Royal Cape Golf Club
Cape Town, South Africa
Royal Cape Golf Course overview
Royal Cape Golf Club is the oldest and most exclusive golf club in South Africa. A true gem of Cape Town, this historic course offers golfers a world-class challenge set against breathtaking natural beauty.
Designed as a classic parkland layout, Royal Cape features narrow, tree-lined fairways framed by mature oaks, pines, and native shrubs. Following a major reconstruction program, all 18 greens were rebuilt to exact USGA specifications. Today, you’ll find immaculate putting surfaces that roll fast and true, ensuring a consistently outstanding experience on the greens.
The course is widely regarded as a stern yet fair test of golf, especially when Cape Town’s famous south-easterly wind comes into play. Add to that the unforgettable backdrop of Table Mountain and sweeping views across the city, and you have one of the most memorable golfing settings in the world.
Golf Course
Royal Cape Golf Club is a classic parkland layout rather than a links, offering a strategic test of golf built on precision and course management rather than sheer power. While the terrain is relatively flat, the challenge lies in its narrow, tree-lined fairways and the placement of deep, well-positioned bunkers that guard both landing areas and green complexes.
Several holes bring water hazards into play, adding an extra layer of risk and reward without dominating the design. The USGA-specification greens are firm, fast, and true, rewarding accuracy on approach shots and demanding a delicate touch with the putter.
Combined with the ever-present influence of Cape Town’s south-easterly wind, Royal Cape delivers a round that is subtle, strategic, and consistently engaging for players of all skill levels.
Signature Holes
The 433-yard 3rd hole is one of the most picturesque and talked-about holes on the course, played with the iconic Table Mountain as the backdrop. It’s not the longest par 4, but its narrow fairway and guarded green make it a real test of accuracy early in the round.
Post Round
After a round at Royal Cape Golf Club, players can unwind in the welcoming clubhouse, which features a restaurant and bar serving everything from light snacks to hearty meals, all complemented by a relaxed, sociable atmosphere.
The bar area is particularly popular, offering the perfect spot to enjoy a drink while taking in views of the course and Table Mountain. Golfers can also browse the well-stocked pro shop, which carries top-brand equipment, apparel, and accessories, along with expert staff on hand for advice.
