Best Golf Courses in South Africa 2023
Golf has become an increasingly popular sport in South Africa, and the country boasts some of the most breathtaking and challenging golf courses in the world. From stunning coastal courses to inland courses set amidst stunning landscapes, South Africa offers a wealth of options for golfers of all skill levels.
The country’s golfing history dates back to the late 19th century, with the opening of the Royal Cape Golf Club in 1885, making it the oldest golf club in South Africa. Since then, the sport has grown in popularity, and today, there are more than 450 golf courses spread across the country.
South Africa’s golf courses are known for their exceptional design, breathtaking scenery, and challenging layouts. Many of these courses have hosted international golf tournaments, including the prestigious South African Open, the Nedbank Golf Challenge, and the Alfred Dunhill Championship.
Some of the country’s top golf courses are located along the famous Garden Route, a scenic stretch of coastline that stretches from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape. Here, golfers can experience world-class golf courses that offer stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains.
Other popular destinations for golfers in South Africa include Sun City, home to two of the country’s most famous golf courses, the Gary Player Country Club and the Lost City Golf Course, both of which have hosted the Nedbank Golf Challenge. In addition, the Fancourt Golf Estate in George, Western Cape, offers three world-class golf courses, including the Links course, which has been ranked as the best golf course in South Africa.
With its stunning landscapes, exceptional courses, and world-class amenities, it’s no wonder that South Africa has become a top destination for golf enthusiasts from around the world.
Top 10 Best Golf Courses in South Africa
South Africa is known for its stunning golf courses, with a rich history in the sport. With over 450 golf courses in the country, choosing where to play can be a daunting task. To help narrow down your search, we have compiled a list of the top 10 best golf courses in South Africa. From coastal courses with breathtaking views to inland courses set amidst beautiful landscapes, these courses offer a challenging and memorable golfing experience for players of all skill levels.
S. No |
Best Golf Courses |
Location |
|
1 |
Erinvale Golf Club |
Somerset West |
|
2 |
De Zalze Golf Club |
Stellenbosch |
|
3 |
Sun City Resort |
North West Province |
|
4 |
St Francis Links |
St Francis Bay |
|
5 |
Simola Golf |
Knysna |
|
6 |
Fancourt Country Club |
George |
|
7 |
Lost City Golf Course |
Sun City |
|
8 |
Clovelly Country Club |
Cape Town |
|
9 |
Pinnacle Point Golf Club |
Mossel Bay |
|
10 |
Highland Gate Golf and Trout Estate |
Dullstroom |
TRENDING
1. Erinvale Golf Club (Somerset West)
Erinvale Golf Club is located in Somerset West, just outside Cape Town, and is consistently ranked as one of the top golf courses in South Africa. The course was designed by golfing legend Gary Player and boasts stunning views of the Helderberg Mountains. The layout of the course is challenging, with narrow fairways, water hazards, and undulating greens. The signature hole is the par-5 18th, which requires a long, accurate tee shot over water to set up a challenging approach shot to a well-guarded green. In addition to the championship golf course, Erinvale also offers excellent practice facilities, including a driving range, putting green, and chipping area.
2. De Zalze Golf Club (Stellenbosch)
De Zalze Golf Club is situated in the heart of the Cape Winelands, just outside the historic town of Stellenbosch. The course was designed by Peter Matkovich and features breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains. The layout of the course is challenging but fair, with water hazards and bunkers strategically placed throughout. The signature hole is the par-5 13th, which requires a long, accurate tee shot to set up a challenging approach shot over water to a well-protected green. In addition to the championship golf course, De Zalze also offers a state-of-the-art clubhouse, driving range, putting green, and chipping area.
3. Sun City Resort (North West Province)
Sun City Resort is located in the North West Province of South Africa and is home to two of the country’s most famous golf courses, the Gary Player Country Club and the Lost City Golf Course. The Gary Player Country Club is a championship course that has hosted the Nedbank Golf Challenge since 1981. The course was designed by Gary Player and features a challenging layout with water hazards and bunkers strategically placed throughout. The signature hole is the par-5 9th, which requires a long, accurate tee shot to set up a challenging approach shot to a well-guarded green. The Lost City Golf Course is a stunning layout that winds through the African bushveld and features unique challenges such as crocodile-filled water hazards and African-themed bunkers. The signature hole is the par-3 13th, which requires a tee shot over water to a green surrounded by crocodile-infested waters. In addition to the championship golf courses, Sun City also offers a range of luxury accommodation options, restaurants, and entertainment facilities, making it the perfect destination for a golfing holiday.
4. St Francis Links (St Francis Bay)
St Francis Links is an award-winning, championship golf course located in the picturesque coastal town of St Francis Bay, Eastern Cape. The course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and is consistently ranked as one of the top courses in South Africa. The course is known for its challenging layout, with undulating fairways and well-placed bunkers. It also features breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, the St Francis Bay canals, and the surrounding natural landscape. The course is open to visitors, and there are a range of accommodation options available nearby.
5. Simola Golf (Knysna)
Simola Golf is a stunning, 18-hole championship golf course located in the heart of the Garden Route, in the town of Knysna. The course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and is set amidst the rolling hills of the Simola Estate, offering panoramic views of the Knysna Lagoon and the surrounding forests. The course is known for its challenging layout, with narrow fairways and strategically placed hazards. It also features world-class facilities, including a clubhouse, a driving range, and a pro shop. The course is open to visitors, and there are a range of accommodation options available nearby.
6. Fancourt Country Club (George)
Fancourt Country Club is a world-renowned golfing destination located in George, Western Cape. The estate boasts three championship golf courses, including the Links course, which has been ranked as the best golf course in South Africa. The Links course was designed by Gary Player and feature a challenging layout that emulates the classic links courses of Scotland and Ireland. The estate also features two other courses, the Montagu and Outeniqua, both of which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. In addition to its golfing facilities, Fancourt offers a range of other amenities, including luxury accommodations, spa facilities, and fine dining restaurants.
