Golf in South Africa

Playing golf in South Africa is something that should be at the top of any golfer's bucket list. As one of the world's top golfing destinations, a golf safari in South Africa will deliver everything you could want and more. So, pack your clubs and get in touch with a Rhino Africa Travel Expert, and soon you'll be following in the footsteps of true golfing legends such as Gary Player, Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and Louis Oosthuizen.

Why go on a golf tour in South Africa?

1. Top-quality golf courses: There's the opportunity to play golf in South Africa around every corner. Many golf courses have been designed by some of the world's greatest golfing legends, promising the ultimate experience in South Africa.

2. The fantastic climate means sunny golfing days aplenty on all South African golf tours.

3. You can look forward to spectacular destinations and exciting wildlife viewing. You could come to South Africa just for the golf, but you would be doing yourself a bit of a disservice. South Africa is home to many of the best safari destinations, such as the Kruger National Park and Pilanesberg. In addition, you can explore the scenic Garden Route coastline or the iconic Table Mountain in Cape Town during your golf tour.

4. You can choose from many fantastic lodges and hotels for your golf safari in South Africa. With many of the world's leading hotels and resorts, you'll enjoy your golf experience in complete luxury. 

The best golf courses in South Africa

While you can find a golf course in virtually every town, with over 500 golf courses in South Africa, there are some notable hotspots. Here are our favourite destinations you should visit for a round of golf in South Africa.

The Garden Route

South Africa's Garden Route is best known for scenic drives and whale watching. And for being home to some of the best golf courses in South Africa! Between Mossel Bay and Plettenberg Bay, there are no fewer than a whopping fifteen world-class courses. At the beginning of the Garden Route, the whale watching town of Hermanus features two top-class courses, namely Arabella Country Estate and the Hermanus Golf Course. 

In Knysna, there's Simola and Pezula. Pezula encompasses a private estate, a five-star resort hotel and a world-class championship golf course. In George, there's the George Golf Course, Kingswood and, of course, the famous Fancourt that hosted the President's Cup in 2003. Look out too for Pinnacle Point and Oubaai (the first Ernie Els signature course). 

There's also no better spot to combine golf with a safari than on the Garden Route. Gondwana Game Reserve near Mossel Bay offers a shuttle service to Pinnacle Point, and there are numerous top safari destinations near Port Elizabeth. So, if you're looking for a place to play golf in South Africa, the Garden Route should be high on your list. Our Travel Experts can help book the ultimate golf tour in South Africa.

Kruger National Park and Surrounds

Mpumalanga has some of South Africa's most famous courses. Golf meets the Big 5 in this neck of the woods, where wildlife on the fairway is simply part of the course. Watch out in particular for the water hazards where crocodiles may be in attendance during your golf tour in South Africa.

One of the top courses for playing golf in South Africa, Leopard Creek, was designed by Gary Player and offers great views into the Kruger National Park, just across the river. The 13th and 18th holes are two to look forward to, and the view from the par-five 13th is particularly amazing.

Legend Golf & Safari Resort is home to a signature course where a world golfing legend has designed each of the 18 holes. In addition, you can take the challenge of a unique par 3, the Extreme 19th. Set high up on the impressive Hanglip Mountain, the hole is accessible only by helicopter. You'll play on the green, which is in the shape of Africa, some 400m below. Wow!

Johannesburg and Surrounds

If you're in Johannesburg on business, there's a host of business-friendly hotels in the city. But, most importantly, there are some fantastic golf courses for your golf tour in South Africa, including Glendower Golf Club. 

If you're keen to get out of town, though, we suggest you head out of town to Sun City, where you'll find two Gary Player designed courses and fantastic hotels. You could stay at Sun City & Surrounds itself, at the Palace of the Lost City, or a little further out in the Pilanesberg National Park or Madikwe Game Reserve. If you're looking to combine business and pleasure, Johannesburg offers some of the best golf in South Africa. 

Cape Town and Cape Winelands

Unsurprisingly, there are many great golf courses in and around Cape Town. However, be prepared to deal with a bit of wind and the constant threat of unbelievably stunning views distracting you.

Some of the best places to play golf in South Africa can be found here, like the Clovelly Country Club, situated in the tranquil Silvermine Valley close to Fish Hoek. Or, near Constantia, you'll find the Steenberg Golf Club. This 18 hole championship golf course meanders through the vineyards, pine forests and gentle waterways.  

Between Franschhoek and Paarl in the heart of the Western Cape's famous Winelands region, you'll find the Pearl Valley Golf Estate, a Jack Nicklaus signature course. Other great courses in the Winelands region include De Zalze Golf Course and Stellenbosch Golf Course. Phew, there are so many to choose from for your golf tour in South Africa! Let our Travel Experts help you whittle down your options. 

KwaZulu-Natal

The North and South coasts of KwaZulu-Natal, as well as the Drakensberg mountains, provide some great golf in South Africa. For your golf tour in South Africa, you can't go wrong at Fairmont Zimbali Lodge and Country Club for a great relaxing golfing holiday. Located in a coastal forest, Zimbali Lodge is surrounded by a championship 18-hole golf course and naturally occurring lakes and wetlands. 

Other great courses in the area include Durban Country Club, Mount Edgecombe (watch out for the impala, bushbuck and monkeys!), Royal Durban, Prince's Grant and Simbithi, while further down the coast, you'll find the Wild Coast Sun. 

Tailor-make your own South African golf tour

At Rhino Africa, we're experts in planning African safari holidays. So, if you want to play golf in South Africa, why not book with the best in the biz? As the World's Best Safari Company, we can safely say that's us! Contact our Travel Experts to plan your South Africa golf tour today.