The roots of the Benoni Country Club (BCC) trace back to 1907 when visionaries Gilbert Thompson and Bertie Winkfield, employees of the Van Ryn Mines Estate, Limited, undertook the ambitious task of establishing a golf course. The property, originally the farm Vlakfontein, was acquired by Sir George Albu in 1894, setting the stage for the birth of this remarkable institution. Thompson and Winkfield, passionate about golf, dedicated their spare time to cultivating the course, initially known as the Van Ryn Club, a precursor to the later-renowned Benoni Country Club.

Nestled in the heart of Ekurhuleni, BCC has evolved into a distinguished sporting haven, celebrated for its historic origins and a prominent parkland course. The golf course’s legacy is deeply entrenched, having hosted prestigious amateur championships, including the illustrious men’s SA Amateur and SA Strokeplay tournaments. The course’s prestige extends further as a revered qualifying venue for the esteemed SA Open and various Sunshine Tour events.

Situated on a flat expanse of land, the golf course offers more than a mere challenging layout; it provides a captivating journey through wooded terrain, offering golf enthusiasts a serene and tranquil experience. The landscape is adorned with various antelope species, such as spring buck and bless buck, freely roaming the fairways. Nyala and duiker gracefully hide amongst the beautiful trees that line the course, adding a touch of nature’s elegance. The course’s unique design, revamped in the late 1990s, features a distinctive element – par 5s strategically placed to commence and conclude each nine. The 540-meter 18th hole, notably lengthy, adds an exhilarating climax to tournament play, enhanced by the scenic presence of large dams on the left side of the fairway.

Beyond golf, Benoni CC stands out as the last true “country club” in Ekurhuleni, proudly offering an extensive array of sporting facilities. From traditional sports like bowls, squash, and tennis to more unique offerings such as padel, padball, football, and a gym, the club caters to a diverse range of interests. The community’s unwavering commitment to preserving the club’s legacy as a family-oriented institution is vividly reflected in their steadfast support of their beloved club.

The clubhouse at BCC takes pride in housing the first “Craft Bar” of its kind, providing a unique social space for members and guests alike. In addition to this innovative amenity, the club offers children’s play areas, versatile function facilities, and the distinguished TONINO – a 400-seater Italian restaurant, adding a touch of culinary excellence to the overall experience. For the adventure enthusiasts, a well-maintained mountain bike track adds an extra dimension to the club’s recreational offerings.

Benoni CC has earned its place among the exclusive group of Top 100 courses, standing out as one of only four where both starting holes on each nine, namely Nos 1 and 10, are par 5s. Alongside fellow Gauteng courses Modderfontein and Wanderers, as well as KZN South Coast’s Umdoni Park, BCC is distinguished by this rare feature.

A testament to its success and popularity, Benoni Country Club has made significant investments in enhancing its facilities. In 2021 and 2022, a substantial R4.5 million was directed towards renovating the clubhouse, creating a comprehensive experience with the restaurant complementing the existing craft bar, club bar, pizza areas, and paved parking for members and guests alike. The commitment to sustainability continued with a further investment of R5.6 million in 2023 and 2024 to equip the club with sustainable energy. BCC proudly stands as the only club in the region running off solar power, ensuring uninterrupted electricity and water supply to the club.