From Kimberley Asah Netshivhale
South Africa is home to some of the world’s most beautiful golf courses. The country has a long history of producing some of the world’s best golfers and has hosted several major golf tournaments. Golf is a popular pastime leisure in South Africa due to its mild climate, stunning landscapes, and great course designs.
Golf was first played in South Africa in 1885 on Waterloo Green, Wynberg, near Cape Town. The country has produced 71 international golfers over the past 50 years, including top players such as Gary Player, Ernie Els, Louis Oosthuizen, and Charl Schwartzel and Retief Goosen. They are all celebrated golfers who have enjoyed immense success and continue to be popular figures. The country is now home to more than 400 golf courses, making it a popular destination for golfers from around the world.
There are a wide range of players of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced golfers. Golf courses are also popular with tourists and vacationers who come to South Africa to experience the country’s unique golf courses. For instance, the world-renowned St. Andrews Country Club in Johannesburg offers a challenging 18-hole course and is a popular destination for both local and international golfers.
The most impressive golf courses in South Africa are located on the Garden Route, Sun City, and in the Cape Winelands. The Garden Route is known for its picturesque greens, while the Sun City is more challenging. The Cape Winelands also offer challenging fairways and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. All three areas offer unique experiences and are great destinations for golfers and vacationers alike. For instance, the Fancourt Golf Course in the Garden Route is considered one of the best golf courses in the world, and its greens are surrounded by lush vegetation and spectacular views of the Indian Ocean.
Most courses have clubhouses, restaurants and other amenities for golfers to enjoy. With so many options, South Africa is an excellent place for golfers of all levels to enjoy a round of golf. Exploring the country’s golf courses is like embarking on a scavenger hunt, with each location offering a unique and exciting challenge to uncover. With different landscapes, clubs, and amenities, golfers can tailor their experience to their own preferences while still enjoying all that South Africa has to offer.
Green fees on these golf courses vary depending on the course and the membership type. The fees for non-members range from around R200 to R450 (approximately 10 – 25 USD) for a day, while memberships can start from around R400 and rise to R1000 (approximately 23 – 55 USD) depending on the type of membership. Generally, non-members have to pay more for green fees than members, as members receive discounted prices. The type of membership also determines the price, with more exclusive memberships costing more.
Recently, South African golfer Kyle McClatchie has made major headlines after becoming the first African golfer to win a prestigious European Tour event. McClatchie won the Tour’s Celtic Classic in Wales, making him the first South African to win a European Tour event since Ernie Els in 2004. McClatchie’s win is significant as it is a testament to the growth of South African golf over the years, with more and more South African players competing and succeeding in European tournaments. This has been backed up by other big wins this year, such as Brandon Stone and Graeme Storm both winning European Tour events. The win has also signified the talent of African golfers and is a major source of pride for South Africa.
