Situated on the East Rand in the suburb of Alberante, lies Reading Country Club, one of Johannesburg’s oldest and most popular championship golf courses.

At a length of 6552 metres, Reading boasts three excellent par fives which can be reached in two solid, accurate strikes with the safer three-shot route being an option for the shorter hitter. Avenues of tree-lined fairways with bands of kikuyu semi and fescue rough require accuracy from the tee in order to avoid strategic fairway bunkering on the ten stunning par fours which present themselves to the golfer fortunate enough to play at this exceptional venue. Good striking and pinpoint approaches into well guarded, medium-sized, fast and undulating USGA Spec Bentgrass greens are necessary otherwise shots will be dropped! Once there, excellent reading skills and a smooth putting stroke will be rewarded by the sound of dropping putts on these perfectly manicured surfaces. With water coming into play on all four of the pretty but dangerous par threes at this fine golf course, hitting the green is the golfers prime consideration when standing on the tee or their short games and bunker play will be closely examined.Â

Ponds, dams and irrigation lakes surrounded by various indigenous trees, shrubs, wild flowers, and exotic plantlife create a micro climate for the abundant and colourful birdlife that are a feature of this picturesque golf course. A family of Meerkats have inhabited parts of the layout for many years and these comical characters can often be seen during the course of a round.Â

The large, comfortable clubhouse is serviced by highly skilled, friendly staff with two full-size snooker tables just off the main bar area offering alternative entertainment. As with most South African country clubs, Reading can cater for large fields and has full bar, restaurant and conference facilities.Â

This wonderful example of golf course architecture and design offers a tough but fair challenge to players of all levels and is an absolute must for any golfer coming to South Africa.

Review by William Wilson of Egoli Golf