All Square has planned the perfect itinerary for a golfing vacation to South Africa‘s stunning Garden Route region, home to some world class golf courses. We’ve also included some excellent accommodation options.
The Garden Route is a beautiful region on the country’s dramatic south coast. Let us take you on the golfing trip of a lifetime.
Suggested arrival airport: Cape Town International Airport
1. Arabella Country Estate
Getting there
Arabella Country Estate is just over an hours’ drive south-east from Cape Town International Airport near the small town of Kleinmond.
The golf course
The pristine golf course is rated by All Square as the fifth best in South Africa. Running alongside the banks of the Bot River lagoon and fringed by indigenous fynbos trees, it carefully respects nature. The layout cleverly stretches through rolling fairways, past deceptive bunkers and challenging water traps. The estate also has a fully stocked pro shop, a driving range, chipping green, putting green, halfway house, and a beautifully appointed clubhouse.
Suggested accommodation
Mariott African Pride Arabella Hotel and Spa: This four-star gem is located right next to the golf course. It has over 140 modern rooms, a luxurious spa, gym, tennis courts and a restaurant serving breakfast, dinner and cocktails. Room prices start at €240 per night.
The course here was constructed in 2006 on one of the most dramatic coastlines in the world. It has seven holes that hug the cliff sides and boast magnificent views of the ocean, cliffs and white waters. Four holes are played directly over the ocean. All Square rates it as the 16th best course in South Africa. Simply breathtaking.
Suggested accommodation
Pinnacle Point Estate: Stay & Play options will let you enjoy the peaceful, sea-view opulence as well as the golf. Options including Golf Lodges, Golf Villas, Fynbos Villas and Luxury Penthouses. Room prices start at around €240 per night.
3. Fancourt Golf Resort
Getting there
Fancourt Golf Resort is less than an hours’ drive north-east from Pinnacle Point, just outside the city of George.
The golf courses
There are three fantastic golf courses onsite. The Links is rated by All Square as the number one course in the whole of Africa. Montagu is rated as the fourth best in South Africa, while Outeniqua is rated the 22nd best. South African legend Gary Player cast his experience over all three course designs. The three courses represent an outstanding golf offering.
Suggested accommodation
Fancourt Hotel: Over 130 luxury rooms and suites, fantastic family facilities, a spa, a kids club and various restaurants will guarantee your enjoyment. Stay & Play packages over a few days will let you play all three golf courses. Room prices start at around €170 per night.
4. Pezula Championship Golf Course
Getting there
Pezula Championship Golf Course is less than a two hours’ drive east of Fancourt Golf Resort.
The golf course
The course is located in the picturesque town of Knysna, the jewel of the world famous Garden Route. This stunningly beautiful golf course is a sweeping spectacle of fairways and greens rolling through the pristine Southern Cape landscape. All Square rates it as the 13th best course in South Africa.
Suggested accommodation
Pezula Resort Hotel and Spa: Nestled at the eastern head of Knysna, this luxurious hotel has a luxury spa and stunning views overlooking the seaside. Room prices start at around €150 per night.
5. Cape St. Francis Bay Golf Club
Getting there
Cape St. Francis Bay Golf Club is just over a two hours’ drive east of Pezula Championship Golf Course.
The golf course
The course has been fashioned on an incredible piece of estate that overlooks the ocean that the pretty town of St Francis Bay is built up against. The par-71 seaside layout of moderate length combines both parkland and links styles and is therefore a varied challenge. Enjoy the sunny views.
Suggested accommodation
Cape St Francis Resort: Located in Francis Bay, this resort offers spacious one or two roomed apartments with balconies overlooking the garden or outdoor pool, family cottages in a garden setting as well as luxury beach villas. Prices start at around €70 per night.
Added extra
If you have more time, try Simola Golf and Country Estate, rated by All Square as the 18th best course in South Africa. It’s in a gorgeous location between Pinnacle Point and Fancourt and was designed by Jack Nicklaus. The course is part of the luxurious five-star Simola Hotel Country Club and Spa. Stunning place and well worth a visit.
Departing
Port Elizabeth Airport is just a two hours’ drive east from Cape St. Francis Bay Golf Club. Flights from there go to Cape Town International Airport.
Dreaming to have a golf trip to South Africa with your friends? Let us know the details:
