Best golf courses in South Africa

Ranked as the No.1 golf course in South Africa by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: George, Western Cape | Designer: Gary Player | Par: 73 | Yardage: 7,450 | Founded: 2000

Why play here? The Links at Fancourt is Gary Player’s signature design and arguably his finest architectural achievement. Inspired by the great links of the British Isles, the course was sculpted from a former airfield into a dramatic, dune-like landscape. With firm, fast fairways, deep revetted bunkers, and imaginative green complexes, it offers a true test of shot-making and strategy. Surrounded by the Outeniqua Mountains and maintained to the highest standards, The Links is a bucket-list experience for serious golfers.

Highlight: The closing par-5 18th is a grand finale, demanding precision, nerve, and tactical play, especially with a title on the line. Site of the epic 2003 Presidents Cup, where the match famously ended in a tie between Ernie Els and Tiger Woods.

Key features:

• Authentic links-style layout with rugged bunkering and natural flow
• World-class conditioning and highly personalized service
• Host of international events, including the Presidents Cup and South Africa Open
• Stunning Outeniqua Mountains backdrop with on-site five-star hotel

Bonus fact: Every contour and dune was hand-shaped under Player’s direct supervision, transforming flat land into a links-style masterpiece now recognized among the best courses in the world.

Ranked as the No.2 golf course in South Africa by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: Malelane, Mpumalanga | Designer: Gary Player | Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,249 | Founded: 1996

Why play here? Leopard Creek Country Club offers one of the most unique and visually stunning golf experiences in the world. Set on the edge of Kruger National Park, the course blends championship-caliber design with untamed African wilderness. Created by Gary Player, it features bold bunkering, dramatic water hazards, and elevated greens overlooking rivers teeming with wildlife. It’s not uncommon to spot elephants, antelope, or even hippos while playing a round. This is pure safari golf, challenging, scenic, and unforgettable.

Highlight: The par-5 13th hole borders the Crocodile River and offers a surreal moment, an elevated green with panoramic views into Kruger, where real wildlife roam freely below.

Key features:

• Signature wildlife views with natural hazards like croc-filled waterways
• Home of the Alfred Dunhill Championship on the European Tour since 2005
• Immaculate fairways and greens maintained to international standards
• Modern clubhouse and hospitality to match the elite playing experience

Bonus fact: Leopard Creek was designed to integrate with its surroundings, elevated tees and greens offer views into the game reserves, while electric fencing protects both players and wildlife without intruding on the natural beauty.

Ranked as the No.3 golf course in South Africa by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: St Francis Bay, South Africa | Designer: Jack Nicklaus | Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,224 | Founded: 2006

Why play here? St Francis Links blends the raw beauty of South Africa’s Eastern Cape with the strategic brilliance of Jack Nicklaus, and is consistently ranked among the top courses in the country. Carved into rolling dunes above the Indian Ocean, it offers a true links-style experience, firm fairways, deep bunkers, and ever-present coastal winds. The course rewards shot-making creativity and course management, all while delivering panoramic ocean views and a sense of wild isolation. This is a course that leaves a lasting impression.

Highlight: The par-5 4th hole is a sweeping downhill journey framed by dunes, offering risk-reward decisions and a breathtaking backdrop of the sea, a hole that captures the spirit of links golf in its purest form.

Key features:

• Authentic links-style layout with dramatic elevation changes
• Designed by Jack Nicklaus to embrace the natural terrain
• Frequent host of major amateur and professional events
• Luxurious clubhouse with lodge-style charm and fine dining

Bonus fact: St Francis Links was named South Africa's Best Golf Course at the 2021 World Golf Awards in Dubai. The course remains a benchmark of South African golf architecture and a pilgrimage site for purists of the game.

Ranked as the No.5 golf course in South Africa by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: Paarl-Franschhoek Valley, Western Cape | Designer: Jack Nicklaus | Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,402 | Founded: 2003

Why play here? The Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Pearl Valley is a pristine layout set in the heart of South Africa’s winelands, framed by dramatic mountain backdrops and crystal-clear waterways. Known for its immaculate conditioning, earning the title of “Best-Conditioned Course in the Western Cape” from Glenmuir multiple times, it’s a masterclass in precision design. Wide fairways, subtle bunkering, and challenging water features make this course as playable as it is photogenic. A former host of the South African Open, it offers a tour-level experience for all who visit.

"A gem of a Golf Course. Excellent Tee boxes, fairways and greens. Fantastic service from the moment you arrive. Clubhouse is excellent with a very good menu. This is a very special treat for any golfer" ~ a trusted Golfbreaks customer

Highlight: The par-5 4th is a standout, hugging a lake from tee to green, it’s a strategic beauty that tests both nerves and shot placement, especially when the wind picks up.

