Top 10 Best Golf Courses in South Africa, Must-Play in 2025/2026!
South Africa boasts a myriad of world-class golf courses that rival some of the globe’s finest. Beyond the thrill and challenge of the game, golf courses in South Africa are set against spectacular natural backdrops encompassing everything from coastal dunes and cliffs to lush tropical flora, majestic mountains, and serene lakes. Every year, countless golf enthusiasts flock to South Africa, drawn by the allure of its golfing challenges and breathtaking beauty. Out of 450 golf courses in South Africa, have you ever wondered which are the best to showcase your skills?
Is Golf Popular in South Africa?
Golf holds a significant place in South Africa’s sporting landscape, with its popularity deeply rooted in the nation’s history and culture. The country has been a cradle for several internationally acclaimed golfers like Gary Player, Ernie Els, Louis Oosthuizen, and Charl Schwartzel, who have not only clinched major titles but also championed the sport within South African borders.
The allure of golf in South Africa is further enhanced by its collection of 450 golf course courses, such as Leopard Creek, Fancourt, and Sun City, celebrated for their unparalleled design and picturesque landscapes. 195 of which are 18-hole courses. A notable advantage that boosts the popularity of South Africa golf courses is its relative affordability, making it more accessible to a broader audience compared to many Western nations. Here, you can even enjoy a new experience – golf while observing wild animals, at Skukuza Golf Club – an unfenced golf course surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary.
The hosting of prestigious golfing events, like the South African Open and the Alfred Dunhill Championship, provides a regular platform to showcase the sport. Furthermore, the country’s favorable climate allows enthusiasts to indulge in golf year-round, while the thriving golfing communities and estates reflect the sport’s embedded cultural value. All golfers cannot miss golf holidays in South Africa, this is an ideal destination to explore nature and experience golf extremely uniquely here.
Best Golf Courses in South Africa
Leopard Creek Country Club
Location: R570 Leopard Creek Estate, Malelane, 1320, South Africa
Leopard Creek Country Club
Situated next to the world-famous Kruger National Park, Leopard Creek is a private club like no other, offering a unique blend of golf and gaming. Designed by Gary Player, the course is built within the African wildlife habitat, using the water features of the Crocodile River, which forms a natural boundary with the park providing a unique golfing location while still ensuring the safety of golfers. This gives golfers stunning views of the river and wildlife beyond. Player has made special efforts to integrate the course seamlessly into its surroundings, ensuring that animals have access to the course.
Although Leopard Creek is a private championship golf course, there is a limited number of times available for guests of the approved luxury safari camps nearby. Leopard Creek Golf Club is a true golfer’s paradise and a great stop on your next golf holiday in South Africa.
The Links at Fancourt
Location: George, South Africa
The Links at Fancourt
The Links SA is South Africa’s premier golfing destination, renowned for its stunning scenery and world-class facilities. Located in the heart of the Garden Route, The Links at Fancourt is a masterpiece designed by Gary Player. Often hailed as the best links course in Africa, the course takes inspiration from classic British courses, with rolling terrain, sand dunes and a few blinds. The backdrop of the Outeniqua Mountains provides an aesthetic appeal while the complex layout offers plenty of challenges with strategic bunkers, undulating fairways and fast tees. The Fancourt Estate itself is a luxury resort, offering high-end facilities, making it a favourite with international visitors.
Durban Country Club
Location: 101 Isaiah Ntshangase Rd, Stamford Hill, Durban, 4001, South Africa
Durban Country Club
Renowned for its classic Cape Dutch architecture and stunning setting overlooking the Indian Ocean, Durban Country Club has been the venue of choice for many important celebrations over its long history. It has hosted more South African Open Championships than any other golf course, further cementing its reputation as one of South Africa’s finest.
Established in 1922, its rich history and classic design make it a must-visit destination. The layout, characterised by tight fairways and dense vegetation, challenges golfers of all levels. The course is renowned for its opening five holes, with several other holes that stand out in their own right, including the par-5 eighth, the 12th, 17th and 18th Prince of Wales par-3s. The par-5 third hole is rated as the best third hole in the world. Playing from the elevated tees to the narrow fairway with bushes and a predatory bunker on the left side, you’ll see why this is the most popular hole on the course.
Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club (East Course)
Location: 1 Fairway Ave, Linksfield North, Johannesburg, 2192, South Africa
Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club
Founded in 1890, the Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club is one of the oldest golf establishments in South Africa. The East Course, renowned for its impeccable maintenance, has hosted the Joburg Open multiple times. Majestic trees line its fairways, and the bunkers are strategically placed to test the golfer’s skills. With a rich history and a layout that respects the traditions of the game, it’s a jewel in South Africa’s golfing crown.
Gary Player Country Club
Location: Sun City Resort, Sun City, 0316, South Africa
Gary Player Country Club
Located in the famous Sun City resort, Gary Player Country Club is home to one of the longest golf courses in the world. In addition to its length, the course is also known for its careful design that incorporates many natural features, from water hazards to cleverly placed bunkers. The course regularly hosts the Nedbank Golf Challenge, one of the major events on the European Tour. With the backdrop of the Pilanesberg Mountains and a design that challenges even seasoned professionals, this is an iconic African golf destination.
