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Firethorn Course

A true test of championship golf

Par-72 – 6421m (men’s club tees)

Retief Goosen won the 1995 South African Open here when the course was still known as Randpark and “The Goose” was very impressed with the layout, as was Sweden’s Mathias Gronberg who won the 2000 edition of the SA Open here when it was sponsored by Mercedes Benz. However, since the revamp the layout is much improved and has been a wonderful venue for SA and Joburg Opens. Superbly conditioned, it is longer and a little more difficult than Bushwillow with a great finish as 16, 17 and 18 are extremely demanding holes – all three potential card-wreckers.

No 1, par-4, 372m: From an elevated tee, there are fine views of this beautiful hole spread out before you, with the Fairview Hotel out to your right. The drive must carry the river which is about 100m distant from the men’s club tees. Strategically placed fairway bunkers and a stretch of water hugging the fairway on the left add to the challenge of a testing opening hole.

No 2, par-5, 476m: This truly spectacular hole – both visually and in terms of the skill required to master it – is flanked by the river hard on the right all the way from tee to green. The drive must be both accurate and reasonably long to set up a possible par or birdie.

Intelligent play is needed here as a long, deep, wicked bunker on the right of the fairway near the green can cost you a shot or two if you make the big mistake of going in there.

No 3, par-4, 368m: Yet another Randpark dog-leg, this one bending right to left. The bunkers, both fairway and greenside, are an issue here and confident, well-thought-out striking is required to avoid these hazards. The entrance to the green is on the right and if you’re able to execute it, a pronounced “bend-it-like-Beckham” draw, will serve you well here.

No 4, par-5, 490m: A straightforward, downhill hole appealing to the grip-it-and-rip-it in all of us. The fairway bunker on the left is not a place to be but a good drive down the fairway invites you to have a go and get as close to the green as possible, and if you’re a big hitter this can be a two-shotter for you. If the pin’s on the left where the green is just a narrow strip then having a go at the flag is a risky business and it might be better to play safe to the right, take your par and walk to the next tee.

No 5, par-3, 158m: Firethorn has plenty of big greens and this is one of them. A huge bunker short and left is not a nice place to be as to get up and down from there is challenging to say the least. The entrance to the green is on the right, and for many, the best route to the heart of the putting surface is to aim at the right-hand greenside bunker and hit a little draw.

No 6, par-4, 344m: One of the seven brand new holes on the revamped Randpark, this has a US PGA Tour look about it. It’s a feast for the eye as you stand on the tee. The fairway slopes down from right to left, so aim just far enough right to avoid the fairway bunkers. From your spot on the splendid, closely-mown turf, hit your approach out to the right and watch as the slope feeds your ball towards the centre of the green. Try and block out from your mind the awful, cavernous bunker just short of the left side of the green.

No 7, par-4, 380m: A dramatic hole, which curves both ways in direct relation to the river on the right which is very much in play from tee to green. For the drive, the landing area for the shorter hitter is generous but becomes narrower for the “bombers”. Par here is an excellent score as the approach is a treacherous one because of both sand and water looming large.

No 8, par-3, 170m: Once more, you need to have your wits about you as the river is ominously close. Leak your tee-shot out to the right and, almost without exception, you’re in the dreaded drink. When the pin is back right, just metres  from the water, the sensible play is middle of the green. Six, seven and eight on Firethorn wouldn’t look out of place on Major Championship courses in America. They’re that good.

No 9, par-4, 318m: Short and sweet if you can avoid the fairway bunkers or the cluster of traps surrounding the green. A straight drive to a wide fairway, a well-struck second and a par or one-putt birdie are in the offering. Some of the outrageously long “young guns” can actually drive the green here.

No 10, par-4, 394m: A long (especially off the back markers) left-to-right dog-leg and a difficult, tree-lined start to the back nine. The drive is over the river with fairway bunkers in play in the landing area. The second shot for most players is a long one to a well-trapped green.

No 11, par-4, 380m: Straight and comparatively open although the entrance to the green, with bunkers short left and right, is narrow.

The green, as are many on Firethorn, is full of slope so the putts need some careful “detective” work to find clues as to both pace and line.

No 12, par-5, 494m: With clean shotmaking, par is always on the cards here even for the higher handicap player. The fairway is quite wide, although a strategically placed bunker in the middle of the fairway about 50m short of the green can be a problematic obstacle.

Land in there and the next shot is extremely challenging. The green is a very large one and putts in the 60-foot range are not uncommon.

No 13, par-4, 376m: Straight and easy on the eye and because it’s downhill it plays a little shorter than its yardage. Not too much trouble here and therefore a good scoring opportunity. Humps and hollows on the putting surface, though.

No 14, par-5, 488m: A no-go rocky outcrop covered in dense foliage about 200m from the tee-box on the right must be avoided like the plague as it’s definitely lost-ball territory. Staying on the fairway all the way to the green is key here to set up a satisfying par although a hellish in-your-face bunker fronting the green can be a card-wrecker if your all-or-nothing approach doesn’t come off. It’s often better to aim right where the entrance to the green is, and the ball will generally roll to the left and, hopefully, closer to the cup.

