Western Cape Golf Courses

Tee off on one of the top golf courses in the Western Cape. Arabella is a classic parkland course with spectacular views across the Bot River Lagoon and the Kogelberg Mountain Range. It is also home to the annual Nelson Mandela Invitational Tournament. The Arabella Golf Course in South Africa is ranked by Compleat Golfer magazine as the number one golf course in the Western Cape. It is also featured in Golf Digest’s USA’s Top 60 courses outside of America in 2007. A round of golf here is truly an exceptional experience.

Considered one of the finest golf courses in South Africa, Clovelly Country Club is famous for its rolling, computer-irrigated fairways and undulating holes complementing its rich coastal environment. The championship-quality greens consist of bent grass and poa annua mix. Nestled in the pristine and tranquil Silvermine Valley close to Fish Hoek, Clovelly offers its members and visitors a memorable experience.The picturesque and challenging courses are a favourite of Bobby Locke, where each hole has a distinctive setting, with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and False Bay. The Silvermine River, natural sand dunes and trees line the fairways with water features and a wide variety of birdlife such as guinea fowl, pheasant and steppe buzzard.Adjoining the club house is a pro shop, restaurant and driving range.

Practice your swing and tee off on De Kloof's golf driving range and putting green. De Kloof Luxury Hotel and Estate provides its own private short golf driving range and putting green for guests. The facility, clubs and balls are supplied at no extra cost.

Host of the World Cup 1996 and South African Airways Open 2003 and 2004, Erinvale is considered one of the best residential golf courses in South Africa. Designed by legendary course designer and golfer Gary Player, the course features many of his distinctive immaculate challenges.Stunning views, well established shade trees and the substantial attention to maintenance of the fairways elevate this course to world-class standards.The first nine holes are on the low lying part of the estate and the second nine are on higher, rolling ground. The standard of the gorgeous shaped greens and beautifully consistent putting surfaces remains throughout.All in all Erinvale promises a superb experience when you play a round of 18 on this outstanding layout in the Winelands.

Fancourt’s Montagu Golf Course is a much loved Parkland course that is frequently ranked as the number-one golf course in South Africa. Recently it had a major revamp with numerous holes being redesigned and two new additions. The course never gets cramped and there is more than enough time to appreciate the Fancourt golfing experience as it is restricted to members, their guests and resort visitors. It is recommended to book your desired tee time however. Serious players and anyone in need of secret training can warm up before playing on the full-length range as well as the chipping and bunker practice area. A handicap certificate, soft spikes and appropriate golf attire is required. Golf carts are available for hire, weather permitting.

The setting that takes in mountains, water and wildlife characterises the magnificent Fancourt Outeniqua Golf Course, one of two 18-hole Parkland layouts at Fancourt. It’s hard to beat a round here and all levels of golfers will find it an excellent challenge for its design and fine conditioning alone. Designed by Grand Slam golfing legend Gary Player, it is similar to Montagu, and offers a variety of tees from which to play. Play is restricted to hotel visitors, members and guests to ensure overcrowding but it’s advisable to book in advance to ensure your required tee-off time. All golfers can warm-up on the full-length range and chipping and bunker practice area before playing. A handicap certificate, soft spikes and appropriate golf attire is required. Golf carts are available for hire, weather permitting.

One of Fancourt’s renowned golf courses, The Links is unique to South Africa. The undulating dune-style landscape presents a demanding challenge in all weather conditions. Recognized for the wonderful year round condition and attention to detail, The Links is perennially popular and has some extraordinary holes. One of these is the par-3 second, with its bunker in the centre of the enormous green. The overall effect is balance in terms of corresponding length, position of hazards and shot values. ‘We included the bunker to break it up, but the front left of the green is severely sloped, so the golfer can use the contours to get the ball near the flag. You will never be stymied by the trap’ says Gary Player. The tees and fairways are a mix of Kentucky Blue, Rye, Fescue and Bent, with predominant Bent greens, allowing for the Pitch and Run shot and to enable the ball to 'chase' along the fairways. The atmospheric clubhouse is conveniently situated metres from the 18th green. Terraced areas and huge picture windows take advantage of the awesome course and mountain vistas.

