The Goat Track

Is the LIV party over before it truly began? We open this week’s episode with a look at the latest funding drama and the ripples it’s sending through the South African golf landscape. The heart of the show, however, is dedicated to the upcoming Top 100 course rankings. We debate which tracks are sliding, which are surging, and take a bold swing at predicting the new Top 10. To wrap up, we move away from the data to discuss the courses that don't need a ranking to be special—the ones close to our hearts

The dust has settled on another Major week, and while the leaderboards were lacking a South African flag at the top, there is plenty to unpack. We sit down to discuss our biggest takeaways from the latest event and why the Sunday charge from the local contingent never materialized. And may not for a while. JDV gives us a candid (and frustrated) update on his ongoing battle with the handicap app. Meanwhile, Hoff is making headlines of his own, though not on the scorecard. He’s back to his old retail habits, and we find out exactly what new "game-changing" gear he’s convinced will save his season.

JDV, TBag and special guest Dimitri aka Silly Goose Golf team up to discuss all things Masters. They chat about what makes a good Masters, what they are hoping for and which winner they would least like to see. The lads then dive into the Masters 2026 Player draft picking from 5 categories each and there are some serious surprises straight out of the gate.

What a week in Johannesburg! Terrence, Tucky, JDv, and Hoff sit down to break down the madness and the magic of LIV Golf SA 2026, covering everything from the massive galleries and logistical wins to the players who actually moved the needle. The boys dive deep into the unique Jozi "fan culture," summarizing the best (and most brutal) chants and chirps heard on the course before looking at the big picture: what this success means for the future of South African golf. To wrap it up, we get expert perspectives from legendary broadcaster OG Molefe, LIV Golf’s Jake Jones, and sports media guru Ben Karpinski.

JDV and T deliver an on-the-ground preview of the much-anticipated LIV Golf South Africa. This episode of The Goat Track breaks down the massive scale of the event’s arrival, from the sprawling infrastructure build-out to the strategic nuances of the Highveld. We shift the focus to the technical demands of the layout, discussing the local wildlife on the course and how specific turf conditions—from grabby Kikuyu rough to pure bentgrass greens—will dictate club selection. The team highlights the best holes for spectators to catch the action and provides an inside look at the "sense of place" that defines this venue. We wrap up by making our expert picks for the weekend  

Stellenbosch is a vibe, but is it a Championship test? Fresh off the grounds of the latest South African Open, we’re joined once again by Ben Karpinski to dissect a week in the Winelands. We move past the standard leaderboard recap to look at the architectural bones of the course, the energy of the crowds, and whether the "National Open" identity is being preserved or diluted. The experience at Stellenbosch sparks a larger debate: What actually makes a "Good" SA Open? Is it purely about the difficulty of the rough and the speed of the greens, or is it about the "Sense of Place"? We pitch our definitive 7-course rotation for the SA Open. We look for tracks that balance architectural integrity, spectator logistics, and that specific South African soul—from the salt-sprayed turf of the coast to the rugged bushveld corridors.  

JDV and T discuss the ongoing handicap saga, the curse hanging over Durban Country Club and preview the SA Open in Stellenbosch.

This week, JDV and T dive headfirst into the absolute chaos of the recent South African handicap system migration. If you’ve spent more time staring at a loading screen than on the tee box lately, this one is for you. JDV goes on an all-time rant about the "handicap app from hell," the data migration disaster, and what this technical nightmare actually means for your index in the short term. Is your 12-handicap safe, or has it been "migrated" into a 24? JDV then hits us up with a tale where the bad guys might NOT be the shouting group trying to play thru. Finally, we try to lighten the mood. We close out with a SA Golf Course Quiz that starts with high hopes and ends in absolute shambles.

