Our round-up of courses that hit a hole-in-one with local and international golfing enthusiasts.
As a country internationally known for its staggeringly beautiful scenery — where imposing mountain ranges rear up from wave-battered coastlines, and open veldt sunsets are literal symphonies of fire — it’s little wonder that South Africa has become a popular destination for golfers. But it’s not only for the views that they flock to our shores: it’s the five-star accommodations and service; unforgettable cultural experiences; the spas, fine wines, and dining; and, most of all, our world-class golf courses, the challenges set by their picturesque locations, and the golfing Gods who designed them.
Here are some of our top golfing destinations.
Fancourt Estate
George
In the world of golfing, Fancourt hardly needs an introduction. This premier lifestyle destination sprawls out over 600+ hectares of pristine countryside in the verdant heart of South Africa’s Garden Route, right in the lee of the Outeniqua Mountains. The Fancourt estate embraces three golf courses (Outeniqua, Montague, and The Links) designed by golfing legend Gary Player, all of which are ranked in the Top 20 by Golf Digest South Africa. But of the three, The Links is the estate’s iconic hallmark, described by Gary Player as his greatest ever feat as a course designer: a sentiment confirmed by its current number one ranking in the country.
Durban Country Club
KZN
Universally considered one of the very best layouts in South Africa, and having played host to more South African Opens than any other course in the country, it’s fair to say that the Durban Country Club truly offers players an unrivalled golfing experience. Hand-in-hand with its sensational seaside greens, which overlook the Blue Lagoon estuary and undulate through lush tropical vegetation, comes world-class sporting and leisure facilities housed within a classic Cape Dutch style clubhouse.
Hazendal Golf Course
Stellenbosch
With panoramic views of the Stellenbosch winelands and large undulating bent grass greens, the brand new 18-hole, par-3 golf course at Hazendal Wine Estate offers a thrilling game for players of all skill levels. Beautifully and strategically-placed bunkers and rough most golfers would like to avoid (not to mention the Cape’s notorious southeasterly winds) impose challenges that would make the most skilled golfers salivate. And when the game is done, there’s the promise of Hazendal’s exquisite fine dining and beautifully crafted wines to look forward to.
Arabella Country Estate
Kleinmond, Overberg
Set against the drama of the Palmiet Mountain Range and the Kogelberg Nature Reserve, the Arabella Country Estate is home to one of the top-ranked golf courses in South Africa. This 18-hole championship course is the design vision of lauded golf architect Peter Matkovich and features lush, manicured grass, challenging sand traps, and a generous scattering of water hazards. Several of the course’s holes are positioned adjacent to the Bot River Lagoon, affording players magnificent views, complemented by the estate’s luxurious hotel and spa.
Steyn City
Midrand, JHB
Having officially opened during 2015, this fairly new 18 hole Nicklaus design golf course at Steyn City spans a generous 90 hectares of wooded parkland along the banks of the Jukskei River to the north of the City of Johannesburg with an award-wining Clubhouse overlooking the 1st and 10th tees and returning 9th and 18thholes. Here, golfers of all levels can partake in a world-class experience on wide, immaculate fairways that pack 75 bunkers and several water features. Steyn City’s championship golf course attracts keen golfers from across South Africa and abroad, impressing players with its stunning views, challenging design, and seamless service both on and off the course.
