The Best 10 Golf Courses In South Africa

Golf is a popular sport in South Africa, with a well-established golfing ecosystem that includes a wide range of golf courses, professional players, and golf-related businesses. South Africa is home to several world-class golf courses, including the Gary Player Country Club at Sun City, the Durban Country Club, and the Fancourt Golf Estate.

The country has a strong golfing culture, with many local and international tournaments held throughout the year. South Africa has produced several world-renowned golfers, including Gary Player, Ernie Els, and Charl Schwartzel, among others. The country is also home to the Sunshine Tour, which is a professional golf tour for men and women that features several events across the country.

In addition to professional golfers, South Africa has a large community of amateur golfers who play for recreation and competition. Golf-related businesses, such as golf equipment manufacturers and retailers, golf course management companies, and golf resorts, also contribute to the golfing ecosystem in South Africa.

The golfing ecosystem in South Africa is well-established, with a strong culture and community of golfers, world-class golf courses, and opportunities for both professional and amateur players.

Leopard Creek Country Club - Malelane, South Africa

Leopard Creek Country Club is a premier golf course located in Malelane, South Africa. This 18-hole championship course is situated on the southern border of Kruger National Park, offering stunning natural scenery and the chance to see African wildlife while playing.

Designed by South African golf architect Gary Player, Leopard Creek is known for its challenging layout and unique African style. The course features several water hazards and has been designed to integrate with the surrounding landscape, making for a unique and memorable golfing experience.

Leopard Creek Country Club has hosted several prestigious golfing events, including the Alfred Dunhill Championship, which is part of the European Tour. It has also been ranked among the “Top 100 Golf Courses in the World” by Golf Magazine and named the “Best Golf Course in South Africa” by the World Golf Awards.

In addition to providing a high-quality golfing experience, Leopard Creek has a clubhouse with a restaurant, bar and pro shop. The clubhouse offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, providing a perfect place to relax after a day on the course.

Leopard Creek Country Club is renowned for offering golf enthusiasts a distinctive and demanding golfing encounter set amidst the splendid scenery of South Africa.

Gary Player Country Club - Sun City, South Africa

The Gary Player Country Club is a premier golf course located in Sun City, South Africa. Designed by legendary golfer Gary Player, this 18-hole championship course is known for its challenging design and stunning natural scenery.

The Gary Player Country Club is also home to a clubhouse with a restaurant, pro shop, and gym. The clubhouse has hosted various events, including weddings, meetings, and other social gatherings.

In addition to providing a high-quality golfing experience, the Gary Player Country Club has hosted several prestigious golfing events, including the Nedbank Golf Challenge, which is one of the biggest golf tournaments in Africa. The course has also been ranked among the “Top 100 Golf Courses in the World” by Golf Magazine.

The Gary Player Country Club is known for providing golfers with a world-class golfing experience in a beautiful location in South Africa.

Fancourt Links Golf Course - George, South Africa

Fancourt Links Golf Course is a world-renowned golf course located in George, South Africa. The course was designed by renowned Scottish golf architect Gary Player, who sought to create a unique and challenging golfing experience that would rival the world's best courses.

The course is known for its challenging design, which features deep bunkers, undulating greens, and natural obstacles such as water hazards and dunes. It has been ranked among the “Top 100 Golf Courses in the World” by Golf Digest and has been the host venue for several major golf tournaments, including the Presidents Cup and SA Open.

The Fancourt Links Golf Course is famed for presenting golfers with an exceptional world-class golfing experience set in the magnificent location of South Africa.

Durban Country Club - Durban, South Africa

Durban Country Club is a prestigious golf club located in Durban, South Africa. Established in 1922, the club has a rich history and is widely regarded as one of the best golf courses in South Africa.

The course features an 18-hole championship layout that has been designed to test the skills of golfers of all levels. It is known for its beautiful natural setting, with views of the Indian Ocean and lush vegetation. The course has hosted several major golf tournaments, including the South African Open and the Volvo Golf Champions.

The course has been rated in the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World by Golf Magazine USA and is rated in the Top 5 golf courses in South Africa by Golf Digest SA. In 2021, the Club was named the leading golf venue in South Africa by top100golfcourses.com (in association with TaylorMade), in addition to being nominated for a 2021 World Golf Award

Durban Country Club's notable accomplishments include hosting major golf tournaments, receiving praise for its beautiful natural setting, and being widely regarded as one of the top golf courses in South Africa.