The course is mostly flat but not boring, with bushes, lakes and strategically placed bunkers, making it a serious challenge for any golfer. However, the course’s varied teeing positions make it accessible to all handicappers. The course’s stunning kidney-shaped or clover-shaped greens are well protected by water, ravines or mounds, which will test the smoothness of your swing. The par-5 9th hole is one of the most beautiful with its island green, while the par-5 1st hole is a tough challenge even for the pros. Overall, this is a fair championship golf course that requires finesse and precision to leave the club satisfied and content.
Arabella Golf Club
Location: R44 Kleinmond, Overberg, Overberg, 7195, South Africa
Arabella Golf Club
Situated next to the Bot River Lagoon and overlooking the fynbos-covered Kogelberg Mountains, Arabella Golf Club is one of South Africa’s most beautiful golf courses and is consistently ranked among the top 10 golf courses in South Africa. The course, with its pristine fairways and challenging layout, offers both risk and reward to golfers. The 8th hole has been described as one of South Africa’s most beautiful par 5s and the 18th hole is considered one of the best finishing holes in the country.
Recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee as a biodiversity “hotspot”, the area is home to over 1600 species of fynbos and numerous species of birds and animals. Arabella promotes an organic architectural style using natural materials, slate roofs and soft earth tones that blend in with its surroundings. Golfers can also enjoy the 5-star Arabella Hotel & Spa, which offers guests and residents tranquility, luxury and opulence, fine dining and attentive care in the stunning natural setting of the Estate.
St Francis Links
Location: 1 Jack Nicklaus Dr, St Francis Links, St Francis Bay, 6312, South Africa
St Francis Links
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, St Francis Links boasts rolling terrain, sand dunes and native rough. The course is set on one of the most beautiful links golfing locations, built on high, rolling sand dunes overlooking St Francis Bay and the Indian Ocean. The dunes stretch for miles and you could build as many links courses here as you would at St Andrews. With each hole offering its own unique challenge and views, it is a golfer’s delight. The course captures the essence of links golf, with the winds from the Indian Ocean adding an element of unpredictability. The clubhouse, built on a dune overlooking the course, offers panoramic views, making it the perfect place to unwind after a round.
Pinnacle Point Beach and Golf Resort
Location: Mossel Bay, Garden Route, South Africa
Pinnacle Point Beach and Golf Resort
Perched on a cliff with the waves of the Indian Ocean foaming around the battered rocks below, Pinnacle Point is the ideal holiday destination for any discerning traveler, offering one of the most dramatic golfing backdrops in the world. This 18-hole championship golf course is designed to compliment the natural layout of the land while adding elements that challenge golfers of all abilities. Seven of the holes are set along the ocean cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the vast turquoise waters below and breathtaking challenges.
The rugged surroundings make for great hiking and mountain biking, as well as bird watching. The resort’s beaches at Oyster Bay and Eden Bay appeal to beach lovers and swimmers. Comfortable villas range from one, two and three bedrooms to the luxurious four bedroom Penthouse – all elegantly furnished with top-notch finishes. The Pinnacle Restaurant serves a delicious dish with every meal, whether it’s a light lunch or a hearty dinner.
Blair Atholl Golf Course
Location: Ashanti Rd, Pretoria Rural, Lanseria, 1748, South Africa
Blair Atholl Golf Course
Located near Johannesburg, Blair Atholl is a sprawling estate that offers an unparalleled golfing experience. Designed by Gary Player, the course stretches over several kilometres, offering a variety of challenges from water hazards to strategic bunkers. The course is renowned for its length, beauty and tranquillity, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. At over 7,500 metres, Blair Atholl Golf Course is the third longest golf course in the world and is full of the different character and moods of the Estate. It was also home to golfing legend Gary Player. The estate also boasts horse trails, a spa and fine dining, making it an all-inclusive retreat.
Erinvale Golf Club
Location: Lourensford Rd, Somerset West, Cape Town, 7130, South Africa
Erinvale Golf Club
Nestled at the foothills of the Helderberg and Hottentots Holland mountains, Erinvale‘s setting is nothing short of majestic. The course is divided into two distinct parts: the flat, fertile valley and the hillier, rugged terrain above. Designed by Gary Player, it hosted the World Cup of Golf in 1996. With its combination of challenging holes, historical significance, and views of both vineyards and mountains, Erinvale proves itself to be one of the best golf courses in Cape Town, and South Africa in general.
Above, we have introduced to you the best golf courses in South Africa. All of them are designed by famous golf architects and well-maintained for the best golfing experience. Know any other wonderful golf courses in Cape Town to play in 2025/2026, just share with us by commenting on the box below. Thanks for your reading.
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I have played 8 of the 10 beautiful courses listed and have played 115 courses in South Africa. We are truly blessed to have so many beautiful and challenging courses.
Hi Patrick Murfin,
Thank you for sharing your incredible experience of playing 8 out of the 10 beautiful courses listed and a total of 115 courses in South Africa. It’s truly inspiring to hear about your golfing adventures and the appreciation for the stunning and challenging courses our country has to offer.
We look forward to connecting with you soon to discuss your experiences further and ensure you continue to enjoy the best golfing opportunities.
Best regards,
GolfLux Team