Groot Drakenstein Games Club

Groot Drakenstein Games Club 🏛️ Heart of sport & social life in the Valley since 1895. 🏏 Historic Cricket | 🎾 New Padel Hub | 🍻 Social Club 📍 R45, Franschhoek, SA

To make this readable on Facebook (where people tend to skim), I have broken the text into "chapters" using emojis that reflect both the heritage and the new energy of the club. Facebook "About Us" Section
OUR STORY: A Century of Sport & Community 🏏🛡️ The Groot Drakenstein Games Club (GDGC) is more than just a club—it is a storied institution and a beacon of true sportsmanship. Nestled between the

majestic mountains of Paarl and Franschhoek, we have served as the heart of the Valley for over a century. 🏔️✨

A Foundation of Sportsmanship 🌱 Our journey began in 1895, with matches played on simple cow paddocks. In 1921, local farmer H.E.V. Pickstone leased 10 acres to the club with one legendary condition: that at least one game of cricket be played on the field each year. That tradition remains the heartbeat of our grounds today. 🏏

A Landmark in South African Sport 🇿🇦 GDGC holds a prestigious place in national history. In 1926, our members laid the first-ever turf wicket in South Africa. officially named "The Pickstone Oval" in 1999, our grounds have hosted legends like Jacques Kallis, Kevin Pietersen, and Jonny Bairstow. 🌟

A NEW CHAPTER: Rejuvenation & Growth 🚀 While we honor our past, we are building for the future. On 1 June 2025, the Franschhoek Sport & Social Club (FSSC) took over management with a vision to rejuvenate the club into a vibrant central hub for generations to come. 🏛️🔨

Expanding Our Horizons 🎾🏃‍♂️ We are evolving! Under our new management, we’ve elevated the historic Pickstone Oval and are completing three state-of-the-art Padel courts, set for a grand public relaunch on 31 January 2026! 🥳

More Than Just a Pitch 🎨🚴 The new GDGC is transforming into a versatile community space. From cycling and running to creative arts workshops and bridge clubs, our goal is to create a space where the entire community can gather, connect, and thrive. 🤝💫

Join us as we honor our unique past while building a dynamic future! 📍 R45, Franschhoek, South Africa 🌐 www.grootdrak.co.za 📞 +27 66 412 6974

The Pickstone Oval is starting to look very much like cricket season. 🏏A lush green square, the grounds team in full swi...
07/09/2026

The Pickstone Oval is starting to look very much like cricket season. 🏏

A lush green square, the grounds team in full swing, and the final preparations now well underway for 2026/27.

A huge amount of work happens long before the first ball is bowled — hours, days and plenty of graft through the off-season to keep this iconic square in the condition it deserves.

We’re into the home stretch now, and we can’t wait to see cricket back on it.

And seriously… look at that view.

Standing room only at Groot Drak last night. 🇿🇦A packed clubhouse, braais going, kids running around outside, cold drink...
06/09/2026

Standing room only at Groot Drak last night. 🇿🇦

A packed clubhouse, braais going, kids running around outside, cold drinks in hand — and the Springboks delivering a historic win on the big screen.

This is exactly what Groot Drak is about. A place for locals to come together, switch off, catch up and enjoy the big moments properly.

Braais lit. Clubhouse full. Boks winning. Hard to ask for much more.

Parents, players and family members gathered at Groot Drak Games Club for the capping of our juniors and ladies for the ...
06/09/2026

Parents, players and family members gathered at Groot Drak Games Club for the capping of our juniors and ladies for the 2026/27 Boland T20 season.

Parents, players and family members gathered at Groot Drak Games Club for the capping of our juniors and ladies for the 2026/27 Boland T20 season.

Parents, players and family members gathered at Groot Drak Games Club for the capping of our juniors and ladies for the 2026/27 Boland T20 season.

Parents, players and family members gathered at Groot Drak Games Club for the capping of our juniors and ladies for the 2026/27 Boland T20 season.

Parents, players and family members gathered at Groot Drak Games Club for the capping of our juniors and ladies for the 2026/27 Boland T20 season.

Our u11 boys with coach Matt Hughes

Our u11 Griffins with coach Romeo

Our u12 boys with coach Hilton

Our u13 boys with coach Cedric

Our u14 boys with coach Diaan

Our u13 ladies with coach Romeo

Our u19 ladies with Coach Marco

Parents, players and family members gathered at Groot Drak Games Club for the capping of our juniors and ladies for the 2026/27 Boland T20 season.

Parents, players and family members gathered at Groot Drak Games Club for the capping of our juniors and ladies for the 2026/27 Boland T20 season.

