Fairway at Fancourt Hotel with buildings and mountains in distance

Best Golf Courses in South Africa

What's Great About Golf in South Africa?

Beautiful Scenery

South Africa boasts incredible landscapes with dramatic coastlines, rugged mountains and luscious vineyards and savannas. You'll certainly enjoy a picturesque round when playing golf in South Africa.

World Class Golf Courses

Home to many top-rated golf courses including Fancourt Montagu, Gary Player Country Club and many many more, you'll certainly enjoy a memorable golf trip when visiting South Africa.

Year-Round Golfing Climate

With average temperatures ranging from 11°C – 26°C, the weather shouldn't interfere with your round too much. Coastal regions tend to be on the milder end of the spectrum.

Rich Wildlife

While visiting South Africa, you can admire its rich wildlife from native plants to the big 5; lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and buffalo. Perhaps when off the course, you could enjoy a South African safari, a truly one of a kind experience!

Luxury Accommodation

South Africa has some of the most luxurious options when it comes to accommodation. From a palace-esque hotel to serene domes where elephants may greet you, you'll remember your South African golf holiday for year to come.

Where are the best golf courses in South Africa?

While the courses we feature are spread across many regions of South Africa, a large majority of them are located in either…

  • KwaZulu Natal
  • Kruger National Park
  • Rovos Rail
  • The Northern Province
  • The Western Cape
  • Hole with white flag with bunkers and trees around with mountains in the distance

    What else can I do in South Africa?

    South Africa has so much to offer when off the course, making it the perfect golf holiday destination for a golfer & non-golfer pair! From delicious wine tastings at beautiful vineyards, to game drives through national parks where you can try to spot the big 5, you won’t be short of things to do here.

    Kruger National Park

    The Best Golf Courses in South Africa

    Based on client feedback and our own expert’s knowledge, here is a list of our picks for the best golf courses in South Africa…

    Par: 72 | Designed By: Dr Charles Molteno Murray | Length: 5,893yd

    Dating back to 1934, the course at Clovelly Country Club is laid out in Fish Hoek, or Silvermine, Valley, The Silvermine River comes into play as a natural water hazard so take caution! The design of this course is incredibly unique, following neither a links layout nor the American traditional design, making this course one of great character.

    Signature Hole: 4th

    This par-4 offers outstanding views, and a memorable challenge. Golfers will have to take a precise approach shot over a large water hazard if they wish to make it on to the well-guarded green.

    Accommodation Nearby: Arabella Hotel & Spa

    The Arabella Hotel & Spa is pure luxury, embracing modernity while also transforming this golf holiday destination into an aesthetic wonder. Diners at this hotel & spa can enjoy the Jamani restaurant’s casual, all-day dining menu as well as a buffet and a separate breakfast menu. In the evening however, you can admire their farm-to-table approach in the refined, a la carte dinner menu.

    Aerial view of golf hole

    Par: 72 | Designed By: Gary Player | Length: 6,714yd

    Since its debut in the early 90’s, Fancourt’s Montagu Course has matured and developed into one of the finest 18-hole parkland layouts, even ranking 8th in the country. A round here is a special experience, sculpted and finished as it is, with rare attention to detail and designed with the coastal George winds in mind.

    Signature Hole: 17th

    This par-3 is high risk with an even higher reward. The water lining the front may be intimidating but once you make it onto the large green, you’ll be safe.

    Accommodation Nearby: Fancourt Hotel

    Fancourt is widely considered to be one of South Africa’s top leisure resorts, set in the heart of the stunning Garden Route. This 5* hotel with 3 golf courses on-site, all surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Western Cape, will certainly be an excellent choice for your next golf break in South Africa.

    Lake on fairway at Fancourt - Montagu with building in distance

    Par: 72 | Designed By: Gary Player | Length: 6,312yd

    The Outeniqua Course at Fancourt is a wonderful 18-hole course, ranking in South Africa’s top 20. Sister to the Montagu Course, both offer challenging layouts on gently undulating terrain however the Outeniqua course measures slightly shorter. An excellent course to add to your South Africa golf holiday itinerary, if you’re looking for a satisfying round in picturesque surroundings.