Key features:

• Official Jack Nicklaus Signature layout with tour-level design elements
• Voted best-conditioned course in the Western Cape six times
• Host of the South African Open in 2009
• Surrounded by vineyards, mountains, and luxury estate homes
• Excellent practice facilities and a modern clubhouse with upscale amenities

Bonus fact: Want a closer look at the course? Watch the YouTube video above to discover what happened when a Golfbreaks staff member caddied for Peter Finch at Pearl Valley.

Ranked as the No.4 golf course in South Africa by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: George, Western Cape | Designer: Gary Player | Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,214 | Redesigned: 2005

Why play here? The Montagu Course at Fancourt is a premier parkland layout known for its immaculate conditioning, tranquil setting, and strategic challenge. Originally designed by Gary Player and upgraded in 2005, it features a mix of tree-lined fairways, subtle elevation changes, and water hazards that demand thoughtful play. Consistently ranked among South Africa’s top courses, Montagu blends championship-level quality with the serene beauty of the Garden Route.

Highlight: The par-3 17th is a visual treat and a test of nerve, played over water to a green framed by mature trees, it’s one of the most memorable shots on the course.

Key features:

• Championship-caliber parkland layout with tour-quality greens
• Upgraded layout in 2005 enhances both strategy and aesthetics
• Part of the award-winning Fancourt Estate, offering three top-tier courses
• Lush surroundings, mature trees, and peaceful mountain views
• Ideal pairing with The Links and Outeniqua for a complete golf getaway

Bonus fact: Despite the acclaim of The Links, many regulars consider Montagu the most enjoyable round at Fancourt: walkable, welcoming, and always in pristine condition.

Ranked as the No.6 golf course in South Africa by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: Sun City, North West Province | Designer: Gary Player | Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,831 | Founded: 1979

Why play here? Set within an extinct volcanic crater, the Gary Player Country Club is a legendary test of golf and home to one of the game’s richest traditions, the Nedbank Golf Challenge (formerly the Million Dollar Challenge), hosted here since 1981. Another Gary Player design, the course is long, demanding, and meticulously conditioned, with slick greens, tight fairways, and punishing hazards that challenge even the best. This is championship golf at its boldest, backed by the full resort experience of Sun City.

Highlight: The par-5 9th is a true beast, playing 596 yards from the tips, it tempts big hitters to go for the green in two, but beware: water guards the approach and mistakes are costly.

Key features:

• Tournament-proven layout hosting elite fields for over 40 years
• Strategic bunkering, water hazards, and mounding create constant pressure
• Located within Sun City Resort, offering casinos, safari, and family fun
• Gary Player’s most demanding design: long, firm, and relentlessly tough
• Scenic routing through natural bushveld terrain inside an ancient crater

Bonus fact: At over 7,800 yards from the back tees, this is one of the longest courses used on a major tour, make sure your driver is behaving before you tee it up here.

Ranked as the No.7 golf course in South Africa by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: Kleinmond, Western Cape | Designer: Peter Matkovich | Par: 72 | Yardage: 6,781 | Founded: 1999

Why play here? Arabella Golf Club offers a pure, tranquil golf experience in harmony with its natural surroundings. Set along the Bot River Lagoon near the coastal town of Hermanus, the course is known for its breathtaking views, impeccable conditioning, and environmentally conscious design. With fynbos-covered hills, water features, and coastal breezes, Arabella delivers a challenging yet serene round that showcases South Africa’s natural beauty.

Highlight: The par-5 8th is one of the most photographed holes in the country, framed by the sparkling lagoon and towering mountains, it’s a majestic risk-reward hole with unforgettable views.

Key features:

• Stunning location alongside the Bot River Lagoon and Kogelberg Mountains
• Championship design with natural water features and native vegetation
• On-site 5-star hotel and spa ideal for couples and leisure travelers
• Top-tier conditioning and an eco-conscious approach to course maintenance
• Close to whale-watching capital Hermanus, a perfect activity to add to a golf tour

Bonus fact: Arabella is a certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, recognized globally for its commitment to preserving native wildlife and sustainable golf course practices.

Ranked as the No.9 golf course in South Africa by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape | Designer: Colonel S.V. Hotchkin | Par: 72 | Yardage: 6,900+ | Founded: 1929

Why play here? Set among the coastal dunes of Algoa Bay, Humewood Golf Club is one of South Africa’s only authentic links courses, windswept, rugged, and absolutely breathtaking. With wide, rolling fairways, deep pot bunkers, and ever-present wind off the Indian Ocean, it’s a true test of shot-making and mental resilience. The layout has hosted multiple South African Opens and is beloved by purists for its natural flow and traditional links feel.