No 15, par-3, 164m: The green front to back is extremely long and full of slope. So if you under-club or over-club you could be struggling to avoid a three-putt. A safety-first tee shot hit a little short and a little left invariably will see you ball kick onto the putting surface.

No 16, par-4, 412m: Augusta National has its famous Amen Corner, the relentless stretch of holes consisting of the 11th, 12th and 13th.

Firethorn, too, has a ‘Death or Glory” collection of holes – 16, 17 and 18 which collectively make for a terrific and extremely demanding finish to the round. The 16th is a long, dogleg left with a large dam on the left-right up against the fairway from about 130m short of the green all the way up to the green, and the fairway slopes towards the water, accentuating the danger. If the flagstick is on the left of the green, the approach may be directly over the hazard. Often, the wise play is to come in from the right with a right-to-left shape on your shot.

No 17, par-3, 192m: Visually, this long, water-beset par-3 is a beauty but as far as the golf goes, it can quickly ruin a good round. Any tee-ball hit only marginally left will most likely end up in the dam.

So the tendency is to favour the right but then you’re flirting with a bunker. Double-bogeys are not uncommon here but par is a rich reward for smart play.

No 18, par-4, 445m: There can’t be many tougher closing holes than this uphill monster, which used to be a par-5. The river bisects the hole at about 140m from the green and shorter hitters often find they need to lay up short of the water, leaving them with a substantial third shot. Only a small percentage of club golfers will be able to get up in two and then there’s the further challenge of a huge green with loads of slope. Par is extremely hard-won and a bogey five is no disgrace. Firethorn is a stern test and if you’ve played to your handicap, go straight to the bar and reward yourself with a drink. Maybe two!

 

Aerial Course Overview

Firethorn course overview

Men’s Club Tees

Information pertaining to the Firethorn Renovation Project

The multi-award-winning Randpark Golf Club and Fairway Hotel & Golf Resort offers extensive facilities and services with a resort feel in the heart of Johannesburg. This ultimate urban golf destination is on par with excellence offering extensive play and stay packages to business travellers, golf groups and leisure guests who choose to experience a taste of the good life.

With two uniquely different golf courses, The Brewery overlooking the two tiered Driving Range serving trendy craft beer and gourmet burgers, a fine dining Restaurant in the form of the Balata Restaurant and luxury accommodation at the award winning Fairway Hotel and Spa it’s one of the most desired golf destination in Gauteng.

Following the highly successful and well received renovation to the Bushwillow Golf Course, the much anticipated renovation project on the Firethorn Golf Course started on the 01st June 2014.

The Fairway Hotel & Golf Resort is situated on the Firethorn Golf Course, 2km from Cresta Shopping Centre in Johannesburg, this new, slick city hotel provides the ultimate destination for golf tournaments, wedding, conference and leisure guest in a safe and tranquil environment. The R140 million 5-star development overlooks the famous Firethorn Course and is situated just north east of the clubhouse, on the 1st hole.

The Fairway has 62 hotel rooms and 14 double storey Golf Villas, each with 4 en-suite rooms. The hotel rooms include 35 luxury rooms, 16 premier rooms, 1 paraplegic room, 2 Suites and 8 family rooms. Gym, tennis court and spa facilities further add to the enjoyment and comfort of guests during their stay.

The 8, 200m² hotel comprises a multi-volume foyer and private internal pool courtyard, a conference centre, boardrooms, breakaway rooms, lounge and deck with stunning views. Brides can look forward to a magnificent chapel and the Windsor Ballroom for hosting their function. Predicted to be the meeting venue in Johannesburg, Bar Verve is set to become renowned for after work cocktails which may well extend into unparalleled late night Fine Dining in Balata Restaurant.

 

Firethorn Course Handicap Conversion Table

Download the conversion table as PDF

Firethorn Scorecard

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Download the scorecard as image:

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2023 Firethorn Scorecard (August 2023)

Golf Terms & Conditions

1. The Club reserves the right to impose a cancellation fee of up to R250 for any tee-times booked in peak times (as determined by the club) which are cancelled within 24 hours regardless of whether that actual member made the booking and /or cancellation.

2. The Club reserves the right to impose a no-show fee of up to R500 for any tee-times booked in peak times (as determined by the club) where the member failed to show up regardless of whether that actual member made the booking and /or cancellation.

