Every Golfers Nightmare – Redux
The cache, a cable-tied camo-taped small tube, is placed on the edge of this windswept golf course set in a stunning, exposed location on the west side of False Bay. It replaces a previous cache - DieRooiGevaar’s GC68CFB Every Golfers Nightmare - which was hidden on 20/12/15 and archived on 23/1/25 after 58 finds and 19 FPs.
The reason behind the cache name is not known, but it has been retained to keep the mystery alive!
The golf club is one of the oldest, most historic and southern in the country and its establishment and growth over the years are closely linked to the rich history of the town itself, which dates back to the early colonial era.
Records show the course was opened in 1916, however, it is likely to have been present prior to the Boer War (1899-1902) when the land was used as the Bellevue Camp established in 1900 for prisoners of war. The camps in Simon's Town and Green Point in Cape Town were used as transit points before PoW were shipped out of the Cape to St Helena, Ceylon & Bermuda. See here for a fascinating and poignant blog about the camps.
The roots of the club actually trace a little further back to 1893, when it was formed by a small group of golf enthusiasts in the area. At the time, Simon’s Town was already an established British naval base, and a centre of maritime activity. The founders of the club were likely inspired by the growing popularity of golf in other parts of the world, particularly in the British Empire, where golf had become a fashionable pastime among the upper class.
Initially the course was informal and facilities were relatively basic, reflecting the early stages of golf’s integration into South African society. Despite the course's simplicity, the club quickly became a focal point for both the local community and visiting naval officers, with its scenic location offering sweeping views of False Bay and the surrounding mountains.
The club’s development was tied to the evolving status of the town. In the 20th century, the town saw increased growth, particularly after the end of the WW2, when its expansion as a naval and military base meant more people, particularly naval officers, were moving to the area, creating a demand for recreational activities. Golf grew in popularity during this period, and by the 1950s, the club had evolved into a well-established institution, with a more formal course and improved facilities.
The club also underwent several changes in terms of its governance and membership, evolving from an exclusive club for British naval officers and colonists into a more inclusive institution for the general public. However, during the apartheid era, golf clubs in South Africa, like many other institutions, were racially segregated. This period was one of exclusion, with non-white golfers often facing barriers to entry at many prestigious clubs. Then, as the country began to move toward a more inclusive democracy in the 1990s, like many other establishments, the club opened its doors to a broader spectrum of South Africa’s population.
The 9-hole course has undergone several redesigns and renovations over the years. Its location provided both challenges and advantages in terms of course design, creating a layout that is both scenic and testing for players. The course, although somewhat rough & ready compared with others, is renowned for its unique combination of coastal and mountain views.
It has been the site of numerous local and regional tournaments, as well as a venue for tourists seeking to enjoy the beauty and challenges of golfing in a unique setting. Over time, the club has also hosted numerous family and charity events, as well as other social gatherings, making it a valued part of the town’s social fabric.
The club has faced several setbacks, including the closure of the once popular bowling green which was a large part of the income. No reason for this has been found, but it may have been due to a decline in interest for the sport compared with the high costs of maintaining it to the required state.
There was another major setback in July 2020 when the entire bar area and part of the clubhouse burnt down. Fortunately, as the land and infrastructure are loaned from the city, the damages were well covered by insurance.
The club is also trying to secure a long-term lease for the land, currently leased every month, which does not elicit a sense of longevity within the golf community.
