Player brothers to design Waterberg estate
Published online by the Gauteng Tourism Authority (www.gauteng.net)

THE Waterberg development consortium recently announced the collaboration of brothers Gary and Ian Player who have been appointed to design the Waterberg Biosphere Golf Course in Limpopo.
 
South African sportsman, Gary Player, will design the 18-hole signature golf course at the exclusive estate while his conservationist brother, Dr Ian Player, will assume responsibility for the wildlife and wilderness strategy.
 
“There is no doubt the concept of the world-first brothers Player collaboration brings an added dimension to Waterberg. Both Gary and Ian Player’s passion for the land will further enhance this unique development,” asserts director Tony Georgiou.
 
The 5 200-hectare estate, which is situated 90 minutes from Sandton, Johannesburg, will feature a par-72 golf course, incorporating wildlife features. The property will also feature a wilderness reserve with free-roaming buffalo, rhino, lion, leopard and other animals as well as abundant bird life. Various five-star bush lodges will be developed on the estate as well as a resort hotel – all with an eco-friendly design.
 
The aim of the project is to develop a property that offers visitors a holistic nature experience, committed to using renewable resources and mindful of water and energy conservation. Dr Ian Player states: “The project will change the view of the word ‘wilderness’ by considering the sensitivity and spirit of the place before any construction begins.”
 
“We don’t want to do just a golf course or just a wilderness resort. We want to do something more by contributing to society, to this great country,” says Gary Player. “I’ve always wanted to work closely with my brother Ian on a project where we could both contribute our respective skills and passion and Waterberg offers us our first opportunity to do so.”  The final planning of the development will be launched in 2009.

For more information and to experience the sense of place offered by Waterberg, visit www.waterbergestate.com.