from the Experts in Golf Holidays
✍️ Matthew Allen | ⏰ 8 min read
Garden Route
Flights, 5 Nights, 5 Rounds
Kruger National Park
Flights, 8 Nights, 4 Rounds
Garden Route
9 Nights, 5 Rounds
Year on year South Africa is reaffirming its place as one of the top golfing destinations in the world partly due to its abundance of glorious championship courses but also as a result of the wide variety of things to do away from the golf. Renowned for the incredible wildlife and landscape, South Africa also boasts some of the world’s most famous wine regions including Stellenbosch and Constantia. Each and every golf course on this list has been perfectly sculpted to make the most of the stunning natural scenery and as a result every shot is one you will remember.
For those looking to escape the torrid winters of the U.K for some sun then South Africa is certainly the best option as its seasons are in reverse to ours with November through till March seeing sun soaked fairways. Anyone looking to tick off some of the world’s most iconic golf courses then South Africa is the place for you.
Read on to discover the courses our experts have played and consider the best in South Africa or check out some of the best golf holiday deals in South Africa >>.
![THE BEST GOLF COURSES IN SOUTH AFRICA [Top 5]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-l2aO95hnFc/hqdefault.jpg)
The Links at Fancourt opened for play in 2000 and quickly turned heads in the world of golf, hosting The Presidents Cup in 2003. Designed by the legendary Gary Player, this is now regarded by many as the best golf course in Africa, quite the achievement when you consider the endless list of world-class courses on offer on the continent, particularly in South Africa itself. Player, who has also designed many other great golf courses in South Africa, said of The Links at Fancourt:
“I feel this is one of the very best golf courses in the world, even though it may have been built on the worst piece of ground – clay as flat as an airport. I’m proud to have worked as the course designer and could not be happier with how it turned out. It has been designed to make golfers feel as though they were at Ballybunion, Dornoch, or St Andrews with rolling fairways, pot bunkers, big greens, high rough, and a seascape appearance.”
The Links at Fancourt does indeed bear plenty of the hallmarks of a classic links course from Britain or Ireland, with rolling fairways, dramatic bunkering, and upturned saucer-shaped greens, but with the stunning Outeniqua Mountains as a backdrop, there’s no mistaking that you’re playing golf in one of the world’s most beautiful countries. Fancourt Links is a must-play golf course for anyone heading to the Rainbow Nation for a South Africa golf holiday.
More info on Fancourt Links >>
| Fancourt Links facts | |
|---|---|
| Location | George, South Africa |
| Length | 7,579 yards |
| Par | 73 |
| Designed by | Gary Player |
| Established | 2000 |
"I encourage you to trust in your caddy whilst playing The Links, they have bundles of experience & know the undulations on the greens. Be sure you get to the course about an hour prior to your tee time to enjoy the incredible practice facilities."
Richard (Long Haul Team: Handicap 9)
Call 0800 043 6644 to speak to Richard about playing this course.
Garden Route
Flights, 5 Nights, 5 Rounds
The Gary Player Country Club at Sun City is considered to be the hardest golf course in South Africa. A regular stop for The European Tour, now DP World Tour, as host of The Million Dollar Challenge and Nedbank Challenge, the course is set up to test the world's best golfers. Despite it's stern examination off the back-tees, this par-72 layout is one of the most popular for golfers heading to South Africa on their golf holidays. With wildlife on show throughout the course, this is a truly memorable golf experience.
South Africa is considered one of the best value golf holidays in the world. Combining the amazing quality of the golf course with top-rated hotels can see a fantastic value golf trip to be had. Golfers will typically travel for a minimum of a week, flying into Cape Town, Durban or Johannesburg before venturing onto the many golf courses, safari parks and vineyards that are on offer within this amazing country. Golfers can expect to pay around £1200 per person including flights, accommodation, car hire and golf. One of the top-ranked golf resorts, Fancourt, would be around £1700 for flights, 7 nights and golf.
Handicap: +3
Favourite Course: Pinehurst
My 'Expert' areas: Turkey, Portugal, USA & South Africa
Best trip I've done: Scotland playing Royal Dornoch & Gleneagles
Where my next trip is to: Costa Navarino
Give Matthew a call on 0800 043 6644 to arrange your next golf break.
Europe & Overseas Golf Expert