GOLF TRAVEL
BY BYRON LUKAS
From bushveld fairways beside the Kruger to championship layouts in the Cape Winelands, Mzansi offers golfers the chance to follow in the footsteps of the game’ s greats.
For golf-loving travellers, playing a course that has tested leading professionals adds another dimension to the experience. It’ s all about strolling legendary fairways, indulging in luxurious hospitality, facing championship-level challenges, and exploring some of South Africa’ s most scenic locations.
LEOPARD CREEK GOLF CLUB Set beside the Kruger National Park, Leopard Creek is one of South Africa’ s most prestigious golf courses. Designed by Gary Player, the course has hosted many leading professionals through the Alfred Dunhill Championship. Its bushveld setting makes it ideal for pairing golf with a safari.
FANCOURT Fancourt is regarded as the jewel of South African golf. Its renowned Links course hosted the 2003 Presidents Cup and remains among the most highly rated layouts globally. The resort’ s Garden Route location adds mountains, beaches, and luxury hospitality to the experience.
GARY PLAYER COUNTRY CLUB The Gary Player Country Club at Sun City continues to be one of South Africa’ s most renowned golfing locations. As the host of the yearly Nedbank Golf Challenge, the course has seen legends from around the world challenge its iconic long fairways for over 40 years. Visitors can enjoy the wider resort and neighbouring Pilanesberg National Park.
PEARL VALLEY GOLF ESTATE Set against the Simonsberg Mountains, Pearl Valley has emerged as one of the top golfing locations in the Cape Winelands. The Jack Nicklaus Signature course has hosted the
South African Open and merges championship-level design with stunning views. Franschhoek and Paarl nearby offer dining and accommodation options.
ST FRANCIS LINKS Designed by Jack Nicklaus, St Francis Links winds through coastal dunes above St Francis Bay. The ocean breezes, strategic bunkers, and changing elevations can test even seasoned golfers. The surrounding village offers beaches, canals, seafood eateries, and a laid-back coastal atmosphere.
PEZULA GOLF COURSE Pezula Championship Golf Course sits high above the Indian Ocean in Knysna and is known as one of South Africa’ s top golfing spots. Designed by David Dale and Ronald Fream, the course has hosted top professionals, celebrities, and golf lovers from all over the world. IB
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