Parents, players and family members gathered at Groot Drak Games Club for the capping of our juniors and ladies for the 2026/27 Boland T20 season.

There’s booking a court. And then there’s playing padel at Groot Drak.Coaching when you want to improve. Organised games...
25/08/2026

There’s booking a court. And then there’s playing padel at Groot Drak.

Coaching when you want to improve. Organised games when you don’t have three other players on speed dial. Socials, tournaments and plenty of opportunities to turn up, get involved and meet people along the way.

Whether you’re completely new to the game or looking to take yours up a level, padel here is about more than the hour you spend on court.

Come for the padel. Stay for everything else.

The nets are getting a little love. 🏏After a few seasons of looking slightly more vintage than we’d like, the Groot Drak...
20/08/2026

The nets are getting a little love. 🏏

After a few seasons of looking slightly more vintage than we’d like, the Groot Drak cricket nets are getting a proper refurb ahead of the new season.

A better space to train, sharpen up and finally perfect that slog sweep to cow corner you’ve been telling everyone you definitely have.

Cricket season is coming. Time to get some reps in.

Apparently some people reckon this is the best amateur square in the Western Cape.We’re far too modest to comment. 😏🏏Spr...
18/08/2026

Apparently some people reckon this is the best amateur square in the Western Cape.

We’re far too modest to comment. 😏🏏

Spring treatment is down, the grounds team is already hard at work, and South Africa’s oldest turf wicket is getting the attention it deserves ahead of another season at Groot Drak.

There are easier things to maintain than a cricket square with this much history behind it… but where’s the fun in that?

Cricketers — who’s looking forward to getting out here this season? Drop a 🏏 below if you’re ready.

A little something new at Groot Drak. ☕🍪We’re very happy to now be stocking MOKA confectionery and treats at the club — ...
17/08/2026

A little something new at Groot Drak. ☕🍪

We’re very happy to now be stocking MOKA confectionery and treats at the club — from rusks for your morning coffee to a few sweeter options for whenever the day calls for it.

They’re locally made here in the valley, made with care, and now available at the valley’s club.

Finished a game of padel? Need something with your coffee? Or just having one of those days? Ask our friendly host to show you what’s available and treat yourself.

And for those who like to know exactly what they’re eating, all ingredients are clearly listed on the product — just give the jar a spin.

Local. Delicious. Made with care. Now at Groot Drak.

Cricket was back on the Pickstone Oval today. 🏏🐉Our junior Dragons got their first Sunday practice of the season underwa...
16/08/2026

Cricket was back on the Pickstone Oval today. 🏏🐉

Our junior Dragons got their first Sunday practice of the season underway as preparations begin for this year’s Boland T20.

Great to see some familiar Dragons back for another season, alongside the new players and draft picks joining the family for the first time.

A strong first session, plenty of energy, and the beginning of what should be a very exciting build-up to tournament time.

Good to have you back on the oval, Dragons.
Boland T20

This week at Groot Drak. 🌿☀️The days are getting longer, the weather’s getting warmer, the grass is greener — and someho...
16/08/2026

This week at Groot Drak. 🌿☀️

The days are getting longer, the weather’s getting warmer, the grass is greener — and somehow there’s even more happening around the club.

Padel, cricket, family afternoons, coffees, sundowners, a little bit of work and a lot of catching up.

Spring is on its way, and Groot Drak is settling into its favourite rhythm: busy enough to feel alive, relaxed enough to make you want to stay.

Just another week at Groot Drakenstein Games Club — the valley’s home for sport, family and a good reason not to rush home.

Padel looks easy… right up until someone starts talking about bandejas, viboras, glass rebounds and where you’re actuall...
12/08/2026

Padel looks easy… right up until someone starts talking about bandejas, viboras, glass rebounds and where you’re actually meant to stand. 😅🎾

At Groot Drak, we know starting can feel a little intimidating — especially with all the out there.

That’s why our 5-week Beginners Course takes you from nervous newbie to ready for your first proper game.

We’ll cover everything from serving, positioning and technique to etiquette, scoring, the lingo and even how to book your first game.

No judgement. No pressure. No pretending you know what a bandeja is.

Just five weeks to help you feel comfortable, confident and ready to belong on court.

Start somewhere. Start at Groot Drak.

Address

Franschhoek

Opening Hours

Tuesday 08:00 - 21:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 21:00
Thursday 08:00 - 21:00
Friday 08:00 - 21:00
Saturday 08:00 - 21:00
Sunday 08:00 - 19:00

Telephone

+27824900405

Website

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