The Goat Track

Imagine you can only play golf in four South African regions for the rest of your life. Every course counts, from the grand names to the humble nine-holers. JDV, Terrence and Swannie take turns drafting from 16 regions, weighing course quality, weather, club culture and who you’d enjoy a beer with afterwards. Boundaries are deliberately unconventional, so expect debate over where famous courses belong. Some regions will be snapped up early. Others will be left on the table. Who builds the most appealing golfing life? Who gets what? Press play, make your picks, then tell us who you think wo...

The Icons Cup is coming to The Links at Fancourt in George from 11 to 13 December, and in this episode we preview the event and share four reasons why we're excited about it. We look at the venue and why The Links is such a strong stage for match play, the players (and their handicaps) lined up for Team South Africa, captained by Ernie Els, and Team World, captained by José María Olazábal, and how the three-day team format works.

In this episode, Terrence and JDV are back to cover everything from island golf adventures to the future of the game!

JDV kicks things off with the wild story of his adventurous journey to Mauritius—and the chaos of the flight alone is worth the listen. Once he finally touched down, he teed it up at two brand-new courses on the island, and he gives us the full rundown, including why one of them has instantly shot up to the top of his personal rankings.

Then, T takes the reins to recap the PGA Show. We...

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Goat Track, where we delve into the intricacies of golf, particularly focusing on the recent handicap app saga in South Africa. In this episode, hosts Terrence and JDV unravel the complexities surrounding golf handicaps, aiming to clarify why it matters to every golfer.

Terrence and JDV kick off the discussion by revisiting a viral moment from a past episode where they highlighted the chaos surrounding the launch of the new handicap app. The app's debut not only stirred controversy but also sparked widespread debate among golfers across the country. As Terrence...

In this episode of The Goat Track, JDV and regular guest Ben head to KwaZulu-Natal to break down the winter setup at Cotswold Downs. The drier months completely change the strategy on this inland layout, as the dormant kikuyu fairways firm up and offer plenty of extra run off the tee. While the added distance is a lot of fun, it severely complicates the short game. The guys discuss the reality of playing into the course's tricky, raised greens, where the firmer conditions and severe slopes quickly expose a misjudged approach or chip. Beyond the scorecard and course management...

Tucky and Hoff get together to give their expert opinion on what went wrong for the Boks at Ellis Park and have a look ahead to what they need to do right at the Cape Town Stadium against the All Blacks this weekend

In this episode, we’re joined by South-African born caddie Dean Smith, who shares an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at his bond with Kiwi star Ryan Fox. Having caddied for him for over a decade, Dean opens up about the trust, the banters, and the unique Southern Hemisphere dynamic that makes their team tick on the world stage.

Dean breaks down Foxys winning-mindset, what they spoke about on Saturday night, and the exact high-pressure moments down the stretch on Sunday—leading right up to that clutch 11-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to seal the Claret Jug.

We’re stepping off the tee box and straight into test-match fever as the crew gears up for one of the most anticipated events in international sport: the return of full-blown All Blacks tours to South Africa. In this golf-adjacent episode, we put fairway talk on warm-up duty to tackle the sheer spectacle of the legendary Springboks vs. New Zealand rivalry hitting local shores. Tucky and Hoff break down what iconic experiences are still missing from their personal sporting pantheons, sharing their genuine hype for what promises to be an absolute blockbuster series.

Plus, the lads debate th...

Nothing tests the social waters of golf quite like hearing, "Mind if we join you?"

In this episode, the boys dive headfirst into the unwritten rules, internal anxiety, and absolute lottery of being paired up with complete strangers on the first tee.

We break down the initial 10-second assessment, discuss the unspoken golf etiquette of random groupings, and share some unforgettable stories straight from the fairway. T relays a genuinely fantastic experience where an unexpected pairing completely made the day, while JDV shares an absolutely hilarious story from a round with a random that left...

The Claret Jug is on the line, and we are breaking down everything you need to know ahead of the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. In this episode, we dive into the venue's rich history and trace South Africa's deep connection to these famous links, from Bobby Locke's historic battles to Branden Grace's record-breaking round of 62 back in 2017.

To get the real picture of how the course is actually playing, we check in with Mike Hollick live on the ground in Southport. Mike gives us the first-hand scoop on the current links conditions, how hard and...

T and JDV welcome South Africa’s newest DP World Tour champion, Michael Hollick, to the show! Michael takes us behind the scenes of his massive win in Germany and explains the reasoning behind his surprising decision to skip the Scottish Open.

As he prepares to make his Major debut, he reflects on the long, hard-fought journey to get here. Plus, get an inside look at Royal Birkdale as Michael shares his tactical observations from the fairways and reveals what it will take to conquer the course this week.

Terrence sits down with JDV to unpack an unforgettable few days up in Mpumalanga. They cover the unique layout and routing of Kambaku Golf Club in Komatipoort. Is it better than Boschoek? Where does the name come from? And what happens when an architectural appreciation round gets interrupted by an absolutely insane crocodile sighting right ABOVE the course.

Taking a quick detour from the fairways, Terrence shares a few stories from walking the wilderness trails in the Kruger Park, before the guys head up to the Dullstroom altitude. He close out the episode by breaking down the...

The dust is still settling after our recent Top 100 rankings interview, and the feedback has been flying in. In this episode, we unpack the reaction—the good, the bad, and the fiercely debated—and dive into why certain course rankings get everyone so fired up.

Next, Hoff takes center stage to talk through his latest game-improvement toys and his ambitious roadmap for upcoming lessons. Will the tech actually translate to a lower handicap, or is it just more gear for the bag?

We also explore the wild concept of stadium golf taking over the iconic King...

In this episode, we sit down with Golf Digest editor and the mastermind behind the South African Top 100 courses ranking system, Stuart McLean. We pull back the curtain on the entire ranking process to discover exactly who assesses the courses, how the scoring categories are structured, and how panelists separate a great overall experience from a course's true architectural ranking.

Stuart also opens up about the future of the evaluation system, the complex reasons why some clubs choose to opt out of the rankings entirely, and wraps up by sharing a few of his absolute favorite golf...

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 wh...

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...

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 pla...

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 th...

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 th...

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...

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...

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...

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 do...

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 yoursel...

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 J...

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 Sco...

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...

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"...

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?