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I'VE HAD lots of offers I couldn't refuse over the years, but they usually came from ladies. This one had equally appealing overtones, albeit from a chap, one whose reputation had preceded him.
"Dunno where you've been so far, old boy, but you must play Erinvale," said Larry Gould, my genial host in the glorious city of Cape Town. "I've arranged a tee time and a spot of lunch."
I ask you, who could possibly refuse such an offer, even from a stranger?
I knew of Larry only by reputation, as the author of South Africa's leading golf guide. But, as I discovered to my cost, he plays off single figures, has seen most of the 300 or so courses in his country and plainly is a man who knows his stuff.
His summation was right on. Erinvale is one of those courses I could have rolled up and taken home. It would go down a treat on the Lancashire coast and the Irish Sea breezes would give it added picquance.
Not that it needs any more muscle. It is one of Gary Player's finest creations which is saying something because, as I was also to learn, his jewels are scattered over that incredible land like so much confetti.
MY TOUR had begun in Johannesburg but, like many tourists these days, I gave the city a wide berth, opting for the security and the delights of Sandton, a swish suburb 20 minutes from the airport and 30 minutes north of the city.
It's an exclusive community of large homes, de luxe hotels and air conditioned malls that, for sheer style would leave even a Milanese gasping. It was a memorable start to my trip.
The following morning I set off on a 120 mile drive north west, through Pretoria, to my first stop, the resort of Sun City, one of the modern wonders of Africa.
A cross between Las Vegas and Xanadu with a hint of Disney, it covers several thousand acres adjoining the Pilanesberg National Park, a 150,000 acre game reserve.
Founded in the 1970s, Sun City is difficult to describe in a few words. It has a monorail sky train, a man-made rain forest, a massive water theme park and a 6,000 seater super bowl. But all of this is only a small part of a resort encompassing theatres, cinemas, casinos, shops and every imaginable facility, sport and service.
There are 20 restaurants and four hotels, with accommodation ranging from the economy to the luxurious.
Of the latter the Sun City Palace is the ultimate, in scale and style.
Imitation palm trees in huge pots, flaming torches, acres of cascading muralled ceilings and mirrors, fountains and waterfalls, life-sized statues of elephants, with neo-savage artefacts littering the public areas.
Restrained it's not; the presentation touches the theatrical, attention to detail is absolute and by heck they know how to run a hotel!
In all, there are about half a squillion bedrooms and what seems to be a comparable number of staff and at no point do they try to stop you having a good time!
A simple philosophy prevails: if you don't see it, ask and ye shall receive; but you wont need to ask.
There are two courses at Sun City, the Gary Player Country Club and Lost City Golf Club. Either will knock you out, visually and technically.
You'll know of the Country Club course, no doubt: it's the nation's premier course and the venue for the annual extravaganza known as the Million Dollar Challenge.
It's also one of the most exacting, largely because of the wall-to-wall kikuyu grass, a species similar to Bermuda in its appearance and response.
You'll soon become aware of the rough. It's only about three inches deep but it plays like loosely packed steel wool that's been soaked in treacle. Hack out and smile.
When mown, it's great grass for the fairways where the ball sits up and begs to be smacked but it gives minimal bounce and plays long, long, long, no matter which tees you use.
As a pointer: from the green tees, which are some way forward of the pro tees, the card is par 72 but SS 75.
It's a big driving course but one where illusion reigns, with large landing areas half-hidden by undulations or foliage.
There's water on seven holes, but variable tees offer options and if you have anything like a short game you'll score well.
It's a joyful experience, a visual delight and walking is encouraged. A bonus: the fee is the equivalent of £23 and that will include a trained caddie. You'll never find better value...
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