Arabella Golf Resort (Cape Overberg) Kleinmond Western Cape
Combination of Links & Parkland. (18 hole, par 72, 6,300m)
Sitting proudly amongst the Kogelberg mountains and overlooking the Bot Rivier Lagoon is the outstanding golf resort of Arabella. Just 25 km from Hermanus Golf, this golf complex is first class and voted amongst the top 10 courses in South Africa. The immaculate Kikuyu grass fairways lend themselves to golfers of all abilities. The fairways may be inviting. However, there are bunkers and water hazards strategically placed to remind the golfer that the course is in charge and will not be overwhelmed, whoever you may be. Lee Westwood, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Ernie Els, to name a few, have tried to tame the course and failed. Check out the 18th hole as it has a reputation throughout South Africa, and the par-five 8th hole is regarded as one of the most beautiful in the country. The resort has all the facilities you would expect from a top golfing venue. There is also plenty of suitable accommodation available in Kleinmond.
Fancourt Golf Estate (Garden Route) George.
Combination of Four courses. Three Parkland and One Links. (All championship 18 hole 72 par)
This can be classed as South Africa's most prestigious golf resort, with the Black Knight (Gary Player) designing and working on all courses. It boasts a luxury 5-star hotel and four quality championship courses, with three courses reserved for Hotel guests. They are the "Montagu", "Outeniqua", and the famous "Links", which Gary Player designed to emulate a typical Scottish links course. The links have hosted some prestigious golf tournaments over the years. In 2003 it held the Presidents Cup, in 2005 the South African Open, and in 2012 The Volvo Golf Champions European Tour. These three courses are stunning, with some great holes and fairways and spectacular features. If you are looking for a stress-free round of golf, then the fourth course at Fancourt could be a perfect choice. The "Bramble Hill" course is open to the public. Therefore, you are not required to be a hotel resident to play it. The course is 18 holes and challenging even to the most proficient golfers. There are similarities between the Bramble Hill Course and the "Links". They both have undulating fairways, raised greens, and the mandatory multitude of difficult hazards. Whichever course is played at the resort, you are guaranteed a round of golf to remember.
Sun City Resort (North West Province) Sun City.
Parkland Courses
Two courses at Sun City. "Lost City" & "Gary Player Country Club" (both 18 holes 72 par)
At the Sun City Resort, the Golf courses are designed by Gary Player and are part of the Sun City Complex. The "Gary Player Country Club" was built in an extinct volcanic crater and is regarded as one of the world's longest courses. It was recently voted South Africa's best golf course and is home to the "Million Dollar Challenge" sponsored by Nedbank, which competes with the best players in the world. The course is certainly challenging with many water features, with the most exciting hole being the spectacular 9th hole, the par-five island hole: a long, challenging course and a challenge for all.
The "Lost City" course should also be considered one of the best in the world. The course has spectacular views with many holes containing difficult water hazards built on rocky desert terrain. The course includes 28,000 square meters of water features, so caution should be taken when playing the 13th hole. This course will test all golfers. However, the experience gained will live in my memory for a long time.
Sun City is the place to go if you want a mixture of family holidays and golf. There are casinos, cinemas, Waterworld, variety shows, sports facilities, hotels, and restaurants within the complex. In addition, there is a game reserve in nearby Pilanesberg, making it possible to book a safari tour to observe the enchanting wildlife and surroundings.
Hermanus Golf Resort. (Cape Overberg) Western Cape
Parkland Course (27 holes, various distances, three courses)
Situated 120 Km west of Cape Town lies the small distinctive fishing village of Hermanus, home to the Whales who return annually (July – December) when it is calving season. If you time your visit to coincide with this event, it will surely impress. However, the Whales are not the only thing that will impress you in the quaint fishing village. It is home to a superb golfing facility, which has been improved by the renowned golf course architect Peter Matkovich who has added nine holes. The 27 holes, played as three separate courses, are breathtaking and challenge professional, mid-handicap, and high handicap players. The greens are always in perfect condition, with the fairways giving you an adrenalin rush as you anticipate your next stroke. Throw into this swirling wind, and you can understand exactly how this course delivers an enjoyable yet fantastic challenge to golfers of all standards. Club facilities are superb with an elegant bar, restaurant, halfway house, locker rooms with full facilities, pro-shop with practice facilities, golf buggy hire, trolley and club hire. To further enhance your South African golfing experience, graded caddies are also to assist you with their local knowledge of the courses. In addition, there are many top-class accommodation facilities close to the golf course to take your golfing trip to the next level.