    Signature Hole: 5th

    A par-3 requiring a precise tee shot to avoid the water hazard guarding the greeen! This hole is as satisfying as it is scenic, and it is incredibly scenic.

    Accommodation Nearby: Fancourt – The Manor House

    Set on the 1,500 acre Fancourt Estatem ‘Blanco House’ is the 150 year old Manor House which has been remodelled to create a charming boutique hotel. Offering both beauty and elegance, you will receive nothing less than outstanding 5-star service at this golf holiday. With a range of dining options at the estate including Henry White’s, an intimate, fine dining experience, Or the more casual La Cantina, offering authentic Italian cuisine and delicious steaks.

    Stream and flowers on fairway

    Par: 72 | Designed By: Peter Matkovich & Dale Hayes | Length: 6,104yd

    San Lameer Estate is South Africa’s own tropical paradise, located on the South coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal, and was the very first golfing estate developed in the country. An impressive 169 hectare nature conservancy, landscaped with 620 privately owned luxury villas which surround the challenging 18 hole Championship golf course, world-class hotel and 5-star spa. It has something to offer the whole family as well as having direct access to two magnificent blue flag beaches.

    Signature Hole: 9th

    A par-3 that is by far one of the most stunning holes you will ever play. The wind may impact the complexity of this hole and should be kept in mind while playing.

    Accommodation Nearby: Fairmont Zimbali Resort Hotel

    Elegantly decorated with stones, woods and earth tones, inspired by the area’s breath-taking natural surroundings, the Fairmont Zimbali Resort Hotel offers an atmosphere where guests will never struggle to relax. Offering gorgeous views of the Indian Ocean, this hotel is also located just five minutes from the bustling holiday town of Ballito.

    Lake with palm trees around

    Par: 72 | Designed By: Peter Matkovich | Length: 6,166yd

    Steenberg Golf Club is situated within the Steenberg Estate in the Constantia Valley, which is renowned for its scenic beauty and wine-producing vineyards. It’s located approximately 30 minutes south of Cape Town’s city center. Although this course is not the longest around, it is certainly made challenging by the use of local water features and the continually changing winds.

    Signature Hole: 7th

    This par-3 is complete with an island green that is guarded by bunkers from almost every angle. Devils Peak sits dramatically in the background, tempting you to be distracted but don’t lose sight of the task at hand, or you’ll go out with a splash!

    Accommodation Nearby: Steenberg Hotel

    Located behind Table Mountain in the Constantia Valley, just a 20 minute drive from central Cape Town, lies Steenberg. A hotel that is not only regarded as one of the most luxurious hotels in Cape Town, but also consistently wins Traveller’s Choice Awards for being one of the best luxury hotels on the entire African continent!

    Golf and wine holidays

    Par: 72 | Designed By: David Dale & Ronald Fream | Length: 6,355yd

    This beautiful golf course is a sweeping spectacle of fairways and greens rolling through the pristine Southern Cape landscape with stunning views over Knysna Lagoon and the Indian Ocean. The Pezula Golf Club offers 5-star facilities including a lounge, restaurant and bar leading onto a terrace with spectacular views, a proshop, short game practice area and putting green.

    Signature Hole: 14th

    This par-4 may be relatively short but don’t let that trick you into a false sense of safety. This hole requires a lay-up approach before firing at the pin. The green is on a clifftop and surrounded by bunkers, so care and precision are necessary.

    Accommodation Nearby: Pezula Hotel

    The stunning Pezula Hotel is located in Knysna, on the picturesque Garden Route of the Western Cape in South Africa. The hotel is set amidst 2,500 acres of spectacularly lush landscapes, and offers sweeping views of the famous Knysna Lagoon. Dining options at this golf holiday certainly don’t fall short. Guests can choose fine-dining cuisine at Zachary’s Restaurant, winner of several national and international awards of excellence. Additionally, guests with a sweet-tooth can take a trip to ‘Ile De Chocolat’, the on-site patisserie where you can treat yourself to one of Kirsten Walters infamous truffles, cupcakes or cookies!

