11 Bucket-List Golf Courses in South Africa, from Cape Town to Kruger
Few places in the world rival South Africa when it comes to pairing exceptional golf with unforgettable travel experiences. Imagine a spectacular round of golf followed by a sunset safari in Kruger, or enjoying fine wine and dining, in and around Cape Town. Whether you’re teeing off on a cliffside fairway with the Indian Ocean crashing below, or watching impala graze beyond the green, South Africa offers golf in settings as dramatic as they are diverse. From award-winning courses designed by legends like Gary Player, Ernie Els and Jack Nicklaus, we share 11 of the finest golf experiences in the country.
1. Fancourt, George
Fancourt is golf royalty. Set in the Garden Route, it boasts three world-class courses, namely: The Links, Montagu, and Outeniqua. Each offers a distinct challenge and championship pedigree. The Links, often ranked as the top course in the country, was designed by Gary Player and is exclusive to members and guests staying at the hotel. Fortunately, the hotel and manor house are exceptional, offering old-world charm, fine dining, and a wellness spa ideal for post-round indulgence.
2. Pezula, Knysna
Pezula Championship Golf Course is another Garden Route gem. Its cliff-top layout combines sweeping views of the Indian Ocean with world-class facilities. The fairways are framed by fynbos and coastal forest, while the Pezula Resort offers sophisticated suites, a rejuvenating spa, and fine dining with a view. The Knysna Lagoon, where you can enjoy boat trips to the Knysna Heads, or beyond, lies just below the course.
3. Pinnacle Point, Mossel Bay
Perched high above the ocean on the Garden Route, Pinnacle Point Golf Estate is arguably one of the most visually striking courses in the world. The course runs along a series of cliffs that plunge into the Indian Ocean. According to Pinnacle Point, the par 3, 7th hole is a favourite with golfers. The scenery is dramatic with an “island green perched on top of a cliff.” In winter, southern right whales are regularly spotted in the ocean below. With sea views from every hole and some that cross over chasms, Pinnacle Point is both as visually captivating as it is technically demanding. There’s also a stylish clubhouse, a cliffside restaurant, and comfortable villas to retire to after a round.
4. Simola, Knysna
A stone’s throw from Pezula, nestled high in the hills above Knysna, Simola offers panoramic views of the estuary below. This Jack Nicklaus Signature course winds through indigenous forest and perfectly manicured greens, delivering a peaceful yet challenging game. The Simola Hotel and spa completes the package, with luxury suites, gourmet dining, and dramatic sunrise views from your balcony. For motoring enthusiasts, the estate is also home to the legendary Simola Hillclimb—a thrilling annual event where classic and performance cars race up a 1.9km mountain track.
5. Sun City, North West Province
Home to both the Gary Player Country Club and the Lost City Golf Course, Sun City offers a combination of top-tier golf and opulent surroundings. The Gary Player course is the annual host of the Nedbank Golf Challenge and a pilgrimage for fans of championship golf. The Lost City course, meanwhile, offers a wilder twist–complete with a water hazard housing live Nile crocodiles.
6. Arabella, Cape Town
Situated just outside Hermanus, Arabella Golf Club is known for its immaculate conditioning and water-lined holes. The course wraps around the Bot River Lagoon and offers views of the Kogelberg Mountains. Arabella Hotel & Spa, part of the Autograph Collection, offers everything from wine tastings and nature walks to gourmet dining and indulgent spa treatments. It’s also a short drive from some of the world’s best land-based whale watching spots in Hermanus.
7. Pearl Valley, Franschhoek
For golf and wine lovers alike, Pearl Valley is a dream. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this course lies in the heart of the Cape Winelands, surrounded by vineyards and mountain views. It’s as pristine as it is playable, with wide fairways and slick greens. Stay at the adjacent Val de Vie Estate, where you may be able to watch a game of polo, or make it part of a Winelands golf tour, pairing your round with wine tasting and fine food in Franschhoek.
8. Steenberg, Cape Town
Tucked away in the Constantia Valley, Steenberg Golf Club is one of Cape Town’s best-kept secrets. The course is situated in the Constantia Wine Region and is renowned for its beauty and tranquillity. After your game, enjoy a wine tasting at the Steenberg estate or settle in for lunch at Tryn, one of Cape Town’s most elegant restaurants. With boutique suites at Steenberg Hotel and access to Cape Town, only 30 minutes away, it’s the perfect base for spending time in and around the Mother City.
9. Steyn City, Johannesburg
Designed by Nicklaus Design, Steyn City’s championship course offers an elite golf experience just outside Sandton. Lush fairways, sculpted bunkers, and modern facilities combine with five-star hospitality. The estate’s luxury apartments and exclusive residences offer privacy and security, while the clubhouse feels more like a luxury resort than a golf venue. It’s perfect for a round before heading off to a safari destination.
10. Legend Signature Golf Course, Limpopo
If you’re looking for unusual golf bragging rights, this course could be for you. Set in the Entabeni Safari Conservancy, Legend Signature is best known for its Extreme 19th—a tee box only accessible by helicopter. From atop Hanglip Mountain, players hit toward a green shaped like Africa, 400 metres below. Each hole on the regular course is designed by a different golfing legend, including Trevor Immelman and Retief Goosen. After your round, retreat to a luxury bush lodge and swap golf stories around the fire.
11. Skukuza Golf Club, Kruger National Park
Where else in the world can you share a fairway with warthogs or wait for giraffes to cross the green? Skukuza Golf Club offers a truly wild golfing experience. Located within the boundaries of the Kruger National Park, this 9-hole course is simple but surreal. It’s set in the bush and visited by a range of wildlife from elephants to warthogs. Combine a round with a luxury safari stay at nearby lodges like Jock Safari Lodge or Sabi Sands, where some of Africa’s finest guides can guide you on your safari as you search for the Big Five (if you haven’t spotted some of them from the fairway already).
Happy golfing,
The Leopard Team
P.S. If you are travelling with non-golfers, don’t worry, there is plenty to keep them busy while you enjoy time on the golf course!