Set in the heart of the Garden Route, the George Golf Club course is a beautifully manicured, 72 par course with 18 holes and bent greens. The course rating for men is either 70 (club – 5774m) or 72 (championship – 6100m), while that for the ladies is 72 (5188m).Visitors are welcome daily, with the exception of Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, which are reserved for members and their guests. Booking for golf is essential. Please note that no group bookings are allowed on Wednesdays and Saturdays.Caddies and motorised golf carts are available for hire at the Pro Shop, as well as clubs and trolleys. Golf carts must be booked well in advance due to a small fleet of carts available at the club. The Pro Shop also sells golfing equipment.

The Goose Valley Golf Course is situated only 2km from Plettenberg Bay towards Port Elizabeth and bordering on the stunning Keurbooms Lagoon.Set in pristine surroundings, this magnificent estate offers a Gary Player designed 72 par, 18 hole golf course in the heart of the Garden Route. Golfers will experience breathtaking views of the lagoon, the ocean and the Tsitsikamma Mountains, as also the beauty of the natural fynbos, trees and an abundance of animal and bird life.Need to know? Eighteen holes Length: Men 6048m Ladies 4992m Designer: Gary Player Design Company Par / Rating: 72/70Visitors Conditions: soft spikes only Grass: Kikuya fairways, bent greens. Golf carts for hire, halfwayhouse, golf clubs for hire, Pro-shop, strictly no caddies allowed. Visitors fees on request.

Known for their outstanding year round standards, Hermanus Golf Club is a popular choice for golfing enthusiasts from Cape Town, the rest of South Africa and international visitors.This classic country course underwent a recent extensive refurbishment with the addition of nine superb new holes, taking golfing in Hermanus to new levels.The gorgeous sea views, mountainous surroundings, charming hospitality and former tradition remain. What was considered a gentle layout has been replaced with modern classically designed holes, adding a dynamic visual and challenging aspect to the course. Peter Matkovich, South Africa’s foremost golf course architect, incorporated the scenic environment to maximum potential. The new definition and shape given to the holes as well as the water and rock features are particularly striking.Considerably lengthened with superlative new greens and bunkering, and dedicated and professional management, Hermanus Golf Club presents an incredible challenge and experience.

Kingswood is an urban golf estate located in the heart of George. Undoubtedly the Sally Little signature18-hole golf course designed by Danie Obermeyer is the prime attraction, but there are a host of other leisure activities that you can enjoy - all in a setting of breathtaking, natural beauty. Neighbouring Fancourt and George Golf Courses, Kingswood offers spectacular views of the surrounding Outeniqua Mountains. With 850 residential opportunities and family facilities complimenting the experience, Kingswood Golf Estate is truly urban living redefined.

Meandering through the tidal pools and between towering indigenous trees, Knysna Golf Course offers an incredible golf experience on the Knysna Lagoon. This 18-hole course commands wonderful views of The Heads and features an attractive parkland layout with some of the finest bent grass greens in the Southern Cape. The course provides a first-rate challenge to players of all levels and is also an affordable and essential golfing option on Garden Route itineraries. The signature hole is the par-five ninth, known to be the most daunting in Knysna. Channelling through the estuary with reeds flanking both sides of the fairway, it presents a stiff challenge to the most experienced player. The course is also home to abundant ocean and freshwater birds as well as forest-dwelling birds and the Knysna loerie. After a demanding round of golf, relax in the friendly atmosphere of the clubhouse. Bookings are essential +27 (0) 44 384 1150.

