Is this the most heart-stopping shot in sports?
Experience the epitome of adrenaline in golf at South Africa's Legend Golf Safari Resort The Extreme 19th, a daunting par-three, teeters on the edge of a 470-yard cliff, offering a heart-stopping challenge like no other Dare to take the most terrifying shot in sport!
You are dropped off by a helicopter at the edge of a mountain. Standing at the tee, you observe a pride of lions silently tracking an oblivious antelope, which is positioned precariously 430 meters (470 yards) below, ready to plunge into the depths.
In one corner of South Africa, golf takes on a whole new level of excitement, resembling an extreme sport rather than its traditional image.
Located in the province of Limpopo, near the Zimbabwe border, lies the Legend Golf and Safari Resort. This resort features the renowned Signature Course, where each hole has been designed by a different well-known golfer. The course is spread across the picturesque plains of the Entabeni Safari Conservancy, which is home to Africa's "Big Five" and various other wildlife species.
However, it is not uncommon for golfers to forgo returning to the clubhouse after completing their 18 holes. Instead, they have the thrilling opportunity to board a helicopter and ascend Hanglip Mountain for a truly unique experience on "The Extreme 19th" hole.
The par-three hole, measuring 361 meters (395 yards) and featuring a green resembling the African continent, is renowned as the longest and potentially most formidable in the entire world. Its conception can be credited to Peet Cilliers, the CEO of Legend Holdings, who aimed to create a spectacle that would provoke discussion and stand out as distinctively unique. In an interview with CNN, Cilliers expressed his intention to make it an extreme experience that captures people's attention.
"Golf can be quite boring and I think it is just something that makes it special. Its a wild experience."
Players must board a helicopter to reach the tee.
Courtesy Legend Hospitality Group
Into the lions den
The seed for The Extreme 19th was planted in November 2000, when Cilliers wife Mart surprised him with a family picnic at the summit of Hanglip Mountain for his 41st birthday.
Intrigued by the breathtaking view, Cilliers decided to revisit the peak, which could only be reached by helicopter, to show it to a friend. Inspired by the scenic surroundings and fueled by a bottle of wine, his friend proposed the idea of hitting a golf ball off the edge. As they made their way back down, this playful suggestion evolved into a concrete plan for an extraordinary endeavor.
Challenges, both financial and practical, emerged as obstacles. Skeptical designers estimated a construction cost of five million Rand (equivalent to approximately $263,000 today). Additionally, workers occasionally had to temporarily halt their progress when lions appeared in the area, causing them to seek refuge in nearby trees for safety.
Lions are among the animals that inhabit the conservancy.
At the courtesy of Legend Hospitality Group, employees wore protective helmets while golf balls fell from above, as they determined the optimal area for landing. Several months later, renowned South African golfer Gary Player made history by taking the first official tee shot in 2008.
The nine-time major champion positioned himself a few steps back from the edge to ensure he could execute his unique follow-through skip. This setup is also available for golfers who have a fear of heights. Despite the steep drop, there is a ledge positioned two meters down to protect players from a fall.
Depending on the wind conditions, golfers are allowed to take between five and seven shots off the tee. An attentive group of caddies, wearing crash helmets, waits below to track the landing spots of the balls, which typically hang in the air for around 22 seconds.
"You don't need to possess exceptional golf skills to achieve a near-perfect shot," assures Cilliers, highlighting the advantage of a gently sloping fairway that begins at approximately 260 yards. This unique feature allows golf balls to effortlessly roll down towards the bunkers surrounding the flag.
To ensure safety, a protective electric fence encloses the green and prevents access by potentially harmful wildlife. Nevertheless, on the Signature Course itself, a variety of magnificent animals such as wildebeest, zebra, and kudu roam freely, creating a truly immersive and natural experience.
The green lies at the bottom of a long slope.
Courtesy of Legend Hospitality Group, a group of four can enjoy a round of The Extreme 19th for 5,000 rand ($263) or opt to play the Signature Course for 1,000 rand ($52). Interestingly, there are avid golfers who travel great distances solely to experience a single hole.
"Weve had some people from China and Europe who literally fly in, play The Extreme 19th and then leave," Cilliers said, "It actually happens quite a lot."
Million-dollar idea
Some early visitors may have been enticed by the opportunity to quickly become a millionaire.
During the inaugural year of The Extreme 19th's operation, a lucrative prize of $1 million was offered to the player who could achieve a hole-in-one. The resort experienced a nerve-wracking moment when a ball came dangerously close, landing just two meters away from the cup after hitting a rock. As a result, the prize was subsequently reduced to $10,000.
Closed due to the decline in tourism caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Extreme 19th and Signature Course are currently under renovation. However, Cilliers hinted at an exciting surprise to be unveiled upon the near future reopening.
Former West Indies cricketer Franklyn Stephenson achieved the first birdie in January 2010. From then until December 2014, when detailed record-keeping ceased, only 12 additional birdies were accomplished.
Out of the 2,811 scores submitted during that specific period, only 118 achieved par, while 338 managed to escape with a bogey. Astonishingly, a staggering 1,287 players, which is nearly 46%, finished with double-figure scores.
Experience the unique blend of golf and wildlife at Africa's sole PGA-accredited course, where animals freely roam the greens.
The log book is filled with a collection of renowned names. Hanglip has been conquered by the majority of the 18 Signature Course designers, including esteemed champions Sergio Garcia, Bernhard Langer, Justin Rose, and Padraig Harrington. In 2009, Harrington made history by being the first designer to par the hole with an incredible bunker shot.
Not only have golf luminaries graced the course, but there have also been notable visits from VIPs outside of the golfing world. The Extreme 19th has seen the likes of British sporting icons Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time Formula One world champion, and Steve Redgrave, a five-time Olympic rowing gold medalist. Additionally, esteemed South African Springbok rugby heroes Frik Du Preez, Naas Botha, and Morne Steyn have also experienced the beauty of the course.
Morgan Freeman's star appearance in December 2009 was perhaps the most memorable. The renowned actor, known for his portrayal of Nelson Mandela in the historical drama "Invictus," had just arrived at the 19th green when he got a call. The call was to inform Freeman, along with his co-star Matt Damon and director Clint Eastwood, that they had all received Golden Globe nominations for their work in the film. In the visitors book, Freeman couldn't help but express his excitement, writing, "WOW! Three nominations on the 19th! Not too shabby."
Peet Cilliers and Morgan Freeman admire the view from atop Hanglip Mountain.
Courtesy Legend Hospitality Group
Soul
Many players choose to stay in the luxurious lodges located on the shores of Lake Entabeni, offering splendid views of hippos basking against the mountainous backdrop. Guests can engage in activities such as safari excursions and hot air ballooning. For those seeking a more corporate setting, there is an adjacent resort boasting 66 residences and a spacious conference center.
The lodges offer panoramic views of Hanglip Mountain.
Courtesy of Legend Hospitality Group, Cilliers does not occupy either of the lodges. Instead, he resides in the only private home in the reserve, where he has raised his children. Having transitioned from his previous profession as a lawyer in Johannesburg, Cilliers is quickly approaching a remarkable 25 years of living in the bush.
The city can be reached within a three-hour drive, but to Cilliers, its a world away.
"If youve lost your soul, come to the bush and youll find it quickly," he said.
"It's a remarkable feeling to have tasks ahead of you without being overwhelmed by the rat race. Every day, as you awaken or prepare for slumber, you are gently reminded by the resonating lion's roar or the melodic chirping of birds in the morning that you possess a clear understanding of your place in the world and the ideal way to lead your life.
"This encounter is truly magnificent."
