Your Guide to Brilliant Golf in South Africa

This post is republished from a post by Latitude’s partner in South Africa, New Frontiers Tours who we will work with to provide you a comprehensive South African holiday

by Megan Hinton · 19 May 2020 New Frontiers Tours

South Africa is known as one of the top golfing destinations in the world due to both the abundance of championship golf courses and the wide variety of attractions away from the golf courses. Where else in the world could you enjoy a round of golf before enjoying a sunset cruise on the Knysna Lagoon, a trip up Table Mountain or a wine tasting in the Cape Winelands? Many of the properties detailed below do offer golfing packages on a 'by request' basis and the team at New Frontiers Tours is able to assist with pre-booking tee off times and golf cart hire which can usually be either pre-paid or settled directly. We would suggest booking a larger vehicle type for both those wishing to self-drive and for transfers while it is also important to check the checked baggage policy regarding golf bags for any flight bookings.

St Francis Links, St Francis Bay Voted as the Best New Course in South Africa for 2007 and consistently ranked as one of the top 10 courses in South Africa, ST Francis Links is a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course. The Links surpasses every expectation and is not to be missed on a golfing holiday itinerary. Age-old golfing traditions are combined with modern facilities and a challenging course, pristine natural surrounds and superb personal service combine to create a memorable golfing experience. Where to stay: · The Sands @ St Francis · On the Beach Guest House

Leopard Creek Innovative architectural and landscaping techniques ensure that the Leopard Creek golf course and living areas are naturally protected from animals, while lakes and small streams have been diverted through the development to create scenic vistas and interesting golf strategies. Golfing hazards take on a new dimension at Leopard Creek, for much of the water is home to the magnificent creatures for which the river is named, crocodiles. Extensive use has been made of water features and sightings of crocodile, hippo, antelope, buffalo and elephant are commonplace, on the course or in the Kruger Park bordering the course. The 505-meter par-five 13th is one of Leopard Creek's most memorable holes. Here the green is right on the edge of the Crocodile river but 32 meters above the level of the water, offering magnificent views up the river and into the Kruger Park. Gary Player is especially proud of the par-five 18th with its island green and the par-four 9th with its peninsula green jutting out of the same body of water. Where to stay: Leopard Creek allows limited booking through selected lodges in the area including · Jock Safari Lodge (22 kilometres from Leopard Creek and located in the Kruger National Park) · Olivers (a 45-minute drive from Leopard Creek and located in White River) · Lion Sands Tinga Lodge (2 hours drive from Leopard Creek and in the Kruger National Park) · Lion Sands, Londolozi, Sabi, Leopard Hills and Singita (all approximately 3 hours drive) Rovos Rail Enjoy a unique nine-day golfing safari while you journey aboard the Rovos Rail. This special itinerary departs from, and returns to, Pretoria and includes golf at Sun City, Champagne Sports Resort in the Natal Drakensberg, a round at one of Durban's renowned courses, the Royal Swazi Sun in Swaziland and a round at either Leopard Creek, Nelspruit or White River before returning to Pretoria. Those guests not wishing to play golf are able to enjoy a full itinerary including game drives in the Kruger National Park, the Hluhluwe Game Park and Mkhaya Reserve in Swaziland. Other highlights for non golfers include a lecture about the Spionkop Battlefield and a visit to the gorgeous Botanical Gardens in Durban. Combined with the luxury and world class hospitality of the Rovos Rail, this is an unforgettable journey.