South Africa is home to some seriously world-class golf courses. And if you’re in it for more than the occasional round, you’ll know this isn’t just a hobby. It’s a lifestyle. Early tee times, chasing better scores, and always thinking about the next round.
We’ve seen the obsession firsthand. The early mornings, the near-miss birdies, the stories told over the 19th hole. So we went straight to the source. The players who live and breathe the game.
We surveyed 150 golfers, asking a range of questions to get a real sense of where they love to play and why. In total, 121 courses were mentioned. Safe to say, South Africa’s fairways are well covered.
If you’re here, you’re probably looking for your next round, (or maybe tempted to upgrade your golf kit)? Instead of sending you down a rabbit hole of options, we’ve done the course management for you. Whether you’re chasing a bucket-list layout, a scenic stroll, or a proper test of your handicap, we’ve broken it down to help you pick your next tee-off.
Best Holiday Golf Courses
Golf can often feel like something you squeeze into a weekend. Early tee time, quick round, back before lunch.
But it doesn’t have to be. Why not turn it into something the whole family can get behind?
For those looking to make more of a trip out of it, we’ve pulled together a few courses that come up as top-tier holiday destinations. The kind of places where golf is just one part of a much bigger experience.
1. Fancourt
Coming in at number one, Fancourt stands out as the ultimate golf getaway. With three world-class courses, The Links, Montagu, and Outeniqua, each with its own look and feel, you get three completely different rounds in one destination. Add in on-site accommodation, a top-tier clubhouse, and everything you need within the estate, and it’s easy to see why it’s a favourite. Set along the Garden Route, it’s the kind of place where you settle in for a few days and just play.
Some golfers describe it as a pure golf resort, while others highlight how well it pairs with exploring the wider Knysna area for a full holiday experience.
2. Highland Gate Golfing Estate
At number 2, Highland Gate is another strong contender for a golf-focused escape. Tucked away in the mountains, only 2 and a half hours from Jo’burg, it offers a full package. Great course conditions, comfortable accommodation, and an all-inclusive feel that makes planning easy. It’s the kind of place where you arrive, unpack your clubs, and everything else is taken care of.
3. Simola Golf and Country Estate
Third on the list, we have Simola bringing together a beautiful course and a well-rounded holiday setting. Golfers love the variety, both on the course and off it. With five-star Simola Hotel Country Club and Spa, you’re playing on a gorgeous course and ending the day off with a massage (if that’s your kind of thing). The views don’t hurt either, with Knysna’s natural beauty showing up on almost every hole.
4. St Francis
Rounding out the top four holiday courses, according to you, is St Francis Links offering a full lifestyle destination. Think morning golf, afternoon surf, and easy access to nearby spots like Plettenberg Bay and Gqeberha. Set in a vibrant Eastern Cape town, it’s perfect for those who want to balance time on the course with everything else a coastal holiday has to offer.
Value For Money
Let’s be honest, golf isn’t exactly a low-cost game. Between the clubs, the gear, the outfits, and everything in between, the spend can add up quickly. That’s why finding a course that delivers real value makes all the difference.
At Float, we’re all about spending smart and getting more out of every round. These courses strike that balance. Great conditions, solid layouts, and an experience that feels worth every rand. Because sometimes it’s not about playing the most expensive course. It’s about walking off the 18th knowing you played a great round and got your money’s worth
1. Hermanus Golf Club
Hermanus Golf Club was the most mentioned in this category offering serious value without compromising on quality. Set against a mountain backdrop, it delivers a scenic round that feels far more premium than its price point suggests. The course stays in pristine condition for most of the year, and the layout keeps you on your toes. Tight fairways, and tricky tee shots.
It’s especially popular with students thanks to its affordability, but the experience holds up for any level of player. Add in a solid halfway house and good food, and it’s easy to see why it stands out.
2. Clovelly Golf Club
Clovelly Golf Club holds second place here, being well priced, consistently maintained and offering a round that’s enjoyable without being overly tricky. Not too hard, not too easy. Just a good, quality course you’ll want to come back to.