In Episode 81, we dive into the Stingers rebrand. Did they workshop the new name? T has some concerns with that and the exact same roster returning, we ask the uncomfortable question: Is this franchise evolving, or is it stuck as an "Old Boys Club" that prioritizes vibes over victory? The concern doesn't stop there. We also tackle the news of Stellenbosch Golf Club hosting the SA Open. It’s a nice venue, sure—but is it actually the right test for a modern National Open with a Masters berth on the line? We discuss whether the course has the teeth for today's pros or if this is another "safe" choice that misses the mark? Lastly we draft teams of SA Players from different categories and see who can build the 2026 squad. Who can lock down the big guns Burmy and Aldrich?

JDV and TBag take you through their back 9 of their compilation 18 holes for 2025. There are some high quality courses named and not a single one in KZN!

We're back! And we start with a favorite from last year - a compilation of our best 18 holes played in 2025. This time JDV and TBag alternate holes and there are some bangers amongst them. This episode covers the front 9 and includes holes from Zimablai Lakes, The Links, Durban Country Club and a host of others.

Tucky and Hoff are back giving people the opinions no one asked for! Wandering off the beaten path again and unpacking the Springboks’ end-of-year tour; the good, the bad, and will Sasha become the GOAT. They check in on the upcoming Rugby World Cup draw and how things might shake-out. They also can’t ignore the Sharks, who are currently in such grim form it doesn't feel like it could get worse... It’s rugby chat with just enough chaos to keep you honest. Tune in.

TBag and JDV go deep on the best par-3s in KZN, comparing notes from some of the province’s most iconic tracks. From the coastal beauty of Southbroom, Wild Coast, Durban, Umkho and Princes Grant, to the inland standouts at Gowrie, Champagne Sports, and Cotswold Downs, they unpack what elevates a par-3 from “good” to unforgettable. Along the way, they chat about why KZN seems to produce these holes in abundance—hint: the landscape does a lot of the heavy lifting—and reveal their final, no-debate-allowed top 5. A fun, local episode celebrating the province’s finest one-shotters.

We're golf adjacent this week! Tucky and Hoff are back on The Goat Track as they break down the Springboks’ end-of-year tour. They unpack what’s to come for Rassie and his men, and what it all means heading into 2026. Then it’s over to the Sharks: what is happening?? The guys debate who could step in and what direction the franchise really needs to take. Expect a few honest takes, a couple of digs, and more than one bold prediction. To wrap it up, the lads get personal with their own rugby highlights from years gone by.

We finally get another course review as JDV and T do a deep dive on the newest 18-hole course in South Africa -  Zimbali Lakes. They chat about the Ernie Els involvement, the cost and their favorite holes. JDV tackles the handicap rating issue and T speculates where this course will land in the SA Top 100 rankings.

Much like the famed documentary, this episode explores alot and not much. In My October Teacher, we dive into the strange lessons of October -  from Hoff’s tales of questionable golf lessons to Ryder Cup takeaways, South Africa’s success at the World Amateur Team Champs, and the KZN Sunshine Tour swing. We also check in on our own golf goals (some thriving, others begging for a mulligan) and wrap up the 2025 Major Goat comp. And because we love a good idea almost as much as a bad one, we announce our first-ever Goat Track event: The Mashters — a 9-hole social gathering in KZN.  

Every golfer has their quirks, but our regular guest Fuad takes pre-round rituals and on-course habits to another level. From how he dresses, to the way he sets up his gear, to the strange rules he follows mid-round—his list of superstitions is as long as a par 5. We dig into them all, laugh at the madness, and uncover whether these little rituals actually help or just add pressure. If you’ve ever marked your ball a certain way “for luck,” worn the same hat after a good round, or avoided talking about your score until the 18th is done—you’ll feel right at home in this chat.

Hoff covers seven eclectic rankings from his best Goat Track to his worst Golf experience. A few courses take a couple of strays from his soapbox.

We’re kicking off a brand-new series SEVEN – rankings, lists, bests, worsts and the kind of debates golfers live for. First up? JDV’s Favourite Courses. Expect some of the country’s undisputed heavy hitters, a few sensible locks, and one or two curveballs that might surprise you. How does your list stacks up against JDV’s.