The Montagu Golf Club course is a 9-hole country course situated in the picturesque town of Montagu at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains.The well-maintained course is surrounded by typical Klein Karoo vegetation with scenic views of the adjacent farming activities. With fabulous weather all year round, you're assured of an enjoyable Klein Karoo golf experience.Need to know? Montagu Golf Club is open every day. For visitors a reasonable fee is charge. Montagu is a two-hour drive from Cape Town (200 km).

Tee off into the sea breeze on one of the stunning Garden Route golf courses. Founded in 1905, Mossel Bay Golf Club commands beautiful views of the Indian Ocean will most definitely leave you with lasting memories. The club house has excellent facilities, including a well stocked Pro Shop, bar, the Fairways Restaurant and even resident springbokkies that manicure the greens. The 18 hole links course is an easy walk and very playable from tee to green for all golfers.The Mossel Bay Golf course signature hole is the 3rd hole, which is a par 4. Well-placed bunkers on either side of the fairway will catch any errand tee shots. The green is a large two level undulating green, which makes a guaranteed par 4 on the hole uncertain, should you find the green with your second shot.

Situated on a spectacular stretch of coastline near Herolds Bay, Oubaai Golf Course offers a championship layout just 10 km from George Airport. Boasting the first Ernie Els signature course in South Africa, the design presents a challenge to all golfers and is a tribute to South Africa’s much-loved player. It is rated by Els as one of his favourite courses on the planet. The traditional Links layout has nine holes out and nine holes back with a unique two-tee operation. The signature hole on the course is the par-3 17th framed by the ocean and with the green below. Oubaai Golf Course is known for its high quality golfing and exceptional service. Visitors keep returning to this challenging and enjoyable course with great views and memorable experiences.

Scenically situated in the heart of the Cape Winelands, Paarl Golf Club offers a superb golfing experience in a perfect setting. The original course has been developed into the first and only 27-hole championship golf course in the Western Cape. This spectacular course with tree-lined fairways, water hazards and bunkers challenges more proficient golfers, yet less experienced amateurs will be encouraged to return. Facilities include a Pro Shop with caddies, carts and clubs available for hire. Full practice and teaching golf professional facilities are also available.

Currently ranked the ‘5th best course in South Africa’ by Golf Digest, Pearl Valley Golf Estates was masterminded by golf legend Jack Nicklaus and his unique touch is evident throughout the stunning course.Having hosted in 2008 what many believed to be the most successful South African Open in history, Pearl Valley is again hosting the 2009 Open. During the 2008 SA Open, 2007 US Masters Champion Trevor Immelman was full of praise saying, “The course is in incredible condition, it really is. That’s the way I expected the course to be, to a high standard, and they have always turned out a fantastic course, for the members day-in day-out. I really feel like these fairways; they are some of the best, if not the best, that I’ve ever played on”.Pearl Valley is truly in a league of its own - the course design and aesthetic beauty, the combination of the deep, lush green on the fairways and greens, together with the brilliant white river sand lining the bunkers was carefully planned to make Pearl Valley the most visually spectacular golf course in the country. The total length of the course is 6801 meters from the Championship tees and the members’ length ranges from 4685 to 5876 meters. Bunkers on Nicklaus’s signature courses are renowned for being shallow, long and fairly undaunting.Every hole is played against the spectacular backdrop of the mountains surrounding the estate and all are challenging due to the strategically set bunkers and fast greens.

Rated amongst the best and most scenic golf courses around the globe, Pezula Championship Course is a prerequisite on any Garden Route golfing itinerary. Pezula offers terrific international-standard golfing with superlative views of Knysna Lagoon and the Indian Ocean from the cliff tops. Knysna Golf Club and Simola is a short drive away. Extensive rolling fairways, eyebrow bunkers and pristine fynbos contribute to this unique and challenging 18-hole course designed by David Dale and Ronald Fream of GolfPlan USA. The award-winning course offers five different tee options on every hole to cater for all skill levels. Three breathtaking signature holes are built on the cliff top overlooking the ocean – the par-five 13th, par-four 14th and the par-three 15th. The elegant clubhouse features a gourmet restaurant, bar, luxurious private lounge with library, and a boutique pro shop. A heated swimming pool, game practice area, tennis and leisure facilities are also available.

