Golfing in South Africa – Par for the Course

South Africa is one of the world’s favourite golfing holiday destinations. Not surprising when it offers excellent weather, breath-taking scenery, and diversity of landscapes from bushveld and forest to savannah and snow-capped mountains. 

 

A world in one country, South African holidays are a perfect mingling of adventure and relaxation. This is one of the reasons why locals, golfers and non-golfers alike, take most of our holidays right here at home. Why wouldn’t we?

 

12 golf holiday destination picks

With spectacular views of mountains, oceans, rivers, and wildlife, for your next golfing holiday, combine your golfing destination with a safari, relaxing spa experience, or wine tasting. You can find a host of golfing holiday packages that include your hotel accommodation, meals, and rounds of golf. 

 

We’ve chosen some of the best golfing holiday destinations in the country for you to explore:

1. Leopard Creek, Mpumalanga

The course, designed by the iconic South African golfer, Gary Player, lies on the outskirts of the Kruger National Park. A truly unique golfing experience, the 13th hole is positioned on the edge of the river, offering the most memorable views of the game reserve where sightings and encounters of wildlife are not uncommon. It hosts the Alfred Dunhill Championship, attracting top international players to the competition.

 

Figure 1: Image source: golfdatatlc.co.za

 

Location:Malelane, Mpumalanga

Length:6,792 yards/6,210 metres

Par:72

Designed by:Gary Player

Established:1996

 

2. The Links, Fancourt, Western Cape

Another Gary Player design in collaboration with Phil Jacobs and Dr. Hasso Plattner, this course has seen the no.1 spot on many a golfing list. At nineteenth place, the dune-style course is the highest ranking South African golf course in the Top 100. It lies at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountain range.

 

Figure 2: Image source: thelinks.fancourt.co.za

 

Location:George, Western Cape

Length:7,625 yards/6,972 metres

Par:72

Designed by:Gary Player

Established:1990

 

3. Pearl Valley, Western Cape

Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this signature course is close to the Paarl, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek wine region. Golf Digest named it the best golf course of the year in 2005. It features sweeping stretches of sand with water hazards lining the fairways –and offers majestic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.

Figure 3: Image source: pearlvalley.co.za

 

Location:Val de Vie Estate, Paarl

Length:6,995 yards/6,396 metres

Par:72

Designed by:Jack Nicklaus

Established:2003

 

4. Zimbali Country Club, KwaZulu-Natal

The Zimbali Coastal Resort has beautiful views over the ocean and an 18-hole course designed to maximise on the natural landscape whilst remaining ecologically-sound. With its irresistible views of the ocean and holes positioned within the forest, it has been described as "an enthralling journey through 18 holes.” The course is popular for golfers from all across the world and an experience to be remembered. 

Figure 4: Image source: zimbalicc.co.za

Location: Dolphin Coast, Durban, KZN

Length:7,134 yards/6,524 metres

Par:72

Designed by:Tom Weiskopf

Established:1998

 

5. Arabella – Western Cape

Located in the Kogelberg Biosphere along the Garden Route and close to Hermanus, the course looks out over the Bot River Lagoon edged by fynbos. Pristine and well-maintained, this course offers unique challenges with tricky sand traps and challenging water hazards.

 

Figure 5: Image source: golfscape.com

 

Location:Kleinmond, Western Cape

Length:7,000 yards/6,400 metres

Par:72

Designed by:Peter Matkovich

Established:1998

6. Simola – Western Cape

The Garden Route is home to some of the most scenic golf courses in South Africa. This signature golf course overlooks the beautiful town of Knysna. The signature 4th hole is positioned high above the fairways to offer golfers stunning views of the ocean. 

 

Figure 6: Image source: golfinsouthafrica.co.za

Location:Knysna, Western Cape

Length:6,597 yards/6,032 metres

Par:72

Designed by:Jack Nicklaus

Established:2005

 

7. Gary Player County Club, North West

The Gary Player Championship Course hosts one of the world’s richest golf tournaments, the Nedbank Golf Challenge. Set in the Pilanesberg Mountains and built in an extinct volcanic crater, the 18-hole course features a 5km running trail along the course. Ranked as one of the most prestigious golf courses in Africa, it was named South Africa’s Best Golf Course in the World in 2015.