We dissect Tucky’s wild, sun-scorched round at Zimbali Lakes — a journey so dramatic it’s now simply known as Touching the Sun. Was it the mid-round wrap? The long-sleeve jersey? Or the fateful choice to forgo a cold beer? Step by step, swing by swing, we unravel the mystery behind a round that was equal parts inspiring, baffling, and — in moments — heartbreakingly tragic. It’s a tale every golfer knows: when the dream round starts to smoulder. We unpack how it happens, why it happens, and what to do (or never do) when you find yourself flying too close to the golfing sun.

JDV, T and Tucky break down all things Open Championship including the course, the favorite's and the Saffas in the field. We also briefly touch on Tucky's unreal round of golf last week and hear about JDV's planned winter golf trip to Cape Town.

This week we’re joined by Lynton from Boekenhoutskloof, one of South Africa’s most iconic wineries. We trace their journey from humble small-batch beginnings to becoming the powerhouse behind some of the country’s most recognisable wine labels. Naturally, we mix in some golf — celebrating the South African legends who’ve hoisted the Claret Jug, from Bobby Locke to Gary Player, Ernie Els, and Louis Oosthuizen. It’s a proper blend of grapes and greats. We also drop details on an exclusive wine special for The Open: Goat Track members get 20% off Boekenhoutskloof wines from July 7–14 with code TGTopen20. 🍷⛳ A little wine. A little history. A lot of love for The Open

This week on The Goat Track, TBag is joined by fellow golf junkie and media maven Ben Karpinski for a wide-ranging chat that covers the beautiful madness of loving this game. From the thrill of being a true golf sicko to debates around the pro scene, it’s a proper dive into the good stuff. We shine a light on Casandra Alexander’s rise, try to unpack Tommy Fleetwood’s North American struggles, and go all-in on why Keegan Bradley simply has to be on that Ryder Cup team. Ben also takes us through his recent trip to Scotland—a trip that reminded him why he fell in love with the game in the first place.

This week on The Goat Track, we’re all in on the U.S. Open—and Oakmont is the perfect villain. We dig into the course’s storied, punishing history and take a fascinating detour into the origins of the stimpmeter (spoiler: it all started right here). We also revisit Ernie Els’ gritty 1994 win, touching on the drama that nearly derailed it. We get our picks locked in, a fresh update on the Major GOAT leaderboard, and discuss a new wrinkle added to Wunderpar. Plus, we stir the pot in our Goat Track Golfchamps pool and launch some fun “games within the game” for Oakmont week. If you like your majors fast, firm, and just a little unhinged—this episode’s for you.

On this week’s The Goat Track, we go coast to coast—from the Eastern Cape’s underrated gems to chaos on the global stage. We chat golf in the Eastern Cape, then pivot to Hoffs’ personal renaissance as he rekindles his love affair with the game. Is the PGA Championship really a major? We throw it in the ring. We also unpack Golfchamps disasters, dissect Rory’s form moving forward, and explore the curious case of crumbling driver faces. There’s speculation flying about who TBag will be caddying for in August, a bizarre "Whitehouse" golf delegation making headlines, and rumors of a potential LIV Golf event landing in South Africa. Plus, we raise some pointed questions about the latest SA Top 100 rankings—because something smells a bit off. Tee it up with us for another punchy, unfiltered ride through the business and banter of golf.

JDV, Hoff and T muse over some important topics - who is the current best Saffa golfer? Is Portugal a better golf destination than Scotland? Who makes a good outsider for a Golfchamps team this week?

They say Muirfield in Scotland is a lunch club with a world-class golf course attached—and we got a taste of that tradition right here in South Africa. T and JDV had the chance to experience the charm and ceremony of a typical Muirfield day by teeing it up in the bi-annual Muirfield Quaich, hosted at Gowrie Farm in the KZN Midlands. In this episode, they unpack the meaning behind the mysterious “quaich,” the rituals that define the day, and the nuances of foursomes golf. On the back nine of the pod, they explore the newly added holes at Gowrie Farm and why the course is such a perfect stage for match play.

