A 12 day South Africa Garden Route golf tour

Broadly speaking there are 3 options in terms of the route that you can take, flying into Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) via JNB, flying into George (via CPT or JNB) & out of Cape Town, or in and out of Cape Town.

Taking the former option, we started our trip at the acclaimed Lalibela Game Reserve before meandering our way through 500+ miles of stunning Garden Route scenery, with plenty of day trips and golf packed in. This was one of the most memorable experiences of my life and I’m excited to share my South Africa golf journey.

Read on to find out what South Africa and the Garden Route is all about!

We started with an authentic 2-day safari experience at the beautiful Lalibela Game Reserve, one of several Safari options around the Eastern Cape and along the Garden Route. Each reserve provides a choice of lodge/accommodation meaning that there is something for everyone from traditional manor houses to classic lodges and tented camps.

The knowledgeable and friendly rangers are what make an experience like this extra special, having the same guide each day allows you to build rapport and feel comfortable in asking any and every question. Early morning (made much easier by the spectacular South African sunrise!) and late afternoon game drives provide the best opportunity for the viewing as the cooler hours of the day are when the wildlife are most active. We were fortunate to spot 4 of the big 5, as well as antelope, giraffe, hogs, hyena’s, bird life and much more.

While the game drives were special, the most magical experience at Lalibela was on our guided bush walk with ranger Craig. After unsuccessfully tracking a Rhino and calf, and seeing very little wildlife for approximately 1 hour, we spotted a large bull Elephant walking parallel to us on an opposite contour.

Craig’s extensive knowledge of this 10,500-hectare property meant he knew exactly which watering hole this elephant was headed for and knowing that we were closer, we headed in the same direction. It was 2 minutes after we arrived at the opposite side of this 20-30ft wide watering hole that this majestic animal appeared through the bush and after kneeling to show we were no threat, the elephant accepted our presence and went about drinking and throwing water over itself to cool down.

I would recommend a guided bush walk to anyone who is capable of it, leaving the safety of the vehicle behind, there is a real sense of adventure when you feel vulnerable (although quite safe!), and combined with the lowered chances of seeing wildlife, the moment becomes even more special when you are as lucky as we were.

Whilst on safari you can also expect enjoy traditional experiences such as boma dinners or as we did, an African drumming lesson.

Saying goodbye to Lalibela, we drove the short journey through the neighbouring game reserves back to Gqeberha to play our first round at Humewood Golf Club before checking into The Boardwalk Hotel & Casino for 1 night.

Humewood is one of the country’s only true links courses, made tricky by the prevailing coastal crosswinds for which ‘The Windy City’ is famed. A balance is struck due to the relatively wide, undulating fairways the course provides meaning that together with the elements, it makes for a great introductory round.

The greens at the course were fast and true whilst walled hazards add jeopardy and create the possibility of a few high numbers on the scorecard. Facilities at the golf club were exceptional with a driving range, chipping and putting green as well as fantastic, modern changing and showering facility and a traditional bar area overlooking the 18th green.

On day 4, we made our way down the ‘Garden Route’, a 190-mile stretch of breathtaking coastal roadway that weaves through vineyards, mountain and sea. After crossing the bridge home to the highest bungee jump in the world and through the panoramic landscapes, we arrived at Knysna and Pezula Championship Course.

One of the most underrated courses along the Garden Route, Pezula Golf Club is beautifully situated atop of the Knysna Heads and is a must-play if in the area. It is a wonderfully manicured track with lush, rolling fairways and strategically placed traps which make you consider each shot.

The clubs signature holes are the 13th and 14th which play back down towards the azure Indian Ocean. The 14th, in particular, is a short par-4 which provides an excellent scoring opportunity should you find your spot off of the tee. Knysna is also home to Simola Golf Club, equally as impressive as Pezula, and Knysna Golf Club, creating fantastic choice and reason for a multiple night stay.

We then travelled to Thesen Island, a small and very safe, island community in the centre of the Knysna Lagoon. This was our destination for the evening although other accommodation options are available closer to the golf courses.

Famed for its Oysters, Knysna hosts an annual festival which attracts more than 70,000 and so a stay here isn’t complete without trying the local delicacy with a glass of sparkling wine overlooking another beautiful sunset!

40 minutes along another spectacular stretch of the Garden Route and the gates of Fancourt Hotel & Estate in George parted for us to enter through. Thought to be one of the best golf resorts in South Africa, Fancourt is home to 3 of the country’s top 25 courses with a further 9-hole Gary Player design set to open.