Highlight: The par-4 13th is a classic links challenge, playing uphill to a blind, elevated green hidden among dunes. Tough to hit, but stunning once you’re on top.

Key features:

• Authentic links terrain with firm, fast fairways and open sightlines
• Constant coastal winds demand creativity and control
• Spectacular views over Algoa Bay and native dune landscapes
• Excellent practice facilities and a welcoming clubhouse atmosphere
• Tournament pedigree and a rich golfing heritage dating back nearly a century

Bonus fact: Because of its coastal setting and sandy soil, Humewood remains playable year-round, making it a go-to destination for off-season golf in South Africa.

Often referred to as the “Pebble Beach of South Africa” Location: Mossel Bay, Western Cape | Designer: Peter Matkovich & Darren Clarke | Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,000+ | Founded: 2006

Why play here? Pinnacle Point Beach and Golf Resort is one of South Africa’s most visually spectacular golf courses, perched atop rugged coastal cliffs with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. The dramatic landscape shapes a layout full of excitement, with cliff-hugging fairways, bold elevation changes, and unforgettable ocean carries. Designed by Peter Matkovich in collaboration with Darren Clarke, this course is as challenging as it is awe-inspiring, offering a round that engages both the senses and the scorecard.

Highlight: The par-3 7th is a showstopper, played over a deep coastal gorge with the ocean crashing below, it’s one of the most photographed holes in the country and a true bucket-list shot.

Key features:

• Cliffside layout offering nonstop ocean views and dramatic elevation changes
• Named South Africa’s Best Golf Course at the 2016 World Golf Awards
• Elegantly designed clubhouse with full dining, spa, and resort facilities
• Dolphins and whales are often spotted offshore during your round
• Part of a luxury golf estate with real estate, lodging, and fine amenities

Bonus fact: Several holes run so close to the cliffs that they were built on floating platforms during construction, engineering that matches the boldness of the design itself.

Ranked as the No.17 golf course in South Africa by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: Knysna, Western Cape | Designer: Jack Nicklaus | Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,000 | Founded: 2005

Why play here? Simola Golf Course is a breathtaking layout tucked into the forested hills above Knysna Lagoon. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, it takes full advantage of the surrounding natural contours to create a round that is both beautiful and strategic. With five par-5s and five par-3s, the routing is unique and full of variety. Elevated tees, sweeping views, and sheltered fairways make for a calm yet exciting playing experience, rare for a coastal region. It’s a hidden gem that combines world-class golf with some of the Garden Route’s finest scenery.

Highlight: The short par-4 2nd hole is as inviting as it is stunning, played from an elevated tee with dramatic valley views and a tempting green within reach for longer hitters.

Key features:

• Distinctive Nicklaus layout with an unconventional mix of holes
• Elevated tees and undulating fairways carved naturally into the hills
• Protected from strong coastal winds thanks to its ridge-top setting
• On-site 5-star resort with luxurious accommodation and spa facilities
• Panoramic views of Knysna Lagoon and Outeniqua Mountains

Bonus fact: Despite its proximity to the coast, Simola enjoys calm, playable conditions year-round, making it one of the most consistently enjoyable rounds on the Garden Route.

Ranked as the No.22 golf course in South Africa by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: George, South Africa | Designer: Gary Player | Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,019 yards | Founded: 1994

Why play here? Named after the majestic Outeniqua Mountains that provide a stunning backdrop, this course is the most forgiving of Fancourt’s three layouts, making it ideal for golfers of all skill levels. Designed by Gary Player, the Outeniqua Course combines gentle terrain with clever bunkering and water hazards on 11 holes to create a round that is both enjoyable and subtly challenging. The course is immaculately maintained, and the walk between the 10th green and 11th tee offers one of the most picturesque moments in South African golf.

Highlight: The short par-4 14th entices big hitters to go for the green, but danger lurks with water guarding the front, a perfect example of risk-reward design in a breathtaking setting.

Key features:

• Member and guest-only access ensures uncrowded play
• Strategic layout with visual appeal and playability
• Views of the Outeniqua Mountains throughout the round
• On-site 5-star Fancourt Hotel with luxury amenities

Bonus fact: The Outeniqua is one of three championship courses at Fancourt — alongside Montagu and The Links — making the estate a true golfing destination for travelers seeking variety, challenge, and elegance in one place.

Ranked as the No.23 golf course in South Africa by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: Knysna, South Africa | Designer: David Dale & Ronald Fream | Par: 72 | Yardage: 6,964 | Founded: 2001

Why play here? Set atop the coastal cliffs of Knysna, the Pezula Championship Course delivers a golfing experience as awe-inspiring as its name, “Pezula” meaning high up with the gods. Spanning over 250 hectares of indigenous landscape, the course combines dramatic elevation changes with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean and Knysna Lagoon. Each hole feels like a postcard, but it’s not all about the scenery, Pezula demands intelligent shot-making and bold decisions, particularly on its unforgettable signature holes.

