A Guide To Golfing Holidays In South Africa

A Guide To Golfing Holidays In South Africa

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 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, a golfing holiday to Africa is not to be missed.

South Africa boasts an abundance of fantastic golf courses and resorts, yet seems to fly under the radar when people are planning a golf trip, which is always a shame, especially in the UK’s winter months when it is wonderfully warm in South Africa and ideal conditions for golf. With 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 golfing tour of South Africa and play some of the country’s finest courses.

Where to stay on your South Africa golf tour?

In addition to offering golf tours and a variety of golf courses, South Africa boasts a number of world-class golf resorts, where some of the country’s best hotels offer a golf course to match. 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 course, host to the annual Nedbank Golf Challenge, is walking only, conforms to the stringent US PGA specifications and is ranked as one of the most prestigious in Africa.

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, and with a challenging layout that takes advantage of the diverse terrain as well as the breathtaking views.

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 which has been converted into a luxury hotel. Golf at Fancourt is limited to members, their guests and resort guests - giving you the time and the space to enjoy your golf. Experience three of South Africa's greatest 18-hole golf courses, The Links, Montagu & Outeniqua - all designed to championship standard by Gary Player and considered to be amongst the country’s best, having drawn comparisons with Gleneagles.

The Cape region also boasts some magnificent golf resort hotels. In the upmarket suburb of Constantia sits the Steenberg Country Hotel, a luxurious hotel situated on the Cape's oldest farm. Nestling in the tranquil Constantia Valley against the slopes of the Steenberg Mountains, a championship 18-hole golf course designed by Peter Matkovich surrounds the hotel, with guests given special rates and the opportunity to enjoy a round of golf on a course that was designed to make full use of the 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 over the years and is rightly regarded as one of the best courses in the country. A superb restaurant and stunning views compliment the experience.

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. Our dedicated staff listen to each 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.

Arguably Cape Town’s 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. Heading east, 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.

Courses along the Garden Route worth playing include Goose Valley Golf Club, Plettenberg Bay Country Club & Simola Golf and Country Estate, and visitors to Johannesburg should try to bag a round at the Houghton Golf Club and the historic Soweto Golf Club.

A short footnote about the extraordinary Leopard Creek as well. This unique course, situated alongside the world famous Kruger National Park, is normally members only however a small handful of safari lodges in the local area have access to the course, and Africa Travel are able to secure tee-offs 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 continent than Africa Travel. We have a wealth of specialist resources to help you book your perfect golfing holiday and 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.