A Legacy of Gold and Green
Nestled 75km west of Johannesburg, Goldfields West Private Golf Club occupies Driefontein farm in the scenic Wonderfontein Valley.
This Top 100-ranked oasis blends bushveld beauty, wildlife, and rich gold-mining heritage into an unforgettable golfing escape.
This picturesque bushveld setting offers a stunning retreat where springbok, blesbok, impala, vervet monkeys, duiker, reedbok, and South Africa's national bird - the blue crane, roam freely across the course.
A declared nature reserve, it creates a serene contrast to nearby mining operations.
Course & Clubhouse
The lush 18-hole championship layout features distinctive old-fashioned cynodon greens with severe summer nap - dense lateral growth demanding precise putting judgment. Originally "skaaplaas" fairways (now kikuyu), it has twice ranked in Compleat Golfer's Top 20 South African courses.
The original clubhouse served as a stopover for travellers between Kimberley diamond fields and Johannesburg goldfields, atop the world's richest reefs mined by Driefontein Gold Mine (Goldfields Ltd.).
Today Zeederburg coach photos adorn the ladies' bar, evoking early pioneer journeys.
Club Scorecard
Pioneer Origins
Rand pioneer John Spranger Harrison bought the farm in 1911 - namesake of Johannesburg's Harrison Street, after discovering gold prospects. Mining rights lapsed at his 1927 death; his grave lies beside the 9th fairway. Nearby rests ZS Cilliers (1855–1896), hinting at pre-Anglo-Boer War ties.
Opened in 1950 under President Stan Gibbs and Captain Dr. RO Watermeyer, mine manager Gibbs tasked official Johnny van der Ness and Bob Grimsdell with creation. Van der Ness ploughed veld into fairways using oxen (later a tractor), serving as greenkeeper until 1966; his photo hangs near the manager's office.
Proud Legacy
Jack Richards followed, maintaining the course 17 years with golfing sons Terry, Johnny, and Western Transvaal rep Gordon, alongside German Shepherds Shane and Sheba. His family donates an annual trophy; his portrait joins van der Ness's in tribute.
Amenities include a licensed bar, kitchen, function hall (weddings, year-ends), DSTV sports screens, braai areas, putting green, driving range, and separate changing rooms. Bobby Locke loved the greens; records honor Gavin "Legs" Levinson, Allan Henning, Chris Williams, Hendrik Buhrman, and Tony Johnstone.
