Six Gorgeous Golf Courses in the Western Cape

The Links Course at the Fancourt Resort, George
Image source: www.thelinks.fancourt.co.za

Unparalleled views, impeccably manicured and conditioned greens, challenging courses, and golfing estates that are also home to award-winning wineries, restaurants, spas, and hotels, these are some of Cape Town’s—and the Western Cape’s—best and most beautiful golf courses!

The Links Course, Fancourt Resort, George

Image source: www.thelinks.fancourt.co.za

“Fancourt Links fully justifies its status as the finest routing in South Africa. Gary Player’s design is truly exceptional and tests every aspect of the golfing repertoire. A course of the highest calibre.” – Keith Alexander (reviewer on www.top100golfcourses.com)

Designed by Gary Player, one of the greatest South African golfers to ever play the game, the Links course at the spectacular Fancourt resort in George was built with the classic Scottish links courses in mind. Since its opