Adrenaline Tour #3 (Skukuza Golf Course)

Skukuza Golf Course in South Africa it is not like any other golf course in the world that advertises itself as “unique” when in fact they are not, the reality is that not many are up to that standard. Skukuza it is one of the courses that deserve to be in that category, not only unique but potentially dangerous!

The sign as you enter the Skukuza Golf Course is a harbinger of the wild ride you are in for, in every sense of the word: “Beware: Dangerous Animals. Enter at Your Own Risk.” Right next to famed Kruger National Park, this South African course has warnings posted all over the park. They are like the alligator warning signs, except impossibly more terror-inducing.

Their signs read like they were written by someone in mid-chase: “Lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos and buffaloes. Do not run away! … If you run, the animal will believe that it has gained the advantage and it will be more likely to give chase.” Then there’s some helpful information about climbing the nearest tree. You look up from your reading to survey the trees on the course – this is when you yearn for a classic, tree-lined course.

Built in 1972 as an addition to the National Park, Skukuza has a pretty substantial body count under its belt. Hippos and leopards have both taken lives and, while injuries to golfers by the animals are rare, the staff has been attacked a ton of times. And that’s not to mention the numerous attacks to other animals that sometimes happen even on the fairway.

This course attracts golfers because of its beauty and its unique wildlife. Players simply accept the fact that, at any minute, they might have to ditch their game and sprint away from a leopard or hippo, because that’s the kind of life you have to live when you decide to be a complete moron. Skukuza is not a championship course by any stretch of the imagination, but it is well-maintained and besides, the quality of the course isn’t the lure here. It is indeed a unique and amazing experience to play this course, for obvious reasons. Golf carts are available. Armoured personnel carriers are not.