Few destinations offer as much variety as South Africa. In a single trip you can play among vineyards beneath mountains, on clifftops above the Indian Ocean and in the bush, where the wildlife watching from the fairway might be larger than your playing partners. Add a strong golfing culture, excellent courses, warm hospitality and good value for many visitors, and it is easy to see why South Africa is a favourite long-haul golf destination.
This guide covers the main golfing regions, when to go, what to expect on the course and how to combine golf with safari and sightseeing.
Why golf in South Africa is special
- A golfing nation. Golf is hugely popular in South Africa, which has produced many world-class players and hosts professional events every year.
- Variety. Coastal links-style courses, mountain and vineyard settings, subtropical layouts and bush courses with game roaming free.
- Quality. Many courses have been redesigned and upgraded to international standards, with excellent conditioning and practice facilities.
- Value. For visitors from many countries, green fees, accommodation, food and wine are excellent value compared with similar destinations.
- Everything else. Safari, wine tasting, whale watching, beaches and dramatic scenery make it easy to build a memorable trip.
The main golfing regions
Cape Town and the Winelands
The Western Cape is the most popular region for visiting golfers. Courses around Cape Town sit beneath Table Mountain or along the coast, while the Winelands around Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek offer golf among vineyards, oak trees and mountain ranges.
- Best for: scenery, food and wine, and combining golf with a city break.
- Watch out for: the wind. The Cape's summer south-easterly can blow hard, so plan morning rounds and keep the ball low.
Further along the coast, Hermanus is famous for whale watching from the cliffs between roughly June and November, and has courses with sea views.
The Garden Route
East of Cape Town, the Garden Route stretches along the coast through George, Mossel Bay, Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. It has one of the highest concentrations of quality courses in the country, from championship resort layouts near the mountains to dramatic clifftop holes above the Indian Ocean.
- Best for: a golf-focused road trip with a new course every day.
- Good to know: the climate is mild all year, with rain possible in any season.
KwaZulu-Natal
On the east coast, Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal coast offer subtropical golf in warm, humid weather, with lush, tree-lined courses and some fine seaside layouts where the wind off the Indian Ocean is a constant factor. Winter (May to August) is the most comfortable time, with warm, dry days.
Johannesburg and the Highveld
Gauteng, the province that includes Johannesburg and Pretoria, has many excellent parkland courses. The region sits on the Highveld at around 1,500 to 1,800 metres above sea level.
The Highveld has dry, sunny winters, with cold mornings and crisp, bright afternoons. Summers bring heat and sudden afternoon thunderstorms, so tee off early and take lightning warnings seriously.
Bush golf: the bushveld and near the game reserves
Some of South Africa's most memorable golf is played in the bush: in the resort area north-west of Johannesburg, near the Pilanesberg, and in Mpumalanga and Limpopo close to the big game reserves. Courses may be fenced or open to wildlife, and it is not unusual to see antelope, warthogs, monkeys or birds of prey during a round. On some courses, hippos and crocodiles live in the water hazards.
- Best for: a "golf safari" that combines a few rounds with game drives.
- Remember: wildlife is wild. Follow the course rules, stay in your cart where told to, and never walk into long grass or water to look for a ball.
When to go
South Africa is in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons are the opposite of Europe and North America.
| Region | Best time | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Western Cape | October to April | Warm, dry summer; winter (June to August) is cool and rainy |
| Garden Route | Year round | Mild climate; spring and autumn are especially pleasant |
| KwaZulu-Natal | April to October | Warm, drier and less humid than midsummer |
| Highveld and bushveld | April to September | Dry, sunny days; summer has afternoon storms |
For a single trip covering several regions, the shoulder months of March to April and October to November are a good compromise. For safari, the dry winter months generally offer the best game viewing.
On the course
Caddies
Caddies are widely available at many South African courses and are part of the culture. A good caddie knows the greens, the wind and the lines, and makes the round more enjoyable. Agree the fee in advance if it is not fixed by the club, and tip according to local custom. Your host club or hotel will advise on what is usual.
Carts and walking
Walking is common, especially with a caddie. Carts are widely available, and are sensible on hilly courses or in the midday heat. Some courses run a "halfway house" after nine holes, where it is customary to stop for a snack and a drink.
Pace and etiquette
South African golfers are friendly and sociable, but pace of play matters. Be ready to play, keep up with the group in front, and observe the usual golf etiquette. Dress codes are generally similar to those in Europe: collared shirts and tailored shorts or trousers.
Weather and sun
The sun is strong, even in winter. Use high-factor sun cream, wear a hat and drink plenty of water. Pack layers for chilly Highveld mornings and a waterproof for the Cape and the Garden Route.
Planning your trip
Building an itinerary
- Cape and Garden Route, 10 to 14 days: a few days in Cape Town and the Winelands, then a road trip along the Garden Route, playing a course a day with time for beaches and towns.
- Golf safari, 7 to 10 days: golf around Johannesburg or the bushveld resorts, followed by several days at a game reserve.
- Combination trip, two weeks or more: Cape Town, the Garden Route and a short flight to a game reserve.
Getting around
Distances are large. Fly between regions, and hire a car for the Western Cape and the Garden Route, where the driving is spectacular. Drive on the left. Plan journeys in daylight, and follow local advice about routes and parking.
Taking your clubs
Check your airline's golf bag rules and protect your clubs with a good travel cover. See our guide to travelling with golf clubs. Most resorts and many clubs hire quality sets if you prefer to travel light.
Safety
Most visits are trouble-free. Take the same sensible precautions as you would in any large city: use reputable transport, keep valuables out of sight, and ask your hotel which areas to avoid. Lock your golf bag in the boot rather than leaving it on view.
Beyond golf
- Safari in the game reserves, from short stays to multi-day lodges.
- Wine tasting in the Winelands, with world-class restaurants.
- Table Mountain, Cape Point and the penguin colony near Cape Town.
- Whale watching along the southern coast in season.
- Beaches, forests and adventure activities on the Garden Route.
Frequently asked questions
Is South Africa a good golf destination for beginners?
Yes. Many courses have several tee options, caddies help with course management, and resorts have good practice facilities. Some premium courses ask for a handicap certificate, so check before you book.
How much does a golf trip to South Africa cost?
Flights are the biggest expense for most visitors. Once there, green fees, caddies, accommodation and food are often good value compared with Europe or North America, although the top courses and safari lodges charge premium prices.
Do I need a handicap certificate?
Some well-known courses require one, so bring proof of your handicap. Many others welcome all visitors.
Is it safe to play bush courses?
Yes, if you follow the course rules. Wildlife on the course is part of the attraction, but treat animals with respect, keep your distance, and never search for balls near water or in thick bush.
How far does the ball fly at altitude?
On the Highveld, typically around 8 to 10% further than at sea level. Expect your irons to go about a club further.
The bottom line
South Africa combines excellent golf with spectacular scenery, wildlife and great value. Choose your regions by season, take a caddie, enjoy the extra yards at altitude and leave time for a safari or the Winelands. For more ideas, read how to plan a golf trip and our guides to golf in Mexico and the Caribbean and golf holidays in Spain and Portugal.
Further afield in Africa: golf in southern Africa and golf in Kenya and East Africa.