Best golf resorts in South Africa

You are spoiled for choice at Sun City with two five-star resorts and an endless list of facilities and activities. Casinos, a spa, a water park, tennis courts, safaris, a variety of restaurants and bars, and that’s only just scratching the surface. The Aztec style Palace of the Lost City offers 338 lavish rooms and suites, while The Cascades Hotel has 242 available – all of which face tropical gardens for a secluded, relaxing holiday.

The Sun City resort is also home to two remarkable golf courses. Gary Player - the host of the annual Nedbank Golf Challenge, is one of the most challenging yet rewarding courses in the southern hemisphere. Cunning holes coupled with stunning scenery; this is a worthy addition to your South African golf bucket-list.

Located close by with equally picturesque views of the mountains is the desert-style Lost City Course. The infamous 13th hole has an incredible green which is shaped like the African continent, though good luck getting there as it’s heavily guarded with tricky bunkers, water hazards, and even crocodiles! This masterpiece will be sure to give you an adrenaline rush like no other.

If you’re looking for the perfect balance between clifftop views and beautiful seaside, then look no further than Pezula Nature Hotel & Spa. Located in the Garden Route, this resort boasts stylish balcony suites, quality amenities, and a selection of contemporary dining options. This is a Western Cape coastline paradise, and with the on-site course, it’s also a golfer’s dream.

The championship Pezula Golf Course offers scenic ocean views and beautiful sweeping fairways. The generous facilities also include practice areas, a restaurant, bar and pro-shop. This hidden gem is also a short drive from Simola Golf & Country Estate, another one of Golfbreak’s top picks for South Africa golf resorts.

Also situated in the Garden Route is the breathtaking Fancourt Hotel & Golf Estate. Mountains, forests, and the Indian Ocean make this a true sanctuary, perfect for your next golf break. Alongside the 133 rooms on offer are brilliant family facilities, a spa, a variety of restaurants, a kids club, and best of all three golf courses designed by Gary Player.

Among these is the championship Links Course which is hugely challenging by nature and in a similar league to those in Scotland & Ireland. The Outeniqua and its sister course Montagu are also featured within the resort. They are of quality condition with fast greens, beautiful scenery, and water features. What’s more, they’re also both exclusive to members and hotel residents, giving you plenty of time to enjoy your game in this stunning South African setting.

Cape Town is one of the most popular holiday destinations in South Africa and is home to some truly incredible resorts, one of which is the charming Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa. The five-star oasis was designed to blend with the nature surrounding it and is equipped with a range of excellent restaurants which provide a true cultural experience. There is a choice of luxury rooms available, and the award-winning spa is the perfect place to rest your feet until your next game of golf.

The par-72 championship Arabella Golf Course is located on-site and features a driving range, putting and chipping greens, a halfway house, a pro shop, and a lovely clubhouse. The signature 17th hole also runs parallel to the lagoon, providing an incredible test that requires precision in your tee shot. Other nearby courses to this resort include the wonderful Erinvale Golf Club and Hermanus Golf Club.

Set in the hills above the Garden Route, the Simola resort oozes class, excellence, and modernity. All the 80 rooms are equipped with interactive TV’s and underfloor heating. There is also an elegant restaurant and a unique cigar bar where guests can enjoy a fine whiskey with a Cuban cigar after a long day on the course.

Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the Simola Golf Course has views that are unmatched. Every corner has scenes looking over the Outeniqua Mountains, the Knysna Lagoon, or the Indian ocean. It is also in pristine condition and the clubhouse offers spacious changing rooms, a pro shop, and a great restaurant and bar area.

Another five-star resort we would recommend for a South African golf getaway is Oubaai Hotel, Golf & Spa. The 100 contemporary rooms available all have incredible views and private balconies to admire them from. The resort offers a full-service spa, tennis courts, and restaurants for guests to use and it is situated near the beautiful beaches and nature reserves of George city.

Mesmerising 180-degree views of the Indian Ocean only add to the dazzling experience of playing the Oubaai Golf Course. Designed by Ernie Els, the grand layout is rather deceptively challenging due to the wind that can blow straight off towards the ocean, requiring strategic play and providing an enjoyable experience for all golfers.