Safari, Links & Wine
Welcome back to the “Golftal.com World Tour!” We’ve faced the epic cliffs of New Zealand and the serene traditions of Japan. Now, we’re heading to a country that offers a variety of golf experiences I’ve frankly never seen anywhere else: South Africa.
I’ve been fortunate to golf all over the world, but South Africa hits differently. Where else can you play a major-championship-venue-in-the-morning and be on a “Big 5” safari in the afternoon? Where else can you walk a true, windswept links, and then drive 30 minutes to taste world-class wine in stunning mountain valleys?
The country’s golf identity was forged by one man: the legendary Gary Player. His design footprint is everywhere, and his standard for championship-level tests has created a nation of incredible courses.
This isn’t a simple trip; it’s three or four trips in one. You have the “Safari” courses, the “Winelands” courses, and the “Links” courses.
I’ve navigated the lot. Here is my guide to the courses that define the wild, beautiful, and world-class golf of South Africa.
How I Chose These Courses (My Methodology)
My picks for South Africa are based on the unique experiences that you can’t get anywhere else.
- The “Experience” Factor: Does this course offer a “wow” moment? (Think: a giraffe on the fairway or a green overlooking the ocean).
- Championship Pedigree: Has it hosted a Presidents Cup, the South African Open, or the iconic “Million Dollar” Nedbank Challenge?
- Design & Diversity: I wanted to show the full range, from true links to parkland to “bushveld” golf.
- The “Gary Player” Connection: You can’t talk about SA golf without paying respect to the Black Knight.
Here are the courses that truly capture the spirit of South Africa.
The Golftal.com Guide to Popular South Africa Golf Courses
| Course Name & Location | My Quick Take | Why It’s an Icon | My Personal Golftal.com Tip |
| Leopard Creek CC Malelane, Mpumalanga | The Safari Course. In my opinion, this is the single most unique round of golf on Earth. It’s a pristine course where the “water hazards” have hippos and crocs. | It borders Kruger National Park. The 13th green is perched 100ft above the Crocodile River, giving you a live-action view of elephants, hippos, and buffalo. It hosts the Alfred Dunhill Championship. | My #1 Tip: This is an ultra-private club. To play, you must be a guest of one of their approved associate safari lodges. My advice: book your lodge first, then have them secure your tee time. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime “Golf & Safari” day. |
| The Links at Fancourt George, Garden Route | The #1 Course. A Gary Player masterpiece and, in my view, the pinnacle of South African golf. A brutal, beautiful, man-made links that will test every shot you have. | It hosted the 2003 Presidents Cup (the famous Tiger vs. Ernie tie). It’s a walking-only course with compulsory, expert caddies. The conditioning is flawless. | My “Insider” Trick: You must stay at the Fancourt hotel for at least two nights to get a tee time. It’s worth it. My on-course tip: Bring extra balls. The rough is brutal. Listen to your caddie—they are some of the best in the world. |
| Gary Player CC Sun City, North West | The “Million Dollar” Course. This is a beast. A long, demanding, classic parkland course famous for its difficulty. It’s a true pro-level test. | For decades, it has hosted the Nedbank Golf Challenge (once the “Million Dollar Challenge”). It’s a walking-only course that demands endurance and a great long-iron game. | My “Survival” Tip: This course is long (almost 8,000 yards from the tips) and it gets hot. It’s a tough walk. Stay hydrated. The greens are small and well-protected, so the smart play is always for the center of the green. |
| Lost City Golf Course Sun City, North West | The “Fun” Course. The sister to the GPCC, this is a desert-style layout that is more about fun and wild design. It’s the one you’ll talk about at the bar. | It’s famous for one hole: the par-3 13th. The green is shaped like the continent of Africa and is fronted by a deep bunker and a water hazard… containing live Nile crocodiles. | My “Photo-Op” Tip: Yes, the crocodiles are real. You’ll hit your shot over them. It’s one of the greatest photo-ops in golf. This course is more “resort” friendly than the GPCC, so you can (and should) take a cart. |
| Pearl Valley Paarl, Cape Winelands | The “Winelands” Course. A Jack Nicklaus Signature design set in the heart of South Africa’s most beautiful wine region. It’s a visually stunning, American-style course. | It has hosted the South African Open. The white-sand bunkers and deep blue water hazards create a striking contrast against the backdrop of the Drakenstein and Simonsberg mountains. | My “Itinerary” Tip: This is the perfect “golf and wine” day. Play golf in the morning, then spend the afternoon touring the legendary wineries of Franschhoek and Stellenbosch right next door. |
| Humewood Golf Club Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) | My “Old School” Pick. This is South Africa’s only true links course. A classic, rugged, out-and-back layout that’s all about the wind. | A 1929 S.V. Hotchkin design that has hosted 10 SA Opens. It has that classic, bumpy links feel—no trees, just gorse and wind. It’s an authentic, no-frills experience. | My “Local” Tip: Do not check the weather; just assume it’s a 3-club wind. This is not target golf. You must use the “bump and run.” The wind is so strong, it will humble your high-ball game. A true links test. |
My Final Thoughts on South African Golf
South Africa is a massive country. My advice is to not try and do it all at once. Plan your trip by region:
- The “Safari & Sun” Trip (North): Fly into Johannesburg, play Sun City (both courses), and then head east for Leopard Creek and a multi-day safari in Kruger.
- The “Garden Route & Wine” Trip (South): Fly into Cape Town, play the Winelands (Pearl Valley), then drive the stunning Garden Route to play Fancourt. This is, in my opinion, one of the greatest road trips in the world.
It’s a long journey, but the reward is a collection of golf experiences so unique and memorable, they’ll be at the top of your stories list for life.
What’s on your South African bucket list? Is it the “Big 5” at Leopard Creek or the links test at Fancourt? Let me know in the comments.
Next on the Golftal.com World Tour, we’re flying to the heart of Europe for the passionate fans, Ryder Cup drama, and historic courses of Spain.
Originally posted 2025-07-19 07:13:36.