Driving along the tree-lined driveway, you feel an incredible sensation as you pull up to the hotel to be met by the wonderfully accommodating and attentive staff that will assist you with your luggage. This afternoon, we were scheduled to play at The Links, Fancourt’s flagship course which competes, often successfully, for the best golf course in South Africa.

The Links is an experience from start to finish. As its own complex, the porters will take you via buggy from your accommodation to the gates of the course where you will be met by your caddie.

The course itself is immaculate and it’s easy to see why it has earnt its reputation. The knowledgeable and friendly caddies are essential in finding your spots, reading glassy greens and they will quickly learn what you want to ascertain from your round, whether that be shooting a competitive score or just to enjoy a friendly round with your group. Walking up the 18th and looking back across the course from the green you will feel an overwhelming sense of appreciation as you reflect on the experience.

Post-round dinner can be enjoyed at one of the Fancourt’s 4 restaurants, our choice this evening was The Clubhouse, which served a lovely, varied menu catering for all. The level of service in South Africa is second-to-none with a real feeling that every member of staff loves what they do and are more than willing to assist and ensure that you have the best possible experience. This was accentuated during our meal on the 2nd evening in La Cantina where after another superb meal, the staff celebrated our attendance with beautifully sung traditional song which had the group stunned to silence and gave us all chills.

Prior to our evening meal on our 2nd day at Fancourt we had played another of Gary Player’s designs at Fancourt, the Montague. Having gained its reputation as one of the best parkland courses in South Africa due to its superb conditioning and fast-paced firm greens, the Montague offers a fantastic contrast to the Links course.

This again emphasizing the wonderful diversity at Fancourt which makes it a must-visit venue on any Garden Route tour. Another lovely touch is that if you so wish, you can ask for your previous day’s caddie to join you allowing you to continue the rapport you had built the day before. I was surprised my caddie had turned up this day considering what I had put him through the day before!

It’s always a sad farewell when leaving a property such as the Fancourt, but it was made easier knowing that we had so much still to discover. Today’s stop en-route to Swellendam, a fantastic half-way spot between George & Hermanus, was at the stunning Pinnacle Point just outside of Mossel Bay.

Colloquially known as ‘The Pebble Beach of South Africa’, there is a real aura surrounding this course, and to have caught it on such a beautifully still day was a blessing. The course is everything it is made out to be, a Peter Matkovich masterpiece stretching along the Mossel Bay clifftop with sweeping 270-degree views of the Indian Ocean.

One of the most unique and scenic courses in the world, this track was like nothing I have ever played before and is characterised by 7 majestic holes that line the Indian Ocean, four of which being played over ocean and cliff. We were lucky to spot dolphins, sharks & seals whilst playing which only added to the experience, though in correct season, you may be luckier in spotting migrating Southern Right Whales that often cruise by. Unsurprisingly, the course has won numerous accolades, and they are undeniably justified. I would recommend this course as a must play to anyone visiting.

Continuing then down another beautiful stretch at the Garden Route, as earlier alluded to, we decided to break up the longer journey between 2 of the key destinations in George & Hermanus with a stay in the quaint town of Swellendam.

The third oldest town in South Africa, Swellendam is a charming town of Dutch influence which is entirely safe, which allowed us to wander up and down the high-street, trying each of the independent wineries and breweries. A short stay in Swellendam really allows time to breath in between a busy Garden Route itinerary and there is plenty to do in/around given its perfect positioning to escape into nature with a horse ride, a hike or even canoeing.

Home for the evening was the charming Schoone Oordt, a family owned and run Manor House with a beautiful story behind it which I would encourage anyone to read on their website should Swellendam be a consideration. Family & pride were the overwhelming feelings at Schoone Oordt and Alison (owner) and her staff did all they could to ensure that we felt at home during our stay.

A quick shout-out here also to the fantastic award-winning restaurant at Schoone Oordt which alone is worth stopping for! Make sure to ask the staff for a peek into the kitchen!

In the morning, we played a quick 9-holes at Swellendam Golf Club, a municipal golf club which gave us the opportunity to give back to the community. Experiences like this are crucial in South Africa which sits atop the World Gini Index (measuring wealth inequality) and countries alike.

