At a Glance
- South Africa’s golf resorts blend championship courses with safaris, vineyards, and coastal luxury.
- International travelers enjoy premium experiences at lower costs than Europe or the U.S.
- Top resorts like Fancourt and Leopard Creek offer world-class golf and five-star hospitality.
South Africa has quietly become one of the world’s most rewarding golf destinations — a place where world-class courses share the same landscape as game reserves, vineyards, and coastlines that stretch for miles.
For international travelers, it’s more than just a tee time. It’s a chance to pair golf with adventure, good food, and luxury stays. Picture early drives under pink dawn skies, spa treatments after 18 holes, and a glass of local wine as elephants roam not far away.
From the bushveld near Kruger National Park to the coastal cliffs of the Garden Route, each resort offers its own sense of place.
Some appeal to golfers chasing tournament-level layouts; others draw families or couples looking for space, comfort, and scenery. And compared with other top destinations — from Scotland to California — South Africa offers genuine value: premium lodges, fine dining, and personal service often at a fraction of global prices.
Below are 10 of the country’s standout golf resorts, compiled by Shore.Africa, each offering its own reason to plan that long-awaited golfing holiday.
Fancourt — George / Garden Route
Few properties define South African golf like Fancourt. With three championship courses — The Links, Montagu, and Outeniqua — plus a five-star hotel and multiple restaurants, it’s the country’s most complete resort.
Located near George Airport, it’s also among the most convenient. The Links, often ranked Africa’s best, requires early booking. Travelers can also request multi-round packages that make a weeklong stay feel like a mini tour.
Leopard Creek Country Club — Malelane, near Kruger
At Leopard Creek, golf meets safari. Designed by Gary Player, the course borders the Crocodile River and faces Kruger National Park. It’s common to spot antelope or hippos between shots.
Visitor access is typically linked to nearby lodges, and many international guests combine morning rounds with afternoon game drives. It’s a rare blend of sport and wilderness few destinations can match.
Simola Hotel & Country Club — Knysna / Garden Route
Simola brings together a Jack Nicklaus–designed course, a boutique hotel, and sweeping views over Knysna’s forests and lagoon.
The par-72 course rewards precision, while the resort’s quiet atmosphere makes it a favorite for groups booking private-use stays. It’s ideal for travelers who want a Garden Route base with luxury touches and strong local dining.
Pezula Golf Estate — Knysna
Set high above the Indian Ocean, Pezula offers some of South Africa’s most dramatic golf views. Its challenging layout favors strategic play, and the estate’s self-catering villas suit families or small groups.
Many travelers add Pezula as part of a multi-course Garden Route itinerary that includes Fancourt and Simola.
Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa — Hermanus / Overberg
Arabella combines a top-tier golf experience with access to one of South Africa’s best-known coastal towns. The course runs through fynbos-covered hills with glimpses of the Bot River Lagoon, and the adjoining spa ranks among the country’s best.
Its location near Hermanus — famous for seasonal whale watching — makes it a good pick for couples or groups with non-golfers in tow.
Gary Player Country Club, Sun City — North West Province
Known for hosting the Nedbank Golf Challenge, the Gary Player Country Club is a classic for those seeking a tournament-caliber experience. The course sits within Sun City, a sprawling resort complex offering casinos, water parks, and family entertainment.
Its proximity to Johannesburg and well-organized travel packages make it a practical choice for international visitors.
Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa — Somerset West / Cape Winelands
Tucked between Cape Town and Stellenbosch, Erinvale offers the perfect wine-and-golf pairing. The Gary Player–designed course sits alongside a Cape Dutch–style boutique hotel.
Guests often spend mornings on the fairway, afternoons touring nearby wineries, and evenings in Cape Town’s restaurants. It’s a seamless way to combine leisure, culture, and sport in one trip.
Euphoria Golf Estate & Hydro — Waterberg, Limpopo
Euphoria, designed by Annika Sörenstam, brings a fresh face to South Africa’s golf scene. Set in the Waterberg, it blends modern resort comfort with the feel of the bushveld.
The hydro spa and elevated restaurants overlook rolling savanna — ideal for travelers who want tranquility and space within driving distance of Johannesburg.
St Francis Links — St Francis Bay / Eastern Cape
For golfers who love traditional links play, St Francis Links is a standout. Designed in the classic seaside style, it has hosted DP World Tour events and attracts players from the UK and Europe.
The course’s natural dunes and coastal winds make for a true test, while nearby self-catering homes and lodges create a relaxed stay-and-play atmosphere.
Mount Edgecombe Country Club Estate — Durban / Umhlanga
In Durban’s tropical climate, Mount Edgecombe offers two championship courses just minutes from beaches and luxury hotels. It’s a strong choice for travelers combining golf with KwaZulu-Natal safaris or Indian Ocean resorts.
With its proximity to Durban International Airport, the estate makes a smooth final stop on a broader South African golf circuit.
