The 2025 edition of Golf Digest South Africa’s Top 100 Courses has landed — and with it, a fresh take on the country’s finest fairways. Expect sweeping vistas, masterfully designed greens and a few surprises in the upper ranks.
At Ascot Private, we specialise in creating exclusive journeys that marry championship golf with unforgettable safari experiences. With access to South Africa’s highest-ranked courses, our bespoke itineraries promise your clients the ultimate in refined golfing travel.
Here is a quick glimpse of the Top 5 …
#1 The Links at Fancourt – Garden Route
Once the site of a forgotten airfield, The Links at Fancourt has risen to redefine the boundaries of golfing excellence in South Africa. Returning triumphantly to the top of the rankings, this Gary Player-designed marvel is unmatched in both character and challenge. Channelling the soul of the traditional coastal links, its windswept fairways, deep pot bunkers and rolling terrain blend seamlessly with the region’s indigenous fynbos, creating a dramatic interplay between sport and scenery. This exclusive course offers a sophisticated test for seasoned players and an unforgettable journey for those who appreciate golf as an art form.
#2 Blair Atholl – Gauteng
Built on the former private estate of Gary Player, the Blair Atholl Golf & Equestrian Estate stretches across a dramatic 8,000-yard landscape, making it one of the longest and most visually arresting golf experiences in South Africa. Its generous fairways and strategically designed bunkers reward precision and bold play, all set against the peaceful rhythm of the Highveld. Beyond the course, your clients can enjoy world-class equestrian facilities, a luxurious clubhouse and the exclusive atmosphere of a private estate.
#3 Leopard Creek – Kruger National Park
Nestled along the banks of the Crocodile River and sharing its boundary with the iconic Kruger National Park, Leopard Creek Country Club offers a golf experience unlike any other. Designed by golfing legend Gary Player, this exclusive championship course weaves seamlessly into its untamed surroundings. Frequently likened to an “African Augusta,” Leopard Creek is a sanctuary of luxury and precision, where every round offers both a sporting challenge and the thrill of wildlife encounters — think giraffes grazing the fairways and the grunts from hippos just beyond the water hazards.
#4 Pearl Valley – Cape Winelands
Pearl Valley at the Val de Vie Estate stands as a crown jewel of the Cape Winelands against the dramatic backdrop of the Simonsberg and Drakenstein mountains. This Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course is lauded for its flawless fairways, immaculate greens and seamlessly integrated water features that both challenge and delight golfers. Thoughtfully sculpted to preserve indigenous flora and wildlife corridors, the course exemplifies eco-sensitive design.
#5 St Francis Links – Eastern Cape
St Francis Links, one of Jack Nicklaus’ finest designs, captures the spirit of traditional Scottish links golf on South African soil, or rather, sand. Purpose-built with a sand foundation to mirror the historic courses of the British Isles, this Eastern Cape gem boasts natural drainage and year-round playability. Its rolling fairways, exposed contours and ever-changing coastal breezes challenge players to think and adapt, rewarding skill and strategy at every turn. Nestled just minutes from the picturesque village of St Francis Bay, the course provides world-class golf and the untamed charm of South Africa’s coast.