Highlight: The par-4 14th is a risk-reward masterpiece. A dogleg bending around a chasm of thick coastal brush, it dares long hitters to cut the corner toward the green — but miss even slightly, and your ball is gone to the cliffs below.

Key features:

• Cliffside routing with panoramic sea and lagoon views
• Excellent practice facilities, including a driving range and short game area
• Luxurious on-site hotel and spa with fine dining and wellness experiences
• Located near Knysna, a hub of culture, cuisine, and coastal adventure

Bonus fact: The course was carefully designed to preserve the surrounding fynbos vegetation and wildlife corridors, making Pezula as much a nature reserve as it is a golf destination.

Ranked as the No.24 golf course in South Africa by Top 100 Golf Courses Location: Somerset West, South Africa | Designer: Gary Player | Par: 72 | Yardage: 7,116 | Founded: 1995

Why play here? Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Helderberg Mountains and overlooking False Bay, Erinvale Golf Club delivers a world-class experience both on and off the course. Yet another Gary Player design, the layout transitions beautifully from tree-lined parkland on the front nine to elevated holes with sweeping views on the back. Precision is key, with well-bunkered greens and water hazards demanding thoughtful strategy. The course gained international prestige when it hosted the 1996 IGA World Cup of Golf, and it continues to attract players seeking a challenging round in a breathtaking setting.

Highlight: The par-4 17th climbs gently toward the mountains, offering one of the most scenic tee shots in the country, particularly at sunset, when the Helderberg range glows golden behind the green.

Key features:

• Venue of the 1996 IGA World Cup of Golf
• Mountain and sea views throughout the round
• Well-balanced design with elevation changes and strategic hazards
• Close proximity to the Cape Winelands and award-winning vineyards

Bonus fact: Erinvale’s clubhouse and facilities were recently upgraded, offering top-tier hospitality, a fine restaurant, and a wine lounge, making it a perfect launchpad for a luxurious golf-and-wine tour of the Western Cape.

Best time to visit: The prime golf seasons in South Africa are September to April, with Spring (September–November) and Autumn (March–May) offering the best combination of warm temperatures, minimal rainfall, and lush course conditions. Coastal regions like the Garden Route and the Western Cape boast Mediterranean-style climates, perfect for golf during these months.

Where to stay: South Africa combines world-class golf with unforgettable scenery, wildlife, and luxury hospitality. Many golf resorts are located within easy reach of vineyards, beaches, and national parks. Top accommodation options include:

• Fancourt Hotel & Golf Estate – Home to The Links, Montagu, and Outeniqua Courses
• Pezula Nature Hotel & Spa – Cliffside views and coastal charm in Knysna
• Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa – Overlooking Bot River Lagoon with one of SA’s top-ranked courses

Booking tips:

• Book tee times and accommodations well in advance, especially between December and March (peak travel season).
• Consider combining multiple regions with a golf tour, such as Cape Town, the Garden Route, and Sun City, for a diverse golf itinerary.
• Twilight rounds are popular in summer for cooler temps and sunset views over the fairways.

Q: Is South Africa good for a golf holiday? A: Absolutely. South Africa provides excellent value, combining affordable luxury with ideal golfing conditions year-round. The mild climate and scenic settings make it perfect for golfers of all skill levels. With added attractions like safaris and vineyards, South Africa offers an unforgettable golfing getaway.

Q: Where is best for golf in South Africa? A: Cape Town and the Western Cape are usually the best destinations for a golf holiday. However, we’d also strongly recommend visiting the Garden Route or Durban, which has some of the best golf courses in Africa.

Q: Can I join a golf tour in South Africa? A: Yes! If you're finding it hard to choose between regions or you're planning a road trip to explore South Africa's top destinations, a luxury golf tour is the perfect solution! Explore customised itineraries with our South Africa golf tours, featuring hand-picked courses, luxury stays, and expert local knowledge to create the ultimate golf holiday.

Q: How much does it cost to play golf in South Africa? A: Golfbreaks offers a plethora of golf packages to South Africa to cater for all budgets and requirements, however, prices can vary depending on the chosen season, duration, board basis and group size.

South Africa packages start from £715 per person based on 7 nights of bed & breakfast, and 4 rounds of golf.

Golf in South Africa is more than just a round, it’s an experience. From dramatic coastal cliffs and lush mountain valleys to wildlife reserves and wine country, the country offers unmatched variety and value. Whether you’re chasing top-100-ranked courses or exploring hidden gems on a golf tour, South Africa is a bucket-list destination for golfers of all levels.