Figure 7: Image source: suncity.hotel.co.za

 

Location:Sun City, North West Province

Length:7,700 yards/7,040 metres

Par:72

Designed by:Gary Player

Established:1981

 

8. Pecanwood Golf & Country Estate – North West Province

A legend of South African golf, this course is situated on the banks of Hartbeespoort Dam and nestled in the rolling hills of the picturesque Magaliesberg Mountains. The 18-hole course is carefully crafted to test your skills to the tune of abundant birdlife.

Carefully crafted water features and strategically placed bunkers have been set amid the scenic mountain surrounds and vast expanses of water to create a challenging and interesting golf experience. 

 

Figure 8: Image source: @pecanwoodgolf

 

Location:Broederstroom, North West Province

Length:6,000 metres

Par:72

Designed by:Jack Nicklaus

Established:1998

 

9. Parys Golf & Country Estate – Free State

A redevelopment of the existing Parys Golf Club on an island amidst the Vaal River. this 18-hole championship course promises spectacular ever-changing views along the way. The course hugs the river for the most part, making use of the features created by the river and indigenous veld grass rolls over the naturally flowing undulations.

Figure 5: Image source: exploreparys.co.za 

 

Location: Parys, Free State

Length:6860 metres

Par:72

Designed by:Cobie le Grange, DDV Design

Established:1976/2007

 

10. Vaal de Gráce Golf Estate – Free State

Situated on an island of incomparable quiet and beauty, this 18-hole championship golf course was specially designed to blend into the exquisite environment. Aside from the tranquil waters of the Vaal river running through the estate, the islet features a host of natural fauna, including a large variety of bird species, impala, springbuck, mongoose, and more. 

Figure 10: Image Source: vaaldegrace.co.za

 

Location: Parys, Free State

Length: metres

Par:72

Designed by: Nick Price

Established:2008

 

11. Mount Edgecombe Country Club – KwaZulu-Natal

 

Tucked away in the rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, inland of UmhlangaRocks, Mount Edgecombe is one of the premier golfing estates in South Africa. Designed around the natural habitat of the land, it boasts two 18-hole golf courses.

 

Figure 11: Image Source: @likemecce

 

The Woods

Location:Mount Edgecombe, KZN

Distance:Yellow 5885, White 5619, Blue 5226, Red 5040

Par:70

Designed by:Sid Brews (1935), Hugh Baiocchi (1992)

Established:1936

 

The Lakes

Location:Mount Edgecombe, KZN

Distance:Yellow 6241, White 5811, Blue 5373, Red 4986

Par:72 

Designed by:Daysen, De Villiers and Van der Merwe 

Established:1997

 

12. Pinnacle Point – Western Cape

Draped along the spectacular cliffs of Mossel Bay with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, this is arguably one of the world’s most exhilarating golf experiences. Several of the holes are positioned high on the edges of cliffs, offering breath-taking views of the ocean. Golf Digest noted that the course is the most spectacular site in South African golf, and recently it was named the best golf course in Africa at the World Golf Awards 2020.

Figure 12: Image Source: pinnaclepointestate.co.za

 

Location:Mossel Bay, Western Cape

Length:7,600 yards/6,949 metres

Par:72

Designed by:Darren Clarke & Peter Matkovich

Established:2006

 

In conclusion

There’s no doubt that the country is rich in spectacular world-class golf courses across the country, many of which rank amongst the best in the world. With more than 450 golf clubs in South Africa, you can take a golfing holiday right on your doorstep. 

 

Before you take your next vacation, ensure your vehicle insurance is up to par. Along with cars, motorbikes, and trailers, we also offer insurance for your golf cart – which covers you for theft, hijacking, and accidental damage.

 

 

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