Other Top Course to Consider in the Western Cape

Top 100 Golf Courses of South Africa 2024  The first chart that we produced for South Africa was a Top 50 back in 2008. We then doubled the number of courses to a hundred in the following iteration of the listings and this now is the sixth edition of our Top 100 rankings for the Rainbow Nation. In this revision, forty-seven courses move up, forty-three drop down, six remain in the same place and four drop out, replaced by four newcomers. Don’t forget, our coverage also extends down to provincial level so we have a total of 140 courses featured across nine geographical regions within the country. Let’s crack on right away and look at some of the highlights from the top down. Fancourt  The Links course at Fancourt was our South Africa #1 from 2016 to 2021 before it was usurped by the Country Club course at Durban Country Club but it regains the top spot once again, moving up one place from the runner-up position. Host venue for the Presidents Cup in 2003, this wonderful Gary Player layout is regarded as one of the Black Knight’s finest designs. Just a couple of months ago a reviewer wrote: “the course is visually outstanding, the only hole you see is the one you are playing…some of the championship tees are not for the faint hearted and not even offered for play to mere mortals, although maintained meticulously… a good experience and solid golf course.” The Montagu course at Fancourt rises an impressive eight places to #4, its highest ever position in the national standings. This track was part of the original 27-hole layout at Fancourt which David McLay Kidd then upgraded in 2005. Further modifications were made six years ago, when all the greens were resurfaced with bent grass as part of the improvement programme. The reviewer above also made the following comments: “the course is a strong parkland layout, certainly not a resort style of carefree golf, it demands the highest amount of concentration in order navigate, and continue momentum in the round… some really astounding par 3 holes throughout the layout, surrounded by water.” Pearl Valley Soaring nine places to #5, the 18-hole layout at Pearl Valley in the Cape Winelands region is a Jack Nicklaus production which was unveiled to the golfing world twenty years ago. Host venue for three editions of the South Africa Open between 2007 and 2009, the course was the second of six Nicklaus Signature designs that have opened in South Africa. Blair Atholl The Blair Atholl Golf & Equestrian Estate outside Johannesburg was Gary Player’s home for many years before the property was transformed into a residential development. The course that Gary designed returns to our elite Top 10 for the first time since 2014 (rising five to #10) with a reviewer last year describing it as “a long, stern test of golf” – and as it measures 7,500 metres from the back tees, we rather concur with that assessment! Champagne Sports The course at the Champagne Sports Resort in Central Drakensberg climbs twenty-one places to #28 in the new national chart. Hugh Baiocchi, the 1978 South African Open champion, designed the layout which debuted in the late 1990s, with the late architect Alasdair McLeod and club stalwart Trevor Livesey (who still serves the club) overseeing construction of the holes. Bryanston The elegant, well-tended 18-hole parkland layout at Bryanston Country Club in Sandton advances twenty-four places to #30. It’s a C.H. Alison design from the late 1940s – after the architect and his wife relocated from England to South Africa – with greens revamped by Rob O’Friel at the start of the new millennium to heighten the level of challenge.  Steenberg Progressing twenty-two spots to #40, the course at Steenberg Golf Club outside Cape Town is a mid-1990s Peter Matkovich composition that recently hosted its first major tournaments when it staged the 2022 and 2023 editions of the South Africa Women’s Open. The golfing amenities on the property are complemented by a luxury boutique hotel, restaurants and a wine estate. Dainfern The largest upward move in our new SA standings is made by the Gary Player-designed course on the Dainfern Golf Estate in Sandton (up an incredible thirty-seven spots to #53) which is actually a revamped version of the original Fourways layout. The Jukskei River comes into play on several holes, with the par five 8th crossing this water hazard twice from tee to green. Paarl Moving up twenty-one rungs on the ladder to #71, the River and Paarl nines at Paarl Golf Club form the premier 18-hole course at a 27-hole facility which lies less than an hour’s drive east of Cape Town. Set within the Boschenmeer residential estate, the course is a 1990s David Frost redesign (along with architect Danie Obermeyer) and many of local hero Frost’s trophies