Tour Championship winner Michael Hollick joins The Goat Track for a wide-ranging chat on life inside—and outside—the ropes. After a strong start to his professional career, Michael faced a tough stretch mid-way through his journey. He opens up about how confronting the possibility of stepping away from the game brought him unexpected clarity and helped him rediscover his best form. We also dive into why the Sunshine Tour remains a hidden gem for local talent—and yes, Michael called the Masters winner before it happened. A grounded, insightful look at the mindset of a player who's grown through the game.

It finally happened—Rory McIlroy slips on the green jacket at Augusta, and we break down every twist in his rollercoaster final round. From clutch brilliance to nervy moments, it was vintage Rory drama. Justin Rose filled the Bryson-sized protagonist void with near-perfect golf, making Rory earn the career grand slam. We dive into the electric walk from the 18th green, why the Butler Cabin ceremony might be past its expiry date, and how our squads fared in the Major GOAT Draft. Then we close with some bold predictions: how many more majors can Rory realistically win from here? This is one for the books.

We speak to Steele Slater -  the founder of Slater Golf - a new premium golf brand homemade in South Africa. Steele talks us through the inspiration behind the brand and how fashion & golf have been mainstays in his life since he was a young kid.

In this episode, the lads catch up on their recent golf games before diving into the launch of Major Goat—their brand-new, season-long race across the four majors. The draft process brings drama, dodgy picks, and the chaos of the “Saffa Rule,” shaking up team strategies in unexpected ways. With the dreaded Losers Lemon on the line, every choice feels high-stakes. Tune in for laughs, banter, and a fair bit of anguish as they each try to build a team that won’t land them at the bottom of the leaderboard

Part 2: Courses 10 - 1 Join TBag, JDV, Swan, and Ryan as they break down the recently published Top 40 list of 9-hole courses in South Africa. From the dramatic landscapes of the Drakensberg to the arid beauty of the Northern Cape, this list is a celebration of golf in the country's most unexpected and charming small-town settings. 9-hole courses often fly under the radar, but they are packed with character, history, and unique challenges. Whether you're a golf purist or just love a road trip through the countryside, this episode is a smorgasbord of hidden gems and must-visit tracks.

Part 1: Courses 40 - 11 Join TBag, JDV, Swan, and Ryan as they break down the recently published Top 40 list of 9-hole courses in South Africa. From the dramatic landscapes of the Drakensberg to the arid beauty of the Northern Cape, this list is a celebration of golf in the country's most unexpected and charming small-town settings. 9-hole courses often fly under the radar, but they are packed with character, history, and unique challenges. Whether you're a golf purist or just love a road trip through the countryside, this episode is a smorgasbord of hidden gems and must-visit tracks.

The 2025 South African Open at Durban Country Club had it all—drama, resilience, and a worthy champion in Dylan Naidoo. We break down an unforgettable week, from the impact of the floods and how the course held up to the Stingers making their presence felt. Plus, we dive into the selection of fan golf attire seen out there, some infrastructure hot takes, and we even manage to squeeze out some golf goals from Hoff. Or de we? Tune in for all the insights, stories, and a few laughs as we close the chapter on one of SA’s most eventful tournaments.

Seasoned Sunshine Tour players Luke Jerling and Lyle Rowe give us their brief thoughts on the changes to Durban Country Club and how it will play for the SA Open.

The South African Open returns to Durban Country Club for the first time since 2010 and the course has undergone a massive renovation. JDV and T talk through the history of the course, the new burn and why this is still the most important golf course in South Africa.

New year, same hacks. TBag, Tucky, and JDV kick off 2025 with a bold (and possibly delusional) set of golf goals—because what’s January without a little blind optimism? Before diving into their fresh ambitions, they take a hard look at their 2024 goals… and, well, let’s just say there were some ‘creative interpretations’ of success. From lowering handicaps to chasing dream golf experiences, the boys set the bar high—and immediately start negotiating with reality. Tune in for laughs, inspiration, and at least one resolution that won’t make it past February.

