South Africa has quietly become one of the world’s most coveted golfing destinations, attracting both seasoned professionals and passionate amateurs in search of pristine fairways, dramatic landscapes, and the warm hospitality the country is known for. From coastal cliffs and mountain valleys to game reserves where antelope graze along the rough, the golfing experience here is as diverse as the land itself.
Whether you’re a traveller asking “What are the best golf courses in South Africa?”, “Where do the pros play?” or “Which golf estates combine luxury with world-class fairways?” – this is your guide to curating the ultimate South African golf tour.
Popular Golf Tours Regions
For visiting golfers, curated golf tours are the easiest way to sample South Africa’s top courses without the hassle of logistics. Many tours are designed to combine championship golf with luxury travel – think five-star lodges, wine estates, and coastal journeys.
Cape Winelands Golf Tours
Pair world-class courses with vineyard stays and fine dining, perfect for those who enjoy wine tasting as much as the 18th hole.
Garden Route Golf Tours
Famous for the breathtakingly beautiful scenery, featuring some of the most photographed courses in the world along rugged coastlines and lush valleys.
Golf & Safari Tours
Golf Tours surrounded by wildlife are uniquely South African, allowing you to tee off in the morning and enjoy a game drive in the afternoon. Imagine putting on the green while giraffes wander nearby. Now, this is Africa!
Where you can stay
Travel Expert’s Pick of the Finest South African Golf Estates
South Africa has produced legends like Gary Player, Ernie Els, and Louis Oosthuizen – and many of the courses they honed their craft on are open to you. To craft the ultimate luxury golf tour, we’ve selected estates that balance technical excellence with breathtaking surroundings and unrivalled hospitality.
The Links at Fancourt
Regarded as the No. 1 golf course in South Africa, The Links at Fancourt is a Gary Player design that mirrors the classic links courses of Scotland. Exclusivity is part of the experience, with access limited to members and select guests of the Fancourt Hotel. Its rolling dunes, challenging bunkers, and immaculate greens make it a pilgrimage site for golfers worldwide.
Pearl Valley
Set within the Val de Vie Estate in the Cape Winelands, Pearl Valley is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course. Fairways are framed by the Drakenstein Mountains, while pristine lakes and bunkers provide both beauty and challenge. For travellers asking, “Which golf course combines luxury living with vineyard landscapes?” Pearl Valley is the perfect match.
Gary Player Golf Club
South Africa’s most iconic course, and a cornerstone of any ultimate golf tour. The design tests accuracy and endurance, while the surrounding resort offers luxury accommodation, a casino, and entertainment – ideal for golfers travelling with family.
Pinnacle Point
Few golf courses in the world rival Pinnacle Point’s drama – perched on ocean cliffs where waves crash below. Known as the “Pebble Beach of South Africa,” this Garden Route masterpiece offers vistas that are almost distracting from the game. A must-play for travellers who ask, “Where can I find the most scenic golf course in South Africa?”
Blair Atholl
One of the longest golf courses in the country, Blair Atholl is another Gary Player design. It sprawls across a private estate, with wide fairways, challenging greens, and panoramic views of the Magaliesberg Mountains. Its exclusivity appeals to golfers who want privacy paired with luxury.
Stellenbosch Golf Club
One of the oldest clubs in South Africa, Stellenbosch is surrounded by vineyards and mountains, offering a refined experience that pairs beautifully with nearby wine estates. Perfect for golfers who want to blend heritage, wine, and sport in one stop.
Leopard Creek
This course is pure theatre – greens sculpted along the Kruger National Park boundary. Wildlife sightings add a sense of wonder that few courses in the world can rival. It’s often described as the epitome of “only in Africa” golf.
Cederberg
For the adventurous golfer, the Cederberg offers a more rugged setting. While not as polished as Fancourt or Pearl Valley, the dramatic sandstone mountains, clear skies, and tranquillity create an unforgettable experience. This is where nature and golf merge in a raw, authentic way.
Crafting the Ultimate Golf Tour
South Africa offers more than just exceptional fairways. The beauty of a golf journey here lies in the blend of experiences: a round at The Links, followed by wine tasting in Franschhoek; teeing off at Leopard Creek after a morning safari; or pairing the drama of Pinnacle Point with the coastal charm of the Garden Route.
At Africa Select Journeys, we specialise in curating bespoke golf tours for both pros and amateurs. Whether you’re seeking a competitive itinerary that follows in the footsteps of champions, or a relaxed journey blending wine, wildlife, and wellness with your rounds, we ensure every detail is seamlessly arranged.
A Tee-Off to Remember
From coastal cliffs to Big Five landscapes, South Africa’s golf courses offer experiences that rival the greats of Scotland, California, or Australia – but with a distinctive African soul. The ultimate South African golf tour isn’t just about golf; it’s about the luxury of slowing down, soaking in world-class scenery, and creating stories with every swing. For amateurs, our golf tour packages offer relaxed competition and camaraderie. For pros, they provide access to some of the very courses that host international tournaments.