Pearl Valley Golf Estate - Paarl, South Africa

Pearl Valley Golf Estate is a premier golf and lifestyle estate located in Paarl, South Africa. The estate is home to an award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, which is renowned for its beautiful setting, challenging layout, and exceptional playing conditions.

The golf course features 18 holes of championship golf, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and vineyards. It has been ranked among the top golf courses in South Africa and has hosted several major tournaments, including the South African Open and the Cape Town Open.

In addition to the golf course, Pearl Valley offers luxury accommodations, fine dining options, and a range of recreational facilities, including a spa, fitness center, and swimming pool.

Since opening in 2003, the course has received a multitude of awards and accolades. Most recently, South Africa's Top 100 Golf Courses, the definitive golf course ranking, named it the 3rd best in the country for 2023.

Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club - Johannesburg, South Africa

The Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club is one of the most prestigious golf clubs in South Africa, located in the suburb of Linksfield in Johannesburg. The club has a rich history that dates back to 1890, and it has hosted several major golf events over the years, including the South African Open and the Joburg Open.

The club features two golf courses: the Championship East Course and the West Course, both of which have been ranked among the top golf courses in South Africa. The Championship East Course is known for its challenging layout and has hosted several South African Opens, while the West Course is slightly shorter and more forgiving.

In 2018 the Championship East Course received numerous international accolades including two World Golf Awards (South Africa's best CourseAfrica's best course), Golf Scapes Top 100 Courses in the world and Course of the Year by Luxury Travel Guide.

The Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club offers members and guests a range of luxury amenities, including a clubhouse with restaurant, driving range, and a wellness and fitness center. The club also has a strong social calendar, with regular events and activities for members to enjoy.

Arabella Golf Club - Kleinmond, South Africa

The Arabella Golf Club is a premier golf destination located in the town of Kleinmond, in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The club is situated on the banks of the Bot River Lagoon, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

The golf course was designed by renowned golf architect Peter Matkovich and features 18 holes set in a pristine natural environment. The course has been ranked among the top golf courses in South Africa and has hosted several major golf tournaments, including the Nelson Mandela Invitational.

Apart from its exceptional golfing facilities, the Arabella Golf Club presents a variety of top-class amenities such as a clubhouse with a restaurant and bar, a pro shop, and practice facilities. The club is also deeply committed to sustainability and has undertaken numerous eco-friendly initiatives to diminish its ecological footprint.

Pinnacle Point Golf Course - Mossel Bay, South Africa

The Pinnacle Point Golf Course is a championship golf course located on the Garden Route in the Western Cape province of South Africa. The course is situated on a dramatic cliffside overlooking the Indian Ocean, providing breathtaking views of the coastline.

Designed by renowned golf course architect Peter Matkovich, the Pinnacle Point Golf Course is a challenging 18-hole course that has been ranked among the top golf courses in South Africa. The course features a variety of natural hazards, including rock formations and water features, making it a challenging and exciting course for players of all skill levels.

Golfers have access to a number of top-notch facilities at Pinnacle Point, ranging from the Louis Oosthuizen Academy, driving range, putting green, and club-fitting and repairs workshop to an outstanding pro shop. Moreover, the clubhouse boasts panoramic 270-degree ocean views, adding to the overall experience.

Pinnacle Point Golf Course clinched the title of South Africa's Best Golf Course at the Annual World Golf Awards consecutively in 2016 and 2017.

St Francis Links Golf Course - St Francis Bay, South Africa

St Francis Links Golf Course is an 18-hole championship golf course located in St Francis Bay, a coastal town in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The course is situated in a unique and natural setting, with a links-style layout that blends seamlessly with the natural landscape.

Designed by golf course architect Jack Nicklaus, St Francis Links is considered one of the top golf courses in South Africa, known for its challenging layout and picturesque setting. The course has been designed to provide a variety of challenges to golfers of all skill levels, with its undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and fast greens.

The St Francis Links Golf Course has won several awards, including Best Course in SA at the World Golf Awards in 2021, Best New Course in SA by Golf Digest in 2007 and the 5 Star Golf Experience award by Complete Golfer.

Westlake Golf Club - Cape Town, South Africa

Established in 1932, Westlake Golf Club is a premier golf course located in Cape Town, South Africa. The 18-hole parkland style course was designed by the club's members and features lush fairways, challenging bunkers, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

The course is situated in a spectacular location, at the foot of the Silvermine Mountains, overlooking the Indian Ocean and False Bay. The course has played host to the South African Amateur Championship in 1999 and the SA Women's Open since 2018 and is well renowned for its top-class hospitality.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced pro, this course provides a genuine challenge to golfers of all levels.