Mount Edgecombe’s story begins not with fairways and greens, but with sugar cane. In the 19th century, the fertile lands north of Durban were developed into a major sugar-producing area. The estate was named after Mount Edgcumbe House in Cornwall, a nod to colonial ties, though the spelling was simplified locally.
The growth of the industry was fuelled by the arrival of Indian indentured labourers from 1860, whose contribution shaped the social fabric of the region. In 1895, industrialist Marshall Campbell acquired the local sugar mill, and Natal Estates Ltd grew to become one of South Africa’s largest sugar companies. The mill became part of Tongaat Hulett in 1963 and was finally demolished in 1994 as urbanisation accelerated.
In the 1930s, as life on the Mount Edgecombe sugar estate expanded, the Huletts company recognised the need for a recreational hub. At the time, travelling into Durban to play golf meant a long, dusty journey, so creating a course on the estate gave employees and residents both convenience and prestige.
It was also part of a broader company-town tradition: employers investing in lifestyle and recreation to attract skilled professionals, foster loyalty, and provide a social centre in a plantation landscape dominated by work. Golf, seen as both aspirational and communal, was the perfect choice.
South African golfing great Sid Brews was commissioned to design the course in 1935–36, and the parkland layout soon became known as Course One – today celebrated as 'The Woods'.
Tragedy struck in the late 1980s when severe flooding in 1987, followed by a devastating clubhouse fire in 1988, tested the resilience of the community.
The 1990s marked a turning point. As cane fields gave way to residential development, the vision of a modern golf estate took shape. Course One was upgraded to USGA specifications by Hugh Baiocchi in 1992 and was subsequently rebranded as ‘The Woods’, a name inspired by its parkland layout.
Around the same time, a second course was conceived to anchor the estate. Designed by Daysen, de Villiers & van der Merwe (DDV) in 1994, it opened later in the decade and was later rebranded as The Lakes. Weaving around Pani Dam and delicate wetlands, the course introduced a very different playing experience and became the second jewel in Mount Edgecombe’s crown.
Through this period, the broader Mount Edgecombe Country Club Estate emerged as one of South Africa’s pioneering gated golf communities, blending leisure, lifestyle, and security.
Mount Edgecombe quickly became a stage for competitive golf. The Sunshine Tour’s Mount Edgecombe Trophy debuted in 1993 with Retief Goosen as its inaugural winner, returned in 1994 with Bruce Vaughan, and was revived again in 2007–08, when Mark Murless triumphed. The club has also hosted GolfRSA flagship events, including the South African Amateur Strokeplay and Matchplay. In 2023, the estate witnessed history when France’s Martin Couvra achieved a rare treble – capturing the SA Strokeplay, Proudfoot Trophy, and SA Amateur on these very fairways.
As the estate has continued to grow, it has balanced modern residential development with the upkeep of two championship-calibre courses.
Its journey has also been marked by resilience. Like the broader eThekwini region, Mount Edgecombe endured the devastating KwaZulu-Natal floods of April 2022 and again in 2024. Each time, the club and its community rebuilt and renewed – continuing a long tradition of turning setbacks into opportunities for reinvention.
Mount Edgecombe Country Club Estate was born from a vision to create a premier destination where luxury living meets world-class leisure in KwaZulu-Natal. Established as a haven for golf enthusiasts and families alike, the estate has grown into a vibrant, secure community that blends natural beauty with modern sophistication. Nestled near Umhlanga and Durban, Mount Edgecombe has evolved over the years into a sought-after lifestyle destination, renowned for its championship golf courses and exceptional amenities.
The estate’s journey began with the creation of two meticulously designed golf courses, each offering unique challenges and breathtaking views. These courses laid the foundation for a community that values both active pursuits and serene living. Over time, Mount Edgecombe expanded to include elegant homes, state-of-the-art facilities, and a welcoming clubhouse, fostering a sense of belonging for residents and visitors. Our commitment to excellence has earned us a reputation as one of South Africa’s finest residential and recreational estates.
Today, Mount Edgecombe stands as a testament to timeless quality and community spirit. From hosting prestigious golf tournaments to nurturing family-friendly events, we continue to build a legacy that celebrates connection, leisure, and the beauty of KwaZulu-Natal. Join us and become part of our story—a story of luxury, community, and a lifestyle like no other.
On-Course Experience:
(Please note: no outside food or alcohol is permitted on the courses)
Prize-Giving & Function Facilities:
Designer(s): Daysen, De Villiers & Van der Merwe | Upgraded by Matkovich Design
Par: 72
Course Lengths (by Tee):
Course Rating & Slope (White Tees): CR 70.4 | Slope 121
Holes: 18
Fairways: Royal Blue grass landscaped on the rolling terrain, framed by indigenous bush
Greens: Bent and Royal Blue grass mixture, built to full USGA specification
Water Features: Central Pani Dam and numerous guarding hazards
Signature Stretch: Hole 8 and 9 alongside Pani Dam
Designer(s): Sid Brews (1935), Hugh Baiocchi (1992 redesign)
Par: 70
Course Lengths (by Tee):
Course Rating & Slope (White Tees): CR 70.1 | Slope 123
Holes: 18
Fairways: Lined with trees and carpeted in Royal Blue grass, creating a true parkland-style setting
Greens: Bent and Paspalum grass, built to USGA specification
Signature Stretch: “Amen Corner” – Holes 14, 15, 16