18 Best Golf Courses in South Africa For Your 2025 Bucket List
If you’re a golf lover, South Africa is a must-visit destination. From breathtaking coastlines to world-class courses nestled in the bushveld, it’s a golfer’s paradise. Whether you’re planning a golf trip or just daydreaming about your next round, we’ve rounded up the best golf courses in South Africa for 2025. Let’s dive straight into the list of the top golf courses in South Africa! The Top Golf Courses in South Africa for 2025 1. Leopard Creek Country Club (Mpumalanga) Image credits: distincte.com Located on the edge of Kruger National Park, Leopard Creek seamlessly blends into its bushveld surroundings. Designed by Gary Player, the course features challenging water hazards and pristine fairways. What makes it even more special is the chance to spot wildlife like elephants and crocodiles while playing—a truly unique experience on any top golf courses in South Africa list. 2. Fancourt (Links, Montagu & Outeniqua) – Western Cape Image credits: fancourt.com The Links at Fancourt is often hailed as the best golf course in South Africa. Designed by Gary Player and opened in 2000, it offers a challenging, world-class layout with dramatic dunes, fast greens, and stunning views of the Outeniqua Mountains. The Links hosted the 2003 Presidents Cup, cementing its place as one of the best golf courses in South Africa. 3. Gary Player Country Club (Sun City) Image credits: top100golfcourses.com A must-play for serious golfers, this iconic course in the bushveld is home to the prestigious Nedbank Golf Challenge. Designed by Gary Player, it’s renowned for its long fairways, deep bunkers, and strategic layout. If you’re looking for a best golf course in South Africa that truly tests your skills, this one should be on your radar. 4. Pearl Valley Golf Estate (Western Cape) Image credits: golfscape.com Opened in 2003 and designed by Jack Nicklaus, Pearl Valley’s Golf Course is a blend of beauty and challenge. The course, set against the Simonsberg Mountains, features large hazards and immaculate greens. It’s a perfect choice for those seeking a top golf course in South Africa with a championship-caliber layout. 5. St. Francis Links (Eastern Cape) Image credits: golfinthegardenroute.com Designed by Jack Nicklaus and opened in 2006, St. Francis Links offers a modern links-style experience along dramatic coastal dunes. Fast greens and challenging winds make it a must-play for golfers who enjoy a true test of skill. 6. Royal Johannesburg & Kensington (East Course) – Gauteng Image credits: 1golf.eu A historic gem, the Royal Johannesburg & Kensington East Course is a popular destination for golfers. Dating back to 1933, it features pristine conditions, strategic bunkers, and a front nine that contrasts beautifully with the back nine. A top golf course in South Africa, it offers a luxurious and challenging golfing experience. 7. Pinnacle Point Golf Estate (Western Cape) Image credits: 1golf.eu Set against the cliffs of Mossel Bay, Pinnacle Point is one of the most dramatic courses in South Africa. Designed by Peter Matkovich, it offers an exhilarating test of skill with ocean views, deep canyons, and challenging fairways. It’s a best golf course in South Africa that stands out for its stunning scenery and challenging layout. 8. Simola Golf & Country Estate (Garden Route) Image credits: simola.co.za Simola, designed by Jack Nicklaus, offers sweeping views and rolling terrain. With its layout catering to golfers of all levels, it’s a must-play course that deserves its spot among the top golf courses in South Africa. 9. Erinvale Golf Club (Western Cape) Image credits: compleatgolfer.com Erinvale Golf Club, designed by Gary Player and opened in 1995, offers a peaceful and scenic golfing experience. Located in Stellenbosch’s wine country, it hosted the 1996 World Cup of Golf and remains one of the best golf courses in South Africa today. 10. Blair Atholl Golf & Equestrian Estate (Gauteng) Image credits: top100golfcourses.com Blair Atholl is one of the top golf courses in South Africa, offering a true test for serious golfers. Designed by Gary Player, the course spans 8,300 yards and is set amid sweeping meadows and the Rhenosterspruit Nature Conservancy. It’s a must-play for golfers seeking a luxury challenge. 11. Arabella Golf Club (Western Cape) Image credits: kleinmondtourism.co.za Arabella Golf Club is known for its stunning location along the Bot River Lagoon and its challenging layout. Designed by Peter Matkovich, this course harmonizes perfectly with its surroundings and offers a risk-reward final hole. It’s one of the best golf courses in South Africa for players who enjoy a challenge with a view. 12. Hermanus Golf Club (Western Cape) Image credits: hgc.co.za This gem in one of South Africa’s most beautiful coastal towns offers a perfect mix of golf and nature. With views of the Indian Ocean and an enjoyable layout, Hermanus Golf Club is a top golf course in South Africa that shouldn’t be missed, especially during whale-watching season. 13. Wild Coast Sun (Eastern Cape) Image credits: kzn-southcoast.com Set along the rugged Eastern Cape coastline, Wild Coast Sun offers dramatic views and an exciting challenge for golfers. Its strategic layout and unpredictable winds make it one of the best golf courses in South Africa for those seeking a true test of their game. 14. Oubaai Golf Course (Western Cape) Image credits: oubaaihotels.com Designed by Ernie Els, Oubaai Golf Course is set along the Garden Route’s stunning coastline. With its challenging layout and beautiful coastal views, it’s one of the top golf courses in South Africa for golfers who enjoy a coastal golfing experience. 15. Elements Private Golf Reserve (Limpopo) Image credits: satop100courses.com Set in South Africa’s bushveld, Elements Private Golf Reserve offers a serene yet challenging experience. Designed by Peter Matkovich, the course seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings, providing a peaceful escape while challenging golfers of all levels. 16. Zimbali Country Club (KwaZulu-Natal) Image credits: zimbali.com Zimbali’s beautiful coastal setting and undulating hills make it a must-play for golf enthusiasts. Designed by Tom Weiskopf, the course is known for its exciting layout and stunning