7. Lost City Golf Course (Sun City)
Located in the famous Sun City Resort in the North West Province, the Lost City Golf Course is a unique and challenging course that has become a must-play for golf enthusiasts. Designed by South African golf legend, Gary Player, the course is set amidst an African landscape that includes water features, natural rock formations, and a series of animal-shaped bunkers.
The par-72 course stretches over 7000 yards and includes multiple water hazards and a variety of elevation changes, making it a challenging course for even the most experienced golfers. The 13th hole, in particular, is a highlight, with its island green and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
8. Clovelly Country Club (Cape Town)
Located in the picturesque seaside town of Fish Hoek, just outside of Cape Town, the Clovelly Country Club is a hidden gem that offers a unique golfing experience. The course is set amidst the Silvermine Mountains, with views of False Bay and the Indian Ocean.
Designed by Dr. Charles Molteno Murray, the par-72 course is known for its narrow fairways and fast greens, making it a challenging course for golfers of all levels. The signature hole is the par-3 4th, which requires a precise tee shot over a water hazard to reach the green.
9. Pinnacle Point Golf Club (Mossel Bay)
Located on the scenic Garden Route, the Pinnacle Point Golf Club is a breathtaking course that is consistently ranked as one of the top golf courses in South Africa. The course is set on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, with stunning views of the surrounding coastline.
Designed by Peter Matkovich, the par-72 course includes multiple elevation changes, challenging bunkers, and water hazards that make it a challenging course for even the most experienced golfers. The 7th hole is a standout, with a tee shot that requires a carry over a ravine to reach the fairway.
10. Highland Gate Golf and Trout Estate (Dullstroom)
Located in the picturesque town of Dullstroom in Mpumalanga, the Highland Gate Golf and Trout Estate is a unique golfing experience that combines stunning scenery with challenging golf. The course is set amidst rolling hills, with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Designed by renowned golf course architect, Ernie Els, the par-71 course includes a variety of challenging holes, including the par-5 5th, which requires a precise tee shot to avoid the water hazard and reach the fairway. The course is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including baboons, zebras, and antelopes, adding to the unique experience.
Which is the Top Golf Course in South Africa?
While opinions on the “best” golf course in South Africa may vary, the Erinvale Golf Club is undoubtedly a top contender for the title. Located in Somerset West, just outside of Cape Town, the course offers a unique and challenging golfing experience that has earned it numerous awards and accolades.
Designed by Gary Player, the par-72 course is set amidst the Helderberg Mountains, with stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and False Bay. The course is known for its challenging layout, which includes narrow fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and water hazards that require precision shots to navigate.
The signature hole is the par-5 13th, which requires a precise tee shot to avoid the water hazard and reach the fairway. The hole then doglegs left, with a green that is guarded by a series of bunkers, making it a challenging hole for even the most experienced golfers.
In addition to its challenging course, Erinvale Golf Club is also known for its world-class amenities, including a clubhouse with a restaurant and bar, a pro shop, and a driving range. The club also offers golf lessons and clinics for players of all skill levels.
Erinvale Golf Club has hosted numerous prestigious golf tournaments, including the World Cup of Golf and the South African Open, further cementing its reputation as one of the best golf courses in the country.
In addition to its golf course, Erinvale Golf Club is also located near a variety of attractions, including the historic town of Stellenbosch, renowned wine estates, and stunning beaches, making it an ideal destination for a golfing holiday.
What are Some Coastal Golf Courses in South Africa that Offer Stunning Views?
South Africa boasts a stunning coastline that stretches for over 2,500 kilometers, and golfers can enjoy some of the most breathtaking ocean views while playing golf. Here are some of the best coastal golf courses in South Africa that offer stunning views:
The Links at Fancourt (George):
Located in the Garden Route town of George, The Links at Fancourt is one of South Africa’s most prestigious and challenging golf courses. Designed by Gary Player, the par-73 course offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean and the Outeniqua Mountains. The course is known for its narrow fairways, fast greens, and challenging bunkers, making it a must-play for golf enthusiasts.
Humewood Golf Club (Port Elizabeth):
Located in Port Elizabeth, Humewood Golf Club is a true links course that is known for its challenging layout and stunning ocean views. Designed by Colonel SV Hotchkin, the par-72 course is set amidst the sand dunes that line the Algoa Bay coastline, with views of the Indian Ocean from almost every hole. The course is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including birds and small mammals.
Durban Country Club (Durban):
Located in the coastal city of Durban, Durban Country Club is a classic championship course that is known for its stunning ocean views and challenging layout. The par-72 course was designed by George Waterman and is set amidst the sand dunes that line the Indian Ocean coastline. The course includes narrow fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and fast greens, making it a challenging course for golfers of all levels.
Pezula Golf Course (Knysna):
Located in the coastal town of Knysna, the Pezula Golf Course is a championship course that offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean and the Knysna Lagoon. Designed by David Dale and Ronald Fream, the par-72 course is set amidst a pristine nature reserve, with indigenous forests, fynbos, and wildlife. The course includes multiple water hazards and challenging bunkers, making it a challenging but rewarding course for golfers.
Pinnacle Point Golf Club (Mossel Bay):
Located on the Garden Route, the Pinnacle Point Golf Club is a breathtaking course that is set on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. Designed by Peter Matkovich, the par-72 course includes multiple elevation changes, challenging bunkers, and water hazards that make it a challenging course for even the most experienced golfers. The course is known for its stunning views of the surrounding coastline and ocean, making it a must-play for golf enthusiasts.
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Source: sef.edu.vn