With it being summer in Europe there is a flourish of golfers on the continent enjoying a golf trip. Many golfers are going to countries like Spain, Portugal or Turkey.
While these countries are great, with some world-class golf courses, it got me thinking. If I was going to do a golf tour of South Africa, where would I go? Which courses would I play? Well, this is what I came up with.
My trip is going along the coastline of South Africa. Now, this is not to say that there isn’t a surplus of memorable courses inland in the country. But I’m a huge fan of coastal golf. Something about being on the coast puts me at ease. Maybe it’s the Pretoria boy in me.
First thing I’d have to come up with was where I’d get started. I decided to open up in Cape Town, because I thought it was only right to start my tour at the oldest golf club in South Africa, Royal Cape Golf Club. Thus, beginning a modern-day tour with a bit of heritage and tradition.
After that I’m off to Paarl, to the lovely Pearl Valley Country Club. The Jack Nicklaus Signature course, a former SA Open venue, nestled in the Cape Winelands, is a must-visit when in the Western Cape. It’s a more modern test of your golf game, with the guarantee of a great glass of wine in the clubhouse afterwards.
I’m then heading east along the coast to a couple of courses that are very close to one another, Hermanus Golf Club and Arabella Golf and Spa. They’re a great combination of a traditional and modern course.
Hermanus is truly timeless and in one of my favourite towns in the country. The possibility of seeing some whales in the ocean is also very appealing. Arabella is a little more stern a test of your golfing capabilities, especially with the ever- predictable winds that frequent the place. But don’t worry, a post-round massage in the spa will make you feel all rejuvenated and ready to continue the journey.
Continuing east along the coast, my next stop is Mossel Bay Golf Club. Known for being able to ‘See the Sea from Every Tee’ by some, but more famously the home of Louis Oosthuizen, the course is truly fun to play. It’s always an enjoyable day out, even if the breeze gets a tad stiff and the beer in the clubhouse after the round while chatting with all the members is a memorable experience.
After a short drive I will find myself in George, a golfing mecca in South Africa. One could spend over a week in George, playing all the nearby courses and having a great time. However, my road trip needs to keep moving, so I only picked two courses in the area – George Golf Club and Fancourt Montagu.
George Golf Club is in my top three traditional courses in South Africa. It’s a challenging layout and always in great condition. It’s a definite must-visit.
The reason I chose Montagu over The Links at Fancourt is simply because I love all the gardens. The course is truly a challenge, but being surrounded by the mountains, gardens and Cape Dutch houses makes for a memorable experience.
I’m now off to Knysna, to Simola and Pezula. While these courses are newer designs, always in great condition and in beautiful locations, they are worth a visit as both are unique experiences. Overlooking the Knysna Heads and river below, no one could ever be disappointed with a round on either or both courses.
The next stop on my trip would be St Francis Links. I haven’t spent much time in St Francis, but at this year’s DP World Tour event I fell in love with the town and course. The wind always plays its role in challenging the golfers, and a post-round meal down in the town is a sure way to top off a great day.
A dash of links golf is sprinkled into the trip by a visit to Humewood Golf Club next. A real golf trip wouldn’t be complete without the challenge of a proper links test. Humewood showed its teeth at the start of the year when we had our event.
The unique golf course trend continues by visiting East London Golf Club.
Without question it’s one of the most unconventional, yet remarkable courses in SA. From blind, driveable par fours to pulpit par threes, the course isn’t like anything else in South Africa.
My next stop is to my dad’s favourite course in South Africa, Wild Coast Sun Country Club. It’s been his favourite since the 1980s, so playing with him around there would be a trip highlight. I won’t be expecting to take any cash off the old man, given he’s borderline unbeatable around there, but maybe I get lucky. I’ve also always wanted to ring the bell in the bar whenever someone doesn’t cover the water off the 18th tee. Small yet amazing memories will be made.
My final stop during the trip will be at my favourite coastal course in South Africa, the icon that is Durban Country Club. I love the place. The course obviously has a well-documented history, but it’s the future that really gets me excited. Currently under a massive upgrade, a top 100 course in the world is the perfect way to top off what would be an incredible and memorable trip.
While writing this column I realised one thing, I’m going to need a lot of time to do this trip. It shows how lucky the golfers of South Africa really are. Any one of these courses would make an awesome weekend golf trip away. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll be lucky enough to do a coastal golf trip and add to this list.
I’m certain that I’ve missed some incredible stops along the way, but that’s the best part about such a trip: the unexpected gems along the way.
– This column first appeared in the August 2023 issue of Compleat Golfer magazine.