Designed by celebrated golf architect Peter Matkovich and pro golfer Darren Clarke, Pinnacle Point Golf Course is one of the Garden Route’s essential destinations. The flawless eighteen-hole championship golf course stretches for four kilometres along a magnificent coastline. Breathtaking cliff-side holes and a 1000-acre pristine beach contribute to making it one of the most dramatic golf course sites around the globe. Bright green fairways and tees are ideal for making shots and the bent grass greens guarantee an interesting challenge. The entire course provides views of the ocean with some of the holes situated along the cliff edges. The smack of salty sea breezes, the rush of fragrant fynbos and thrill of seeing wildlife, dolphins and whales contribute to a sublimely sensory golf experience.

Rated in the Top 50 in South Africa, this 18-hole parklands golf course is set in a private nature reserve. Rated in the Top 50 in South Africa, this 18-hole parklands golf course is set in a lovely private nature reserve. This is no 'country bumpkin' course - the main attraction here is the challenging layout built to USGA specifications. The Plettenberg Bay Country Club course is easy to stroll and the two main inclines can be viewed from the clubhouse. Lush bent grass fairways and greens offer an excellent playing surface on this park-like course. Indigenous plants life attracts numerous birds, bushbuck, small antelope, vervet monkeys and baboons. Popular with local bird-watchers, the club is home to the Knysna Loerie, woodpeckers and other forest-dwelling species.

Surrounded by the rolling Langeberg mountains in the Breede River Valley and bordered by vineyards and orchards, the new 18 hole Robertson Golf Course on the Silwerstrand Estate opened for play in April 2009. It is the only 18 hole golf course in the beautiful ‘Valley of Wine and Roses’. Described as a fun leisurely course, it is extremely golfer friendly with comfortable walks from tee to green. It has a great mix of long and short holes, with course designer Danie Obermeyer’s signature “rivet faced” bunkers providing punishment for the wayward shot!The tenth (par 4) and 12th (par 5) are expected to be the toughest holes, especially if the North Westerly wind is blowing, whilst the 18th (a par 5) is a rewarding finishing hole.

One of South Africa's best golfing destinations, Simola boasts overwhelming views and an outstanding Jack Nicklaus Signature course. Breathtaking vistas of the Knysna Heads on one side and the Knysna River on the other make it difficult to focus on the game. But in the midst of all this beauty, the course offers challenging and rewarding golf amidst spectacular scenery. Simola was one of the first Jack Nicklaus designs on the Garden Route, reflecting the maestro's philosophy of adjusting the layout and design to the natural features of the landscape. Fairways flow along the rising and falling natural landscape and every hole offers superlative views of the Knysna Lagoon all the way to the Heads or across the pretty meandering Knysna River and valley below.

The Steenberg Golf Club is an exclusive, private golf club set in the idyllic surroundings of the Constantia Valley. The course attracts golfers seeking a total golfing experience. Known for its hybrid plan, it offers traditionalists the opportunity to “bump and run” (a rare shot in South Africa) in the rough around the greens, and to meet the challenges of strategically placed sand pits and waterways. The par-three, not-so-short 14th hole, features the largest green in Africa at 76 meters in length; indigenous shrubs guard the green and the mound has been shaped to echo the distinctive mountain range behind. Steenberg has always been named as one of the best conditioned courses in South Africa Golf Digest’s annual Top 100, consistent in its improvement each year. The 18 hole course was designed to make full use of natural features and hazards such as the vineyards, pine forest and gentle waterways. Its environmental diversity gives the course its unique character. The well-designed and refurbished clubhouse has seen many golfers enjoying the 19th hole. Need to know? The Steenberg Golf Club is open to the public, but priority and special green fee rates are given to Steenberg Hotel guests and members.