When it comes to planning your dream vacation, it's natural to seek a destination that offers the best bang for your buck. South Africa, often referred to as the "Rainbow Nation," is a country that perfectly fits this bill. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and diverse wildlife, South Africa is not only a top-notch travel destination but also one of the best value-for-money destinations in the world. In this blog, we'll...
Golfing Paradise on the Garden Route
Posted on Fri August 2, 2024.
Our in-house golf specialist has played every single golf course along the Garden Route and this is what she has to say about these local (and international) favourites! Of course, many of them require a few extra golf balls but instead of worrying about your score, whip out your camera every few minutes to take photos of the breathtaking vistas.
Join us on a virtual golf trip across the Garden Route as we explore some of the most spectacular courses, including Simola, Pezula, Fancourt, George Country Club, Kingswood, Plettenberg Bay, Goose Valley, and Pinnacle Point.
1. Simola Golf and Country Estate - Knysna
Our golfing journey begins at Simola Golf and Country Estate (FYI: Adrienne’s favourite course in the whole of South Africa), a masterpiece designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus. This 18-hole course offers awe-inspiring views of the Knysna Heads and the surrounding forests. With its rolling fairways and strategically placed bunkers, it's a challenging yet rewarding experience that captures the natural beauty of the Garden Route.
2. Pezula Championship Golf Course - Knysna
Located just a stone's throw away from Simola, Pezula Championship Golf Course offers a thrilling golf experience with breathtaking coastal views. The course weaves through indigenous forests and fynbos, creating a serene and challenging environment for golfers. It's no wonder that Pezula is consistently ranked as one of the top courses in South Africa.
3. Fancourt - George
One can’t claim to have played golf in the Garden Route unless they’ve visited Fancourt. This renowned estate offers three exceptional courses: Montagu, Outeniqua, and The Links. The Links, designed by Gary Player, is a masterpiece that has consistently earned its place among the top golf courses in the country. The fairways wind through rolling hills and lush landscapes, offering golfers a challenging yet rewarding game. A top tip is to book a spa treatment after each game and make full use of the sauna, cold pools and indoor heated pool to get rid of any niggly shoulders or necks in preparation for your next round.
4. George Golf Club - George
A short drive from Fancourt, you'll find George Golf Club, a classic parkland course that has been a part of South African golf history since 1886. Surrounded by the Outeniqua Mountains, the course features narrow fairways, undulating greens, and a beautiful setting, making it a must-play course for golf enthusiasts. Adrienne has played many amateur tournaments here so if you need any tips please do pop her an email before your visit.
5. Kingswood Golf Estate - George
Kingswood Golf Estate is a relative newcomer to the Garden Route's golfing scene but has quickly gained a reputation for its immaculate course and stunning views. Designed by Danie Obermeyer, this 18-hole championship course offers a blend of challenges and rewards as it winds through rolling terrain. Beware that the bunkers here are deep and plentiful, so practice your bunker shots when warming up for your round.
6. Plettenberg Bay Golf Club - Plettenberg Bay
Mmmm, a hidden gem and a very fun course to play! This local and well-supported golf club offers a picturesque 18-hole course with ocean views that are nothing short of spectacular. The mix of coastal winds and challenging terrain makes this course a delightful yet demanding experience.
7. Goose Valley Golf Club - Plettenberg Bay
Located in the heart of the Garden Route, Goose Valley Golf Club is another gem that golf enthusiasts must explore. The Gary Player-designed course features lush fairways, water hazards, and awe-inspiring mountain views, providing a golfing adventure that combines both beauty and challenge. A local tip when playing on a Friday would be to pop over the road for dinner and feast on a delicious pizza at Emily Moon’s Simon’s Bar.
8. Pinnacle Point Golf Estate - Mossel Bay
Our journey concludes at the magnificent Pinnacle Point Golf Estate in Mossel Bay en-route back to Cape Town. Perched on the cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean, this course offers dramatic views and a challenging layout that makes it one of South Africa's premier golfing destinations. It's no wonder that it's often referred to as the "Pebble Beach of Africa." One can also see why we suggested packing extra golf balls, apparently one player lost 10 balls on the one Par-3 during a medal round a few years ago…
All that’s left now is to pack your A-game, your clubs and sunblock, and let us handle all the details, accommodation and tee off times to create an unforgettable golfing adventure, where each round promises not only a challenging game but also an opportunity to soak in the region's incredible scenery.
Further Reading
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