are on display in the clubhouse. Parys Up twenty-three to #74, the course at Parys Golf & Country Estate in Free State province is a design from South African golfing great Cobie Le Grange and the late Douw van der Merwe. Routed in an old-fashioned out-and-back style, the layout lies on an island in the Vaal River, where players reach the tree-lined fairways via an old suspension bridge built in 1918. Mount Edgecombe The highest of four new entries arrives at #85 and it’s The Lakes course at Mount Edgecombe Country Club outside Durban. The Woods 18-hole layout – predating The Lakes by some 60 years – is the higher ranked course at this 36-hole facility but the younger course has more interesting topography with elevation changes and the large Pani Dam in the middle of the layout. The Lakes staged both the SA Men’s Amateur Strokeplay and SA Women’s Amateur events at the club last year. The other three chart newcomers are Kambaku [#90], Katberg [#94] and Waterkloof [#96]. The four layouts dropping out of the SA listings [with previous national ranking in brackets] are as follows: Durban (Country Club) – currently closed for renovation [#1], Durban (Beachwood) [#47], Worcester [#95] and Huddle Park [#100]. Click the following link to see the newly updated national rankings for South Africa. If you have any comment to make on the above article then please use the “WRITE A RESPONSE” link at the bottom of this page. Jim McCann Editor Top 100 Golf Courses

Top 100 Golf Courses of South Africa 2021 We’ve been ranking courses in South Africa for more than a decade now and this is the 6th edition of our listings for the Rainbow Nation. We expanded our coverage to a Top 100 in 2012 and have since added provincial subdivisions across nine geographical regions within the country which now allows us to feature an additional forty layouts that miss out on a position in the national chart. Our valued correspondent Stuart McLean, who for many years operated the SA Golf Digest Top 100 when he was editor of the magazine, assists with our efforts to showcase the best golfing tracks in his homeland and we’re grateful for his continued support. Stuart, and others around the country, keeps us up to date with developments that might not get reported in the mainstream media. And so, without any more of a preamble, it’s time to take a look at our latest chart for South Africa, where 46 courses move up, 41 fall down, 5 remain as they were and 8 new entries replace the same number of drop outs. A few of the upward moves are spectacular and we’ll take a closer look at them later but first let’s salute our new #1 which takes over the top spot from the Links at Fancourt. Rising one position to No.1, the Country Club course at Durban Country Club has previously been ranked in our World Top 100 so we’ve no doubts about the merits of it being named South Africa's leading golf venue for the first time. At the end of next year, it’ll be exactly 100 years since the course was first set out by leading professionals George Waterman and Laurie Waters so it has truly stood the test of time. Durban Country Club - Country Club course Recent favourable review comments for the Country Club course include “this is a great club to visit… the facilities are pretty near perfect… the course is tough but fair, with a great variety of holes… there are undulations that create interest and give a bit of an added dimension… hit it straight and hope the wind isn’t howling… can’t wait to go back!” Six other courses move upwards in the Top 10, and the most impressive of these advances is made by St Francis Links, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course that first opened for play in 2007, which rises three places to #4. The holes are laid out within a stretch of dunes that runs for kilometres along the coast, with fairways playing to wonderfully contoured greens complexes and beautiful bent grass playing surfaces. Links purists might frown at the water hazards on the property but these are entirely natural, due to the Sand River flowing through the property. St Francis Links The other big mover in the upper echelons of the chart is the course at Sishen Golf Club in the mining town of Kathu in Northern Cape, which climbs seven spots to #17 to reverse a fall of seven when we last revised the chart. Laid out within a massive Camelthorn forest on the southern edge of the Kalahari Desert, the course was one of the last designs of Bob Grimsdell in the late 1970s when he was in his 80s. It’s quite a remote place to visit but well worth the effort to get there to play such a unique track. Sishen Golf Club Three 18-hole layouts make prodigious strides forward to enter the top half of the standings. The first member of this trio is the Rocklands course at the Country Club of Johannesburg (up thirty-one spots to #30), host venue for the South African Amateur championship in 2013. Fred Hawtree designed 27 holes for the club in the late 1960s, with eighteen of them designated as the Woodmead course. Fred’s son Martin then added nine holes to his father’s “spare” 9-hole layout in the early 1990s to fashion the Rocklands course and Sean Quinn from Golf Data subsequently upgraded the bunkers and the greens in the new millennium. Country Club of Johannesburg - Rocklands course At #31, only one position lower in the chart, the course at Pretoria Country Club soars twenty-six places to its new slot in the standings. The Tshwane Open was played here as a co-sanctioned tournament on the Sunshine Tour and European Tour from 2015 to 2018 and the bent grass greens on all the holes have since been restored. It was described by a reviewer a while back as “a beautiful Old Lady – ‘old’ because it is from 1910, and ‘lady’ because there are no straight lines or sharp corners.” Pretoria Country Club Occupying the next rung on the ladder at #32, the course at Clovelly Country Club in Cape Town also leaps ahead with a twenty-place surge. The club dates back to the early 1930s, when Charles Molteno Murray laid out the course for the two owners who’d purchased what was formerly the “Klein Tuin” farm. A reviewer concluded his post after playing here a few months ago by writing: “given the views, the wind, the peacocks, the colour and contrast of the surrounds, this is one course you’ll never get bored of playing.” Clovelly Country Club There are also several significant climbers in the bottom half of the table. The 18-hole layout at Killarney Country Club (up seventeen to #57) is the only Robert Trent Jones-designed course in South Africa. The club was about to lose a large portion of its property in the late 1960s due to the routing of the M1 motorway through Johannesburg so the architect was flown in from America to redesign the eighteen holes. Apparently, he charged the club less than his usual fee on the understanding that other design work would materialize for him but this never happened. Killarney Country Club Mbombela Golf Club (up eighteen to #58) was formerly known as Nelspruit up until 2017, when the club changed its title to reflect the renaming of the city eight years earlier. The course dates back to 1939, when Bob Grimsdell planned eighteen holes for the local municipal authority and charged a mere £37 for his efforts. Nine holes were built by 1943 but it took another twenty-five years before the full course was brought into play. Peter Matkovich then upgraded the layout in the late 1990s when the property was redeveloped for residential purposes. Mbombela Golf Club The course at St Francis Bay Golf Club (up twenty-four to #75) was doubled in size to its current eighteen holes in the late 1990s, with all the upgrade work financed by members who injected capital into the project by purchasing life memberships. The course continues to thrive, two decades on, with a reviewer at the end of last year calling it “a fun course to play… in decent condition and good bent grass greens… quite a short course with some interest and intriguing holes… perfect for fun holiday golf.” St Francis Bay Golf Club Centurion Country Club (up nineteen to #79) boasts a Peter Matkovich design from the late 1990s as part of a large golf estate between Sandton and Pretoria, with water coming into play on more than half the holes. The club decided to re-sequence the closing holes on both nines a couple of years ago so the old 8th and 9th are now the 17th and 18th, which makes for an exciting finish with an island green on the new penultimate hole and a risk-reward short par four for the home hole. There are eight new entries in the listings, led by Goldfields West Golf Club at #76. It’s yet another design from the prolific Bob Grimsdell, who set out the course for the local mine in the late 1940s. With holes routed around a nature reserve, not a lot has changed here in more than seventy years. The property was bought by long-time club member Hans Vierra recently and he has provided much-needed investment for both the clubhouse and the course. To view the complete detailed list of our latest Top 100 Golf Courses of South Africa click the link. Jim McCann Editor Top 100 Golf Courses

Other Courses Nearby Golf in South Africa is a celebrated affair, thanks to the country's stunning landscapes and excellent weather, making it a prime destination for golf enthusiasts. Among the top courses that stand out for their design, history, and unique challenges are Blair Atholl, Glendower, The River Club, Royal Johannesburg & Kensington (East), and Steyn City. Here is an introduction and a brief overview of each of these prestigious courses: Blair Atholl Golf Course Nestled in the serene landscape near Johannesburg, Blair Atholl Golf Course is a testament to luxury and challenge in golf. Designed by Gary Player, one of South Africa’s most famous golf icons, the course spans over 7,500 yards. Known for its lengthy play and the integration of natural features such as rivers and lakes, Blair Atholl combines beauty with the rigor of the sport. It's a private estate that exudes exclusivity and offers a tranquil escape with picturesque views at every turn. Glendower Golf Club Located in the heart of Edenvale, Glendower Golf Club is a classic parkland course known for its meticulous maintenance and historical significance. It was established in the early 1930s and has since hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including the South African Open. The course features well-placed bunkers and challenging water hazards, requiring precision and strategic play. The lush, rolling fairways and mature trees make it a visually appealing course as well. The River Club The River Club in Sandton is not just a golf club but a reimagined lifestyle complex. While it's more known for its high-profile corporate and social gatherings, the golf course itself offers a unique experience. It’s recently been redesigned to incorporate modern golfing trends while maintaining its classic charm. The River Club remains an exclusive venue, focusing on privacy and high standards of service. Royal Johannesburg & Kensington (East) The Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club is one of the most prestigious golf clubs in South Africa, with a rich history dating back to 1890. The East Course is particularly renowned, regularly hosting the Joburg Open as part of both the PGA European Tour and Sunshine Tour. This course is characterised by its challenging layout, with long fairways, deep bunkers, and the infamous stretch known as the "East Beast". Its history and the quality of play make it a revered course among both local and international golfers. Steyn City Steyn City Parkland Residence is not only a luxury residential estate but also home to a magnificent golf course designed by the celebrated golfer, Jack Nicklaus. This course is famous for its beautiful landscaping and innovative design that respects the natural environment. It offers a challenging yet enjoyable game for golfers of all levels, with water features and strategic bunkering enhancing both the difficulty and the aesthetic appeal of the course. These courses not only highlight the variety and depth of golfing experiences available in South Africa but also underscore the country’s love for the sport, blending challenging gameplay with stunning environments. Find out more about travel to playModderfontein Golf Club Why not register today to be the 1st to Receive World Rankings releases for 2024. Lockhart Travel Club Concierge Services FAQ What is the Lockhart Travel Club? Lockhart Travel Club is dedicated to offering its members unique opportunities for world-class golf exploration and adventure. It connects members with like-minded individuals worldwide, aiming to fulfil their desire to play at the best golf courses globally. The club originated from Robert Lockhart's passion, a Scotsman who introduced golf to America in the late 19th century, and it continues to embody his spirit of golf travel​ (Lockhart Travel Club)​. Who are the members of the Lockhart Travel Club? Members are individuals from some of the world's greatest clubs, sharing a common passion for golf and adventure. The club welcomes golfers eager to travel, play, and check off their bucket list of courses. They are driven by the opportunity to see and play the best courses worldwide, taking advantage of the club's network​. What kind of experiences does Lockhart Travel Club offer? In 2023, the club provided opportunities to play in various top-ranked courses and locations, including the Sand Hills of Nebraska and Colorado, the best of Japan and Korea, the English Heathlands, the classic courses of France, and the best of New Zealand’s North Island. The 2024 schedule promises unique experiences in 19 different countries, including Thailand & China, Brazil, South Africa, the Northeast USA, and Australia​. How do I join Lockhart Travel Club? Interested individuals can inquire about membership by contacting the club directly via their official email. The club values connections among golf enthusiasts and strives to plan unique, unforgettable opportunities for its members throughout the year​. For more detailed inquiries or to apply for membership, please refer directly to the Lockhart Travel Club's official website or contact their membership services. Lockhart Travel Club About Us: Learn more about the club Top 100 Golf Courses - Lockhart Travel Club: Explore member experiences and trips.