The golf YouTuber tests his game at a stunning South African course, posting an impressive one-under round while battling altitude adjustments.
Rick Shiels has travelled to South Africa for the second episode of his handicap series, and the results speak for themselves. Playing at Highland Gate Golf and Trout Estate near Belfast, South Africa, the content creator delivered a stellar performance, finishing one under par on a challenging par-72 course.
The course proved demanding, with a slope rating of 143 and a course rating of 74.3. However, one factor worked in Shiels’ favour: altitude. Playing at elevation, the golf ball travels approximately 10 percent further through the air due to thinner atmospheric conditions. Shiels adapted intelligently, switching his rangefinder from yards to metres to account for the distance gains and make more accurate club selections.
Altitude Golf and Strategic Adjustments
Highland Gate sits at a significant elevation, which created fascinating challenges throughout the round. Shiels found himself hitting clubs he would not normally use for similar distances back in the United Kingdom. A lob wedge that would typically carry around 110 yards flew approximately 130 yards, a striking difference that required constant mental recalibration.
“This is wild playing at altitude. It really is,” Shiels remarked during the round. The experience provided valuable learning opportunities, particularly when deciding between clubs on approach shots. On several occasions, Matt, a scratch golfer and local member, helped guide Shiels through the nuances of playing at Highland Gate’s elevation.
The course had recently endured significant rainfall, and some bunkers showed water damage. Despite these conditions, Shiels praised Highland Gate’s hospitality and the pristine presentation of the course. “It’s just a shame they’ve had so much rain recently, but they’ve still been incredible to us,” he said.
Par Fives Prove Profitable
Shiels’ strategy paid off on the par fives, where he secured birdies on holes five and eight during the front nine. This performance set the tone for a solid round. The back nine presented three additional par-five opportunities, and Shiels recognised the potential to extend his under-par score if he could maintain his form on the longer holes.
A dramatic moment came on the final hole, a par five where Shiels’ drive found the deep rough after catching a cart path. Following a lateral drop penalty, he faced approximately 240 metres to the pin. A remarkable recovery saw him reach the green in regulation and position himself for an eagle attempt. A long putt from distance caught the cup’s edge but ultimately lipped out, leaving Shiels with a birdie finish.
Throughout the round, Shiels tracked his statistics using the Golf Game Book app, which provided detailed analytics on his performance. This data tracking helped him understand his game better, identifying patterns and areas for improvement—lessons he carried forward from his previous round in Australia.
A Striking Moment on the Green
On the 14th hole, par four, Shiels experienced an unusual incident. His approach shot landed near the pin, but a large insect had settled on the green. After striking his putt, the ball hit the insect directly, which appeared to knock the creature unconscious momentarily. Fortunately, the insect recovered and flew away, providing a moment of levity during the round. Despite the distraction, Shiels made his par.
The course’s presentation impressed Shiels throughout. The bunkers featured distinctive orange sand, and the layout offered variety across 18 holes. Several holes reminded Shiels of Scottish courses, though with considerably warmer weather and, as he noted with a degree of caution, “a few more dangerous animals here, that’s for sure.”
Shiels’ final scorecard read one under par, which effectively calculated to three under when adjusted for the course rating. This performance marks solid progress in his handicap series, and he expressed genuine enthusiasm for returning to the course. “I actually cannot believe that lipped out,” he said of the final putt, reflecting on what could have been an even more memorable finish.
For golfers interested in exploring Highland Gate, Shiels’ experience demonstrates the course’s quality and the unique challenges and opportunities that altitude golf presents. The hospitality from Krueger Golf Safaris, which organised the trip, also drew his praise. The combination of exceptional golf, outstanding service, and South Africa’s natural beauty made this episode of his handicap series genuinely memorable.
As Shiels moves forward with his series, episode three awaits. His time at Highland Gate has provided both enjoyment and valuable learning experiences—precisely what a golf journey through some of the world’s finest courses should deliver.
This article was created with the help of AI and editorially reviewed. Report an issue