This week on The GOAT Track, JDV and his brother SDV relive their recent win in the Cotswold Betterball Knockout tournament. They chat about what makes club comps like this so much fun (and frustrating), their journey to the finals, and the highs and lows along the way. From clutch shots to moments they’d rather forget, it’s a laid-back look at their experience on the course. Expect candid reflections on their best and worst moments, the most controversial calls along the way, and, of course, SDV takes a well-earned detour to discuss the fascinating world of beers brewed by Belgian monks. Tune in for an episode packed with camaraderie, competition, and a little bit of beer-fueled wisdom.

In this episode of The Goat Track, the lads take a deep dive into the legendary Glendower Golf Club. Renowned for its rich history and championship pedigree, Glendower has hosted some of South Africa's most prestigious tournaments. From its origins in the 1930s to its stunning parkland layout, we uncover fascinating nuggets about the course's evolution, its iconic holes, and the challenges it presents to players of all levels. Whether you’re a golf history buff or just curious about one of the Sunshine Tour’s favorite venues, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss! Tune in, and let’s tee off on a journey through Glendower’s storied fairways.

JDv and TBag wrap up the year with a breakdown of their favorite 18-holes played  compilation of 2024. That is a wrap for 2024!

It’s a special milestone for The Goat Track—our 50th episode! To celebrate, we chat with Sarah from Travel Lifestyle Golf about their epic Africa 100 adventure, exploring 100 unique golf courses across Southern and Eastern Africa. From unforgettable moments on the greens to life on the road with Andi the Landy (their trusty Land Rover), Sarah shares it all. We also dive into some funny stories, like her husband Steve’s close call with a bushmen's arrow and cover the incredible variety of golf courses this region has to offer. This episode is packed with laughs, great tales, and plenty of inspiration for anyone dreaming of their next big adventure. 🎧 Grab a coffee (or a beer) and join us for a journey through Southern and Eastern Africa as we mark this amazing milestone

T, JDV and Fuad break down the final day at the NGC 2024 and talk about the top 10, the course, fan apparel and tournament experience. How will Aldrich do going forward and what are your options when attending this event? This and more as we wrap Nedbank for 2024.

Aldrich Potgieter makes a big move and leads the Nedbank by 3 shots. JDV, Fuad and TBag give their thoughts (live from the 18th fairway) of the Nedbank so far.

Tucky, JDV and Hoff gather their thoughts and make some predictions for the Nedbank 2024.

It's less than a week away so this week JDV and TBag chat about the history and possible future of the Nedbank Golf Challenge - aka the Million Dollar. Who were the early competitors, why Sun City and what will this event look like in 10 years?

Join us as we sit down with Sunshine Tour player Luca Filippi, who is currently on the road to recovery after a horrific injury. Luca shares his journey, the mental and physical challenges he’s faced, and how he’s staying sharp during this recovery phase. We also tap into Luca’s deep knowledge of the game as he offers valuable insights and strategic picks for this week’s Golfchamps at the unpredictable St Francis Links. Don’t miss this episode filled with resilience, expert tips, and a fresh perspective on golf’s challenges!

It's been a full year since the Springboks World Cup triumph and Jerome joins us again for a catch-up on the rugga landscape. We cover the Bok's recent tests and the impact of the URC transition on the Bok's, the AB's and the Northern hemisphere teams. How will the Boks fair against England and Scotland (and Wales.......) after a long year? Why do we hate England so much? Are Ireland more likable with Sexton gone?

Tech fails. Three Ships Whiskey. Wine-tasting wannabes. Knysna and Plett golf. Pezula changeroom fines. The Clovelly Parkland. Arabella in spring. Chinese fans.

In this episode, we chat with Sunshine Tour golfer Jono Broomhead, who opens up about his journey in professional golf. Jono shares how he's feeling mentally more comfortable on tour and the positive impact of his unique caddy arrangement. He also gives his thoughts on the recently renovated Durban Country Club and the ongoing issue of slow play in the sport. This conversation offers fresh perspectives from a player making waves and looking to take the next step on the global stage.

Cheating in golf is a large topic to take on but JDV, TBag and Tucky do their best to cover the full sphere of cheating debacles in the amateur and professional game. Handicap fluffing, improving lies and lost ball saga's all get some attention.