It’s a favourite among all kinds of players with its affordable membership. Even the clubhouse, bar, and restaurant keep things reasonably priced, making it a great all-round day out.
3. Stellenbosch Golf Course
For Cape Town-based players, Stellenbosch Golf Course hits the sweet spot, coming in at third place. Close enough for an easy day trip, but still delivers on both course quality and overall experience.
It’s known for offering strong value across the board, from membership fees to green fees. The course stays in great condition, the practice facilities are consistently open, and the clubhouse keeps things simple and affordable.
If you’re looking for a reliable round that doesn’t break the bank, Stellenbosch is an easy choice.
Ultimate Favourites
Out of the 121 courses mentioned, a few clearly rose above the rest. These are the ones that kept coming up. The courses players go back to, talk about, and recommend without hesitation. So, we narrowed it down to the top 5. The standout favourites that truly deliver, from first tee to final putt.
1. Leopard Creek
The absolute top spot, with the most mentions, goes to Leopard Creek! Designed by Gary Player, this course sits on the edge of Kruger National Park, offering one of the most unique golfing experiences in the country.
Here, the game meets the wild. With the Crocodile River running alongside parts of the course, it’s not uncommon to spot elephants, crocodiles, and other wildlife mid-round. But it’s not just about the setting. The course itself is immaculate and undoubtedly world-class.
2. Fancourt (Montagu Course)
Out of all the Fancourt courses, the Montague course came up as the ultimate fan-favourite, even with a world-renowned reputation as one of the best 18-hole parkland courses, it secured second place here. With beautiful scenery, perfectly maintained fairways, every detail is thought-out. It’s polished, consistent, and always memorable.
3. Arabella Golf Course
Arabella Golf Course consistently ranks as one of the most scenic and well-maintained courses in the country, placing it third in the Ultimate Favourite lineup. Set between mountains and ocean, the views are truly striking.
It’s premium golf, done properly. Immaculate fairways, true greens, and some of the best views you’ll find anywhere in South Africa.
Honourable Mentions
To hear it straight from the players, we asked them which course or specific hole deserves an honourable mention, and why. Here are some of the standout answers:
- “My home course growing up was De Zalze, and the signature 13th is an iconic, drivable par 4 with water running alongside you the entire way. It’s always a tricky call. Play it safe with a lay-up or go for it and take on the carry.” – De Zalze Golf Club, 13th Hole.
- “The par 3 8th at Zebula haunts me every time. I’ve played it almost ten times and it still gets in my head. It feels like my ball is magnetised to the lilies in the pond, and the slope on the green doesn’t make things any easier.” – Zebula Golf Estate, 8th Hole.
- “Stroke 1 at Arabella is seriously intimidating. The tee shot demands your full attention, with out of bounds, bunkers, and water all in play right from the start.” – Arabella Golf Club, 1st Hole.
- “The 5th at Zimbali is a beautiful par 3. Elevated tee, incredible views over the KZN coastline, and a shot that looks as good as it feels when you hit it right.” – Zimbali Country Club, 5th Hole.
- “The 18th at St Francis Links is a proper test. A brutal tee shot from up high with water to carry on the left and fynbos waiting on the right. Then you’re into a long uphill approach to a tricky green that punishes anything slightly off.” – St Francis Links, 18th Hole.
Where are you teeing off next?
Wherever your next round takes you, South Africa has no shortage of incredible courses to explore. From bucket-list layouts to hidden gems, it’s all about finding the ones that suit your game and making the most of every round.
To play the part, you have to look the part, and with Float, you don’t have to overthink the cost of getting what you need. Float gives your credit (and you) room to breathe by splitting any credit card purchase into interest-free monthly instalments, using the credit card you already have.
P.S. We’ve partnered with The Pro Shop to bring you everything you need, without the once-off hit. Gear up now, play on your own time, not your credit card’s.