At a Glance
- American golfers are heading to Morocco and South Africa for affordable luxury and world-class courses.
- A strong dollar, new resorts, and better flight access make African golf trips more appealing.
- Year-round play, rich culture, and sustainable tourism fuel Africa’s rise as a golf destination.
As more travelers seek experiences that combine luxury, culture, and sport, American golfers are looking beyond familiar fairways at home.
Increasingly, they’re booking trips to Morocco and South Africa, drawn by world-class courses, striking scenery, and costs that stretch their dollar further than ever.
Both nations are investing heavily in tourism, with new resorts, improved airports, and smoother flight connections making the journey easier. The shift marks a new chapter in golf travel, where value and experience matter as much as prestige.
Affordable luxury and strong value
For many Americans, the math is simple. Green fees, fine dining, and five-star accommodations in Morocco or South Africa often come at half or less of what they’d pay at leading U.S. or European resorts.
The strong dollar adds to the appeal, making spa stays and championship courses surprisingly attainable.
Golfers are discovering that these destinations deliver high-end service without the inflated price tag. Industry data show golf tourism across Africa rising steadily as travelers realize they can enjoy top-tier experiences for less.
Courses with character and growing infrastructure
Morocco now boasts more than 40 notable golf courses, including layouts by Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus. The country’s courses cut through landscapes ranging from seaside dunes to desert plains.
In South Africa, Leopard Creek near Kruger National Park and the famed Gary Player Country Club at Sun City mix tournament pedigree with natural beauty.
Both countries have poured money into infrastructure from pro shops and academies to luxury resorts and improved air hubs.
Cities like Marrakech, Agadir, and Rabat are leading Morocco’s tourism push, while South Africa’s Cape Town and Johannesburg regions continue to draw international attention.
Year-round play and seasonal escape
Morocco’s mild coastal climate allows golfers to play nearly year-round, even when winter weather shuts down many U.S. courses.
South Africa, with its opposite seasons, offers prime conditions during the American winter. That timing makes it an attractive escape for golfers chasing warm fairways in December and January.
More than just golf
Beyond the greens, both destinations deliver memorable experiences. In Morocco, players can unwind in centuries-old medinas, explore desert landscapes, or visit local markets and artisan workshops.
South Africa offers a different kind of adventure: safaris, wine tours, scenic drives, and coastal getaways. Many travelers now build entire itineraries that mix golf with wellness retreats, nature, and cultural exploration.
Recognition and sustainable growth
Morocco was named “Best African Golf Tourism Destination of the Year 2024” by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, reflecting strong traveler reviews and industry recognition.
Both nations are emphasizing sustainability using water-efficient irrigation, eco-friendly resort designs, and renewable energy initiatives to ensure long-term growth.
South Africa’s golf tourism industry alone is forecast to grow from about $208.6 million in 2024 to more than $310 million by 2030, supported by international arrivals and new investment.
A shift in golf travel
For a growing number of Americans, golf trips are no longer just about the game. They’re about the journey, the culture, and the stories that come with it.
Morocco and South Africa, each distinct yet united by hospitality and beauty are giving golfers a reason to pack their clubs and look south for their next round.