3. Golf specific disclaimer: When entering the Club’s premises, the member is fully aware and understands the risk and hazards inherent to the golf environment which includes but is not limited to the risk of being struck by flying golf balls and lightning strikes. In the case of the latter, the member further acknowledges that the shelters provided on the golf course are rain shelters only and are not lightning proof and the club accepts no responsibility in respect of death or injury of persons or destruction or damage to property as a result of any lightning strike whether it occurs at or near a rain shelter or at any other place. All persons using any such rain shelters or any other shelter on the property do so entirely at their own risk. It is to be noted that whilst the Club makes use of an automated lightning detection system, the Club makes no warranties and accepts no responsibility with respect to either the reliability or accuracy of the equipment. It is further noted that a member always has the right to stop play if he/she deems any condition, including lightning, to be a danger to his or her personal safety.

4. A member is not entitled to a refund of golf fees in the event a competition or round is cancelled due to weather.

5. The notional base number of rounds for a CLUB10 and CLUB20 playing cards is 10 & 20 respectively regardless of any reference to an unlimited playing card. When these golf round thresholds have been completed the cost of the playing cards has been consumed. The rounds cannot be carried over to the following financial year, and thus lapse on 31 March.

6. Unlimited golf is subject to booking restrictions as per the specific membership category. The rounds cannot be carried over to the following financial year, and thus lapse on 31 March.

7. Graduates may book for a Sunday PM two weeks in advance via the booking ladies and 11 days in advance on the online platform. Bookings for the weekend will open on a Thursday (2 days before) at 06:00 am. We will introduce a graduate booking sheet which will allow graduates to add their names for a slot which the booking ladies will fill closer to the weekend. Saturday morning games will be charged at R500.00 – all other periods include the Unlimited ticket.

Membership Terms & Conditions

1. Upon the club receiving this application form, signed terms and conditions, letter of good standing from previous club and credit check approval, an invoice will be sent and membership will only become active upon full upfront payment of all applicable fees and/or signature of a debit order arrangement and payment of first instalment. If a debit order arrangement is signed, the first instalment of membership is payable via EFT, there after the debit order arrangement will take effect.

2. Membership at Randpark is subject to approval by committee. A probation period of 3 months will apply to all new applicants. In this time Randpark reserves the right to refund unsuccessful applicants.

3. Family Membership is subject to membership of principal member.

4. Club membership would without interruption continue year on year but is subject to the payment of an annual fee as determined by the club.

5. The membership may be terminated by the member giving the club twenty business days’ notice in writing of his/her intention to do so.

6. The Club reserves the right to impose a 10% cancellation fee on a member who elects to cancel his/her membership during a financial year; however, no cancellation fee will be charged if a member gives notice not to renew his/her membership at the end of the club’s financial year.

7. There is a 3 month "cool off" period applicable if a member elects to cancel his/her membership. If a member reinstates his membership within this period the Club reserves the right to charge an entrance fee.

8. The Club may cancel a member’s membership if the member is in material breach of his/her obligation to pay annual subscription fees and the Club has given the member twenty business days’ notice in writing to remedy this breach and the member fails to do so.

9. The Club may suspend a member that is in default on his membership fees paid on debit order if that debit order is not successful. The Club will inform the member of this and the member has 3 business days to rectify his/her account. If the 3 business days lapse without any payment of outstanding amount the club reserves the right to suspend the member.  Membership will only be reinstated upon receipt of amount in arrears. If a member has 3 consecutive failed debit orders without arrears being paid up, the Club may cancel his/her membership given twenty business days' notice in writing to remedy this breach and the member fails to do so. When a member is suspended he is not deemed to be a member.

10. Any levies e.g. Capital Development Fund or special fees payable on an annual basis or as lump sum for a period are non-refundable and not related to usage of the Club.

11. By either Party submitting any personal information to the other, the disclosing Party unconditionally and voluntarily, consents to the processing of the submitted personal information for the following purposes; Invoice, Debit Order, Statement, Newsletter, SMS, WhatsApp, Randpark App.
For more information on how the club uses your personal information please see our Privacy Policy (https://bit.ly/3N7TDYj) on our website.

12. The Applicant hereby agrees and consents to the Applicant’s personal information being processed by, or on behalf of the Club for the purposes set out herein.

13. It is understood by the member that it is necessary for the Club to communicate with its membership from time to time and that by signing these terms and conditions a member gives the club his/her express permission for the Club to communicate with him /her via any means of Club communication unless he/she has informed the Club in writing that they do not wish to receive such or all communication. As mentioned in Section 69 of the POPI Act.

14. By signature hereto, the member expressly acknowledges he has read, and understands, the following disclaimers from the Club Constitution and the Club Bye-Laws.

15. General disclaimer: Randpark Club does not accept liability or responsibility whatsoever in respect of death or injury of person or destroying or damage to property or loss of any nature, whether arising from negligence or any other cause including lightning, which is suffered by any member or any person who enters the club premises and/or uses the golf course or any other amenities or facilities provided. Members and other users of the Club facilities use the facilities at their own risk and are advised to insure themselves for loss and injuries they may suffer and for claims against themselves.

16. A member is not entitled to a refund of golf fees in the event a competition or round is cancelled due to weather.

17. Vouchers which may be given to a member upon joining are given on a complimentary basis and do not form part of the subscription.