Swellendam Golf Club is a well-kept local course, so don’t go in expecting top-end facilities or conditioning, but if you want to enjoy an easy 9-holes then it’s a fantastic place to do so and you’ll be welcomed in by the locals. Since Swellendam is so well placed on the Garden Route, we then only had a further 1hr 30 minutes to Arabella Hotel & Golf Club, located on the outskirts of Hermanus, a town famous as one of the world’s best places for land-based whale watching.

Unfortunately, we were rushed off the course at Arabella by an incoming storm which meant that we only got to play a limited number of holes which in high winds and light rain weren’t easy!

It was however easy to see why the course consistently ranks in South Africa’s Top 10, with pristine, challenging fairways and thrilling water hazards created by the adjacent Bot River Lagoon culminate to create this epic course. The 8th hole in particular is regarded as one of the country’s most beautiful par-5s.

The following morning was like looking across an entirely different golf course with the stunning morning sun beating down on the 1st, 9th & 18th which I hadn’t been able to admire properly in the previous day’s weather. Rolling back the curtains in our golf-view rooms was nothing short of breathtaking and there were mixed emotions coming from the fact that we would not be able to play the course again today as we were moving on to the Cape Winelands and the delightful Hazendal Hotel.

Tucked away in a quiet vineyard-lined valley, The Hazendal Wine Estate provided us with a fantastic one-night stay. The best way to describe Hazendal is as its own ‘retreat’ and we capitalised on all the available facilities. This includes a swimming pool, padel court, 2-tier driving range, 3 varied putting courses and a well-manicured 18-hole par 3 course.

Hazendal’s location within 30 minutes of 4 fantastic golf courses, combined with all the on-site amenities, makes it the perfect base in the Winelands, allowing groups and individuals to hone their skills before tackling the courses in the locality and along the Garden Route. Another highlight of this beautiful property is the fact that it also, as the name suggests, is a working wine farm and as such offers fantastic wine experiences in the farms original wine cellar. Which include a typical wine tasting, a sensory experience and food & wine pairings to name a few.

Our final round on this breathtaking Garden Route experience was to be played at the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Pearl Valley, which often ranks in South Africa’s Top 5. On arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the thoughtful staff at the clubhouse and ushered through to the practice area before stepping onto the tee.

The course is inspired by the majestic mountains and natural beauty for which the Winelands and Garden Route are famed. It boasts pristinely manicured all-season fairways, exceptional bunkering and the ingenious use of water features, designed to challenge even the most experienced of players.

Facilities at Pearl Valley were second-to-none, the warm-up and practice facilities were managed exceptionally well and provided a small glimpse into the quality of the course. The clubhouse itself featured a fantastic bar area with a huge TV providing the perfect place to socialise with your group after one of the best golfing experiences you will have had.

All in all, this course was the perfect way in which to close the golfing portion of this epic tour.

Our final full day lent itself perfectly to a full-day city tour of Cape Town and the locality allowed us to experience Cape Point, Boulders Beach (to see the famous African Penguin colony), the Winelands, and to ascend the world-renowned Table Mountain by which the Mother City is shadowed. A Cape Town city tour is an absolute must-do whilst in this part of the world as it allows you to truly take in and appreciate the spectacular diversity of the landscape around you.

After a full day seeing the sights, we checked into the Radisson Blu Waterfront, a beautiful property located in Sea Point. It offers views to Robben Island and is just a 10 minute stroll from the popular V&A Waterfront making it the perfect base for your time in Cape Town. Here, we enjoyed one final team meal hosted by the wonderful staff at the hotel, before bedding down for a long day of travel the next day.

With a few hours in the morning before having to depart for the airport, we made sure to make the most of the hotels wonderful infinity pool which falls away into the Atlantic Ocean. We enjoyed watching a small pod of dolphins play in the swell before heading into the V&A Waterfront to pick up those all-important gifts for family and friends as well as to raise a glass in appreciate of the experience we had over the past 11 days.

I realise that now, having written the above, I made little comment regarding the quality of rooms which I know some of you may be reading this blog to learn more about. I suppose the reason I hadn’t considered whilst writing is because we had been blessed at every single hotel that we had stayed at.

Each room was wonderfully appointed, large and spacious and it almost became a given which is unbelievable to suggest now looking back. Another reason however I feel is because it really didn’t matter what the rooms were like. There is so much more to each of these properties and what makes them truly special is the magnificent staff who had been so attentive, hospitable and warm throughout.

South African culture can only be described as beautiful and with such a high level of service, I have no doubt that you will have a wonderful experience as we did.