    Bunkers surrounding a hole with a white flag on a clifftop overlooking the ocean

    Par: 72 | Designed By: Peter Matkovich | Length: 6,369yd

    The mixed parkland and woodland course is located in the heart of a beautiful valley on the outskirts of Stellenbosch, its name originating from the early wine growers on three local farms. This course provides golfers of all standards with a challenge where accuracy is generally more important than length. The clubhouse is of the typical white Cape Dutch style, overlooking the Blauuwklippen River and the Stellenbosch Mountains, and is the perfect place to relax after your round with a glass (or bottle, depending on how you played) of the local produce.

    Signature Hole: 13th

    A challenging, yet picturesque, par-5 that demands focus and strategy. The hole is surrounded by beautiful views of rugged mountains and is bordered by a large lake. The elevated tee offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes including lush vineyards.

    Accommodation Nearby: Oude Werf Hotel

    Oude Werf is located in the heart of the beautiful Stellenbosch region. Surrounded by vineyards and wineries, you’ll certainly feel at ease here in the Cape Winelands. Offering views of the astounding Jonkershoek Mountains, the scenery here will leave anyone awestruck.

    Hole with bunker at De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate

    Par: 72 | Designed By: Peter Matkovich | Length: 6,391yd

    Pinnacles cliff-top location in the Western Cape of South Africa, inspires golfers to play this challenging course, with its dramatic views and breathtaking terrain offering the perfect surroundings for a peaceful round. The course is characterised by 7 majestic holes that line the clifftops, overlooking the Indian Ocean, four of which are played over ocean and cliff.

    Signature Hole: 13th

    This par-3 offers panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, with waste bunkers featuring large protruding rocks protecting the green. Take care not to send your ball cascading down the side of the cliff, so make sure you pay attention to what the distance on your cart says.

    Accommodation Nearby: Gondwana Kwena Lodge

    This luxury golf holiday accommodation is located in South Africa’s stunning Garden Route region. The Gondwana Kwena Lodge offers guests a unique experience to immerse themselves in all nature has to offer, without having to sacrifice the luxuries you would expect from 5* accommodation. Additionally, the Gondwana Game Reserve is the only private wildlife reserve in the Southern Cape that has the ‘Big 5’ (Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo) free roaming! Additionally, there are a number of antelope species and zebra too!

    151108-Pinnacle-Point-39

    Courses to Add to Your South Africa Golf Holiday Itinerary

    Fancy a road trip across the Western Cape? Check out these golf courses along your way! Additionally, we can help with accommodation recommendations nearby.

    Par: 72 | Designed By: Peter Matkovich | Length: 6,479yd

    Hermanus, on the Cape South Coast, is a charming fishing village famous for the whales that come here annually to calve. The Hermanus Golf Course is a parkland course suitable for most levels of golfing ability; Offering modern yet classically designed holes that challenge the pro’s and offer unsurpassed reward to the amateur.

    Golf and wine holidays

    Par: 71 | Designed By: Jack Nicklaus | Length: 5,647yd

    This Jack Nicklaus designed Championship links course has attracted golfers from all over the world. Winding its way through seven natural dunes on the shores of St. Francis Bay, towards Port Elizabeth in the Western Cape, as well as sporting a well-stocked halfway house, this course makes an excellent addition to your South African golf holiday.

    Fairway at St Francis Links Golf Club with buildings in distance

    Why book a golf holiday to South Africa with Golf Escapes?

    ★ ABTA & ATOL Protected

    ★ Team of Experts & Amateurs

    ★ 23 Years in the Industry

    Here at Golf Escapes we are proud of the professional service we provide, sending golfers on their dream golf holidays all around the world. Established in 2002, our team of amateur and professional golfers have earned a respectable and well-trusted reputation and can provide you with the expert knowledge needed to support you when booking your perfect golf holiday!

    We are here to make organising your next golf holiday as easy as possible. We can take care of all elements of your trip and get you the best offers across the global market. With our award winning customer service and friendly team, we will take care of everything. So you only need to worry about packing enough golf balls for your next golf holiday!

    No matter the level of support you require, we’re here for you every step of the way. We have been providing clients with personal service and the best value for over two decades! And our excellent knowledge and communication has been recognised with a number of awards, such as the 5-star Feefo Platinum Service Award, which we have been recipients of for three years running!

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