A Guide To Golfing Holidays In South Africa

A Guide To Golfing Holidays In South Africa

South Africa offers a golfing experience unlike any other, seamlessly blending world-class Championship courses with breathtaking coastal scenery, award-winning vineyards and thrilling Big 5 safaris. Whether you are looking for a sunny winter escape or the ultimate bespoke luxury tour, this guide will help you discover the finest greens the continent has to offer.

Key Takeaways for your South Africa Golf Tour:

• Ultimate Combinations: Seamlessly blend Championship golf with Big 5 safaris and world-class wine tasting.
• Top Regions: Play elite courses across the Garden Route, Cape Town, the Winelands and Sun City.
• Perfect Winter Escape: Escape the UK winter with direct overnight flights, minimal jet lag and brilliant sunshine.
• Bespoke Packages: Africa Travel will secure exclusive tee times, premium golf club rentals, and the best green fees for tailor-made holidays.

Nowhere in the world can compare with Africa as an unforgettable golfing destination. So much more than just the golf course, so much more to do and see, and of course wildly different if you fancy taking in a safari – think the Big Five on the fairway and grapevines by the greens, and all at a fraction of the costs back home.

Africa Travel is waiting to offer you big blue skies and small green fees on a tailor-made golfing tour of South Africa’s Championship courses. With pre-reserved tee times and the lowest green fees available, our bespoke South Africa golf packages are not to be missed.

South Africa boasts an abundance of fantastic golf courses and all-inclusive luxury golf resorts, yet seems to fly under the radar when people are planning a golf trip. This is a shame, especially in the UK’s winter months when it is wonderfully warm in South Africa, offering ideal conditions for a winter golf escape. With direct overnight flights in both directions and very little jet lag, it is feasible to do a long weekend at one of the many wonderful resorts, or enjoy a longer, tailor-made golf and safari holiday to play some of the country’s finest courses.

Top South Africa Golf Resorts at a Glance

Where to stay on your South Africa golf tour?

In addition to offering luxury golf tours, South Africa boasts a number of world-class golf resorts, where some of the country’s best hotels offer a golf course to match.

Sun City & Safari Golf

Amongst the most well-known are those found at Sun City, which offers a variety of hotels, including the uber-luxurious five-star Palace of the Lost City, and two Championship golf courses, both designed by Gary Player. The Lost City course features wandering warthogs and a crocodile-filled pond, a truly unique golfing experience, whilst the Gary Player Country Club, host to the annual Nedbank Golf Challenge, is a walking-only course, (though excellent caddie services are available), that conforms to stringent US PGA specifications and is ranked as one of the most prestigious in Africa.

Golfing on the Garden Route

Down on the Garden Route are a number of superb resorts. The Pezula Resort Hotel is located above the Knysna Lagoon and enjoys stunning panoramic views. Guest accommodation is in superb suites, and amongst the many leisure activities on offer is the acclaimed 18-hole Championship golf course, home to the Women's World Cup of Golf with a challenging layout that takes advantage of the diverse terrain.

A little further along the coast sits the region’s shining golf star – The Fancourt Hotel & Country Club Estate. Fancourt is a nineteenth-century Manor House that has been converted into a luxury hotel. Golf at Fancourt is limited to members and resort guests only - giving you the time and space to enjoy your golf. Experience three of South Africa's greatest 18-hole golf courses here: The Links, Montagu & Outeniqua. All designed to Championship standard by Gary Player, they are considered amongst the country’s best.

Cape Town & Winelands Golf Escapes

The Cape Region also boasts some magnificent golf resort hotels. In the upmarket suburb of Constantia sits the Steenberg Country Hotel, a luxurious property on the Cape's oldest farm. Nestling against the slopes of the Steenberg Mountains, a Championship 18-hole golf course designed by Peter Matkovich surrounds the hotel. Guests are given special rates to enjoy a round on a course designed to make full use of natural features and hazards.

In the heart of the famed winelands in Paarl lies the Pearl Valley Golf & Country Estate, home to a Jack Nicklaus signature course that has played host to a number of South African Opens. A superb clubhouse restaurant and stunning views complement the experience perfectly for your post-round "19th hole" relaxation.

Wherever you’re planning to visit on your golfing tour of South Africa, Africa Travel will arrange for you to stay in the most comfortable and luxurious accommodation that is tailored to your requirements, ensuring all golfing logistics, (from golf carts to club rentals), are seamlessly organised. Our dedicated staff listen to all of your needs and preferences before recommending the best accommodation for you, which is always based on their own personal experiences.

The best courses to play on your South Africa golf holiday

South Africa is blessed with some remarkable golf courses, which can be challenging, scenic or a combination of the two.

• Cape Town: Arguably the finest courses are found at the Royal Cape & Milnerton Golf Clubs, but picturesque rounds can also be enjoyed at Clovelly Country Club and Rondebosch Golf Club.
• The East & Winelands: Spectacular courses are on offer at the Arabella & Kleinmond Golf Clubs, whilst the Wine Region provides challenges at both the De Zalze and Erinvale Golf Clubs, and at the Devonvale Golf and Wine Estate.
• The Garden Route: Courses worth playing include Goose Valley Golf Club, Plettenberg Bay Country Club & the Simola Golf and Country Estate.
• Johannesburg: Visitors should try to bag a round at the Houghton Golf Club and at the historic Soweto Golf Club.

A short footnote about the extraordinary Leopard Creek:
This unique course, situated alongside the world-famous Kruger National Park, is normally members-only. However a small handful of luxury safari lodges in the local area have access to the course, and Africa Travel is able to secure highly sought-after tee times for their guests. For keen golfers who are in the area on a safari, this really is a must-do experience.

Why book your South Africa golfing holiday with Africa Travel?

With over 30 years’ experience in creating tailor-made and bespoke holidays to Africa, there is no one more qualified to organise an unforgettable golfing tour of this wonderful country than Africa Travel. We have a wealth of specialist resources to help you book your perfect golfing holiday, and we are trusted by more and more golfers to create a memorable experience which is not just another holiday.

All of our staff, with keen golfers amongst them, have travelled extensively and you can trust that our personal recommendations will deliver the golfing holiday that you have always dreamed of. We can pre-book your tee-off times for you, arrange club hire and the services of a playing partner if required, and give advice on the best courses to play.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best time of year for a golf holiday in South Africa?

The UK winter months, (November to March), are widely considered the best time to visit South Africa for golf. You will enjoy warm, sunny weather and excellent course conditions, making it the perfect winter golf escape.

Can I combine a Big 5 safari with a golf trip?

Absolutely. South Africa is one of the only places in the world where you can mix Championship golf with luxury safari. Resorts like Sun City offer this naturally, and we can also secure exclusive access to courses like Leopard Creek, which borders the Kruger National Park.

Do I need to bring my own golf clubs to South Africa?

While many golfers prefer to fly with their own clubs, you don't have to. Africa Travel can arrange premium golf club rentals at almost all Championship courses. Golf carts and professional caddie services are also widely available to enhance your experience.

Do I need an official handicap to play on South African golf courses?

While many resort courses are welcoming to players of all levels, some of the elite Championship courses, (such as The Links at Fancourt), may require an official handicap certificate. Our team will advise you on the specific requirements for your chosen itinerary.

Are these golf packages suitable for non-golfing partners?

Yes! South Africa's top golf estates are world-class luxury resorts. Non-golfers can enjoy award-winning spas, wine tasting in the Cape Winelands, relaxing by the pool or embarking on guided game drives while you are on the fairway.