Discover the pinnacle of championship golf with Ascot Private with bespoke experiences on the best golf courses in South Africa.
Take Leopard Creek Country Club for instance. The course’s exceptional positioning on the border of the Kruger National Park provides golfers with the chance to encounter wildlife while playing. On the Garden Route, The Links at Fancourt stands as a testament to innovative course architecture. The Gary Player Country Club at Sun City challenges golfers with its extensive yardage. The Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club features two championship courses that have hosted numerous prestigious tournaments.
At Ascot Private, we ensure our clients access to these exceptional venues. Take a look at some of the other world-class courses on the southern tip of Africa.
Leopard Creek Country Club
Designed by Gary Player, the course is renowned for its pristine conditioning and strategic design. It features a variety of design challenges including water hazards on eight holes and gently sloping greens. The par-5 18th hole, with its island green, is one of the most daunting finishing holes in the game. This exceptional layout has earned Leopard Creek a place among the world’s top golf courses.
Fancourt The Links
This is another Gary Player-designed golf course renowned for its challenging layout and stunning aesthetics. The par-73 course showcases undulating fairways, deep pot bunkers, and diverse green elevations. Noteworthy holes include the unique par-4 10th, “Kilimanjaro,” with its elevated green perched atop dunes and the par-5 16th, which navigates through dunes to a rumpled green.
St Francis Links
Located in the Eastern Cape, this Jack Nicklaus signature course offers a unique golfing experience. The par-3 fourth hole, “Double Vision,” stands out with its two separate greens. The par-4 11th hole, “Eish!,” is a memorable hole that requires a precise tee shot to navigate the narrow fairway. The course’s design incorporates natural elevation changes and coastal winds, adding an extra layer of difficulty and rewarding accuracy and thoughtful shot-making.
Arabella Golf Club
The picturesque Overberg region is home to this course. Its design incorporates the landscape’s natural undulations, with holes that meander alongside the Bot River Lagoon. The par-5 8th hole is particularly noteworthy, playing downhill to a green that appears to jut into the lagoon, providing both a visual delight and a strategic challenge. Similarly, the par-3 17th hole requires an accurate tee shot over water, with wind conditions often adding to its complexity.
Pearl Valley Golf & Country Club
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this course in the Western Cape boasts impeccable conditioning and breathtaking views. Signature holes include the par-4 7th and 8th, separated by water hazards, making them both beautiful and challenging. The course’s layout cleverly incorporates water, sand, and sloping greens, creating a variety of shot values. With its state-of-the-art facilities, including a five-star practice range, Pearl Valley offers an exceptional golfing experience.
Fancourt Montagu
Signature holes like the water-surrounded par-3 17th and the dramatic par-5 18th captivate golfers. The course, featuring water hazards and elevated tees, is renowned for its superb conditioning, fast greens, and memorable holes like the river-lined seventh. A prime location with stunning views of the Outeniqua Mountains, the Montagu is a must-play for golfers seeking a championship-level challenge and an unforgettable experience.
Pinnacle Point Estate
Located on the stunning cliffs of Mossel Bay, this top-tier golf course combines beauty and challenge. Its signature holes include the risk-reward 8th hole and the iconic 17th par-3. This award-winning course, known for its exceptional views of the Indian Ocean, was designed by Peter Matkovich. With dramatic drops, uphill challenges, and breathtaking scenery, Pinnacle Point delivers a memorable golfing experience, making it a popular destination for golfers worldwide, and it has earned multiple accolades for being Africa’s best.
Royal Johannesburg – East
The course combines rich history with modern design. Its standout features include the par-4 10th and 11th holes, which challenge golfers with length, water hazards, and doglegs. The par-3 5th offers a stunning visual challenge, playing to a narrow green surrounded by water. Designed by Bob Grimsdell and updated in 2017/18, the course offers an exceptional blend of strategic design and aesthetics.
Gary Player Country Club
Set in the stunning Pilanesberg Valley, the course offers golfers a chance to tackle a true championship layout. Designed by Gary Player and Ron Kirby, it’s known for its long fairways and tough green complexes. A signature feature is the par-4 17th, which has been transformed into a challenging hole with water hazards. This course’s innovative design and iconic holes, like the unique cloverleaf greens, make it a memorable experience for both amateur and professional players.
Pezula Championship Golf Club
The course delivers a memorable experience on South Africa’s Garden Route, with breathtaking views over Knysna Lagoon and the Indian Ocean. Known for its thrilling elevation changes, it features signature holes like the 14th, a short par-4 with a sloping fairway and ocean vistas. It offers a variety of tee options, ensuring a fun round for all golfers. Its scenic beauty and exciting layout make it a top choice for golf enthusiasts.
(Source: South Africa’s Top 100 Courses)