Leopard Creek Golf Course

 • Location: Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga
 • Designed by: Gary Player
 • Type: Parklands Golf Course
 • Holes: 18, par 72
 • Fairway Grass: Kikuyu
 • Greens Grass: Bent
 • Length: 6060m
 • Ladies: 5165m 

Leopard Creek Golf Course, Malelane, Mpumalanga, South Africa / Working closely with the Kruger National Park and nature conservation authorities, the Leopard Creek golf course was specifically designed to blend in with the surroundings, providing sophisticated leisure amenities in an undisturbed natural environment. A paradise for bird-watchers and a challenge for golfers, the cool shade of indigenous trees at Leopard Creek Golf Course, some hundreds of years old, are home to over 200 bird species. Abundant wildlife including the big five, lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo can be viewed from open landrovers or on guided walking trails, accompanied by qualified game rangers. 

Innovative architectural and landscaping techniques ensure that the Leopards Creek golf course and living areas are naturally protected from animals, while lakes and small streams have been diverted through the development to create scenic vistas and interesting golf strategies. Golfing hazards take on a new dimension at Leopard Creek, for much of the water is home to families of hippos and the magnificent creatures for which the river is named, crocodiles. Extensive use has been made of water features and sightings of crocodile, hippo, antelope, buffalo and wild boar are commonplace, either on the course itself or in or next to the river running alongside several holes.
 

The 510 meter par-five fourth is one of Leopard Creek's most memorable holes. Here the green is right on the edge of the Crocodile River bur 32 meters above the level of the water, offering magnificent views up the river and into the Kruger Park. Elephant are often seen walking alongside the river. Gary Player is especially proud of the par-five 18th with its island green and the par-four ninth with its peninsula green jutting out of the same body of water which, incidentally, is home to a number of hippo.