Top 10 golf courses to play in South Africa – and how much it costs
A new ranking has ranked the top 10 golf courses in South Africa, with almost all of the user-reviewed courses in the Western Cape.
The top 10 was pulled from Leading Courses’ Golfers’ Choice Rankings 2023 report, which included the best courses across South Africa.
This year’s Golfers’ Choice rankings included 15 countries in total, and the rankings are 100% based on ratings given by registered golfers who reviewed the courses after their game, said Leading Courses.
The online platform added that, instead of trusting the opinion of a select group of experts, this ranking gives power to the people and lets the average golfer decide the best courses.
The courses are ranked out of 10, considering several criteria, such as golf course maintenance, surroundings, the actual course, and the overall general impression of the course.
Internationally, some of the best courses include Golfclub Adamstal’s championship course in Austria, Golf De Fontainebleau in France, and the Majlis Course at Emirates Golf Club Dubai.
Leading Courses noted that only golf courses with enough reviews (a par of 30 and higher) qualify for the Best Golf Courses ranking.
For example, the Johannesburg Country Club scored 9.2 but fell short of the required number of reviews for an acceptable and representative score.
Top 10 courses in South Africa
Golf is a very popular sport in South Africa, and it is estimated that there are around 450 golf courses in the country, making it one of the most golf-rich nations in the world.
South African golfers have also enjoyed success on the international stage, with players like Gary Player, Ernie Els, and Retief Goosen among the most accomplished in the sport’s history.
Additionally, South Africa is a unique place to play on world-class courses, offering sunny skies surrounded by incredible views (and occasionally wildlife).
Many golf courses in the country are members-only, which creates a tight-knit community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for the game. Golf clubs in South Africa also often host social events and tournaments, allowing golfers to connect and bond over their shared interests.
According to player reviews, the top 10 courses in South Africa are listed below.
Note: the prices listed are sourced from the courses’ websites and are for non-affiliated golfers. Prices may vary based on affiliations, memberships, and the day of the week you choose to play.
1. Pinnacle Point Estate
- Score: 8.9/10
- Location: Mossel Bay, Western Cape
- Price to pay: R1,200
2. St Francis Links
- Score: 8.8/10
- Location: St Francis, Eastern Cape
- Price to pay: R950
3. Arabella Golf Club
- Score: 8.7/10
- Location: Kleimond, Western Cape
- Price to pay: R1,595
4. Fancourt – Golf Estate
- Score: 8.6/10
- Location: George, Western Cape
- Price to pay: R950
5. Pearl Valley Golf Estate
- Score: 8.6/10
- Location: Paarl, Western Cape
- Price to pay: R2,250
6. Steenberg Golf Club
- Score: 8.5/10
- Location: Constantia Valley, Western Cape
- Price to pay: R1,275
7. Pezula Golf Club
- Score: 8.5/10
- Location: Knysna, Western Cape
- Price to pay: R475
8. De Zalze Golf Club
- Score: 8.3/10
- Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape
- Price to pay: R800
9. Simola Golf & Country Club
- Score: 8.3/10
- Location: Knysna, Western Cape
- Price to pay: R1,450
10. Erinvale Golf Club
- Score: 8.3/10
- Location: Somerset West, Western Cape
- Price to pay: R1,595
Loading ...
