen by the developer. On the other hand, if an owner has carte blanche on his/ her stand, homes could start to compete with each other creating an architectural war.

The developer must also consider the fact that 'Lifestyle' resorts have become very popular in the USA, more specifically in the state of Florida which has over 2000 golf courses (Steyn Fourie - The Lakes Eco & Golf Reserve). Overnight the Garden Route has become recognised as one of the world's premier golfing destinations and is attracting foreign investors through the drive in tourism towards golfing holidays. Resorts are not only offering golf, but leaning towards many other activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, horse riding etc.

Overall the golf estate development product is growing at 22.5% (ratio of new developments versus existing estates) per annum in South Africa. It is also estimated that only 30% of all homeowners on golf estates actually play golf, hence the 'Lifestyle' drive. Speculative buying has also become popular, with owners purchasing and developing land only to sell the home, either furnished or empty.

So, is this all a pipedream for the average man in the street when one considers the prohibitive costs of building? Well, if one considers syndication, then this lifestyle can be tasted. A developer offering syndication as part of the marketing package would build a 2 or 3 bedroom home on a piece of land. Like-minded individuals would then have 12 or 13 shares divided up between them, giving each syndicate member a few weeks per annum. Another option is for a group of friends to put their own syndicate together.

One only has to handpick a few well known statistics from the golfing manuals to realise how the Southern Cape golf courses have risen to prominence:
• The dramatic 14th hole at Sparrebosch, played towards a green perched on towering cliffs with the ocean in the background, has been likened to the famous 7th hole at Pebble Beach (Golf Estates & Resorts 2001/ 2002).
• The 4th hole of the Boschenmeer Nine has been voted the best in South Africa (Golf Estates & Resorts 2002/ 2003).
• Arabella's AltiraSpa at the Western Cape Hotel and Spa is rated as South Africa's best wellness facility (Golf Estates & Resorts 2002/ 2003)
• With 4 kms of spectacular coastline, Sparrebosch Golf Club's 1000 hectare property is now being praised as the finest in Southern Africa and probably one of the most spectacular locations in the world (Golf Estates & Resorts 2002/ 2003).
• The Links course at Fancourt will host The Presidents Cup in November 2003.

One thing is clear, if you have not yet experienced golf estate living, you are perhaps missing out on a life enhancing opportunity in every sense.

GOLF ESTATE STATISTICS
ESTATE STANDS STARTED SOLD % COMMENTS
ARABELLA 240 DEC'99 240 100% Phase 2 open for sales Oct'03
ATLANTIC BEACH 865 1997 822 95% Built homes available for sale
BOSCHENMEER 298 FEB'99 250 84% 100 Lodges available as well
DEVONVALE 80 MAY'01 - 80% 75% of Phase 1 sold. Phase 2 now for sale
ERINVALE 326 1995 326 100% Built homes available for sale
FANCOURT 220 1994 175 79% Host to the Presidents Cup 2003
HEMEL en AARDE 321 OCT'02 208 65% Owners to have access to Fernkloof Reserve
OUBAAI 322 2002 290 80% Ernie Els signature course
PARADISE COAST 250 DEC'02 124 - 90% Phase 1 sold. 60% Phases 2 & 3 sold. Phase 4 available.
PINNACLE POINT 245 DEC'02 85 37% 91 of 120 lodges sold already.
SPARREBOSCH 430 1999 344 80% Many future amenities to be developed