Comprehensive Guide to Golf in North West (South Africa)
South Africa is famous for majestic natural landscapes, wildlife, and vibrant travel experiences. Among these, the North West is one of the top destinations, where travellers can combine relaxation, exploration, and sports. In this article, we will provide the convincing reasons why you should golf in the North West, the best golf courses and the best time to golf in this region, and then some helpful tips for you when planning your golf holiday.
Why Should You Golf in North West (South Africa)?
If you are planning a unique golf holiday, which is both relaxing and fascinating, then North West (South Africa) will be a worthwhile option. This area not only boasts spectacular natural landscapes but is also proud to be home to excellent golf courses, modern facilities and ideal year-round weather, satisfying all customers’ needs, even the most demanding ones.
To be more specific, golf courses in the North West are top-notch names; for instance, Gary Player Country Club, this legendary course, held the Nedbank Golf Challenge with the participation of world-famous players. The course is long and challenging but extremely interesting. In addition, Lost City Golf Course impresses players with its wild natural scenery and golf hole, which even has a real crocodile!
Nedbank Golf Challenge at the Gary Player Country Club
Another prominent factor that makes golfing in the North West so special is its pleasant weather. With a temperate climate year-round, you can play in almost any season. Summers are warm and not too hot; winters are cool and pleasant. Whether you are an early bird or a laid-back person who prefers a late afternoon tee-off, the weather here will still suit your golfing schedule.
Besides golf, North West also offers a true “golf and leisure” resort experience. At Sun City Resort, there is both a golf course and resort; you can find a spa centre, luxury restaurants, a casino, a water park, and even a wildlife park. You can start your day on the swings on the golf course and end with a glass of wine, enjoying the sunset of African nature.
Best Golf Courses in the North West
The North West, South Africa, is proud to be home to some of the most famous golf courses in the world. Each of them offers a unique experience and fascinating challenges. Here are some of the most outstanding golf courses in this region that you should note for your golf holiday in the North West in the future:
Gary Player Country Club
Set inside the Sun City resort, Gary Player Country Club is an 18-hole, par-72 course designed by the legendary Gary Player and officially went into operation in 1979. This course is famous for its length of 7,162 metres from the tee championship, creating remarkable challenges for golfers.
The course boasts a large fairway, surrounded by the spectacular natural scenery of Pilanesberg. The course is the avenue for the annual Nedbank Golf Challenge, one of the most prestigious competitions in Africa. Furthermore, the course was also rated as one of the top courses internationally and in South Africa.
Gary Player Country Club
Lost City Golf Course
Lost City Golf Course is also a part of the Sun City Resort. The course was officially introduced in 1993 and designed by the same architect of the Gary Player Country Club. This 18-hole, par-72 course stands out for its desert design, combined with hilly terrains and the wild regions of Africa.
There are wide fairways and strategically placed bunkers. Particularly, the 13th hole is famous for its green shaped like the African continent, surrounded by a lake with real crocodiles, creating a unique and challenging experience for golfers.
Lost City Golf Course
Orkney Golf Club
Located on the bank of the Vaal River, Orkney Golf Club is a course that has a long history of development. Originally designed by Bob Grimsdell in 1939 as a 9-hole course, it was extended to 18 holes in the mid-1940s.
The course is famous for its plain terrain, which is easy to walk, and with the fairway system of Kikuyu Green, the course provides year-round accessibility. Not only does Orkney Golf Club offer a relaxing golf experience in the middle of nature, but Orkney Golf Club also has a strong community vibe. It’s not just a course but a local gathering place for tournaments and weekend games. It’s also worth noting that two well-known South African golfers, Simon Hobday and Jannie le Grange, have ties to this club, which makes a great contribution to its rich heritage.
Orkney Golf Club
Rustenburg Golf Club
Rustenburg Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-72 course, which is located at the foot of the Magaliesberg mountain. Thanks to its location, the course offers a tranquil atmosphere, suitable for those who love a relaxing and peaceful golf experience.
This course is highly maintained; the fairway is taken care of closely, while the green uses Royal Blue Cynodon, ensuring smooth putting and stable speed. Some holes, such as the 1st and 6th, even have artificial lakes, adding to the sense of challenge and excitement for players. In the period from 2016 to 2017, the course was on the edge of being closed but was “saved” thanks to the investment of local businessman MH Tayob, who renovated the facilities and brought the stadium back to stable operation.
Rustenburg Golf Club
Pecanwood Golf & Country Club
Located on the banks of the Hartbeespoort Dam, the Pecanwood Golf & Country Club is the worth-visiting golf course in North West, South Africa. Its location is given the majestic backdrop of the Magaliesberg mountain range. This 18-hole, par-72 course was designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus and officially launched in 1988.
With a total length of 7,020 metres from the championship tee, the course boasts a unique design by Nicklaus: spacious, eye-catching, and challenging. The course was cleverly arranged next to a large lake and had many strategic bunkers, requiring players to calculate precisely on every shot.
In 2022, Pecanwood Golf & Country hosted the MyGolfLife Open, a competition jointly organised by the European Tour and the Sunshine Tour, which helps to confirm the level of the course on the international golf map.
Pecanwood Golf & Country Club
>>> Each golf course in South Africa offers different experiences. If you want to conquer many golf courses in this region, visit our 14 Days Golf in South Africa to make your dream come true.
The Best Time to Golf in North West
Golf is an outdoor activity; therefore, choosing the right time to play is crucial. To find out the best time to golf in the North West, please follow this part closely!
Best time to golf in North West, South Africa
North West is a region that has ideal weather to play golf all year round. It’s not too cold in the winter and not too hot in the summer; therefore, it’s fair to say that you can pick your clubs and conquer the grass at that time of the year. However, each season brings its own experience.
- Summer (October to March): During the summertime, the North West has warm weather with plenty of sunshine. The daytime temperature ranges from 18 to 31°C, suitable for those who fancy playing golf in the vibrant, full-of-energy atmosphere. Sometimes, there are sudden downpours in the afternoon, particularly in December and January. However, the rains are normally short and do not disrupt the game. Mornings or late afternoons – kick-off is the most enjoyable time.
- Winter (April to September): The region experiences cool and dry weather during this time of the year. The average temperature ranges from 3°C to 21°C, with clear skies, minimal rainfall, and low humidity, extremely ideal for playing golf. This is the peak season for major tournaments in the region due to stable stadium conditions and favourable weather throughout the day.
In short, North West can offer ideal weather conditions for an interesting round of golf anytime you want, at any time of the year. But please note that each season offers a different golf experience, so you should opt for the season that provides the vibe you want.
What to Do after Golf in North West?
If you want to combine golf and relaxation, we suggest some post-course activities to explore the beauty and diversity of this region.
- Explore Pilanesberg National Park, the “Big 5” near the course: It takes only a few minutes’ drive from Sun City to get to Pilanesberg, one of the rare national parks in South Africa that have all the “big five”: lions, elephants, rhinos, water buffaloes, and leopards. You can register for a private trip or drive to “Game Drive” after playing golf in the afternoon. There is nothing better than spending a day in the wilderness.
- Test your luck at the casino: If you love excitement, pay a visit to Sun City Casino, which is known as one of the most famous casinos in the region. With the bustling atmosphere and numerous entertainments from classic to modern, these games allow you to let your hair down and indulge in these fascinating games.
- Discover local cuisine: If you are a foodie, don’t miss this opportunity to explore traditional dishes in South Africa. Go to the Palace’s Crystal Court or friendly spots such as Plume or The Grill Room to enjoy the authentic flavour.
- Enjoy wine in the Hartbeespoort Dam: For a more romantic and peaceful experience, spending an afternoon at the Hartbeespoort Dam is a great choice. You can come by the cafe or wine bar lakeside, order a cup of wine, and watch the sun dip down the horizon to find peace of mind. This is the perfect way to finish your day.
What to do after golf in North West
>>> Visit our 9 Days Golf in Cape Town and Sun City to play fascinating golf rounds and explore local surroundings.
Some Helpful Tips
Here are some helpful tips you should note down to make your best time in North West Africa. These tips are not merely focused on golf but expand to local exploration so that your holiday might be diverse and full of valuable experiences.
- Book tee times in advance, especially in the peak season: Some famous courses, such as Gary Player Country Club and Pecanwood Golf & Country Club, tend to be full, particularly in the summer (peak season). Therefore, you should book a tee time at least some weeks in advance to reserve your preference.
- Bring light golf gear and don’t forget sunscreen: Because the weather in the North West is dry and has plenty of sun, you should bring breathable clothes, a hat, sunglasses, gloves, and sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin from UV rays.
- Try to play at different golf courses if you have time: Each course in the North West has its own personality, from the wildness of Lost City and the challenge of Gary Player to the scenic lakeside setting of Pecanwood. If possible, try to play at least 2-3 courses to experience diversity.
- Prepare flexible transportation: The courses in North West are scattered, ranging from 20 minutes to over an hour’s drive apart. Renting a car is the most convenient way, especially if you intend to combine a visit to Pilanesberg or Hartbeespoort Dam.
- Combine playing golf with exploring the area: Golf is the reason you came here, but we are sure nature, local culture, and cuisine are the factors that make this vacation unforgettable. A game drive, a glass of late-night wine, or having dinner under the warm light – all these are part of the experience.
In conclusion, North West is not only the destination of excellent golf courses but also the place with the ideal climate, majestic nature, and leisure experiences. Whether you are a seasoned golfer or a sports tourism enthusiast, there are plenty of reasons to make your next stop here. If you are planning your golf holiday to North West, South Africa, let us be your companion by contacting us; our experts are willing to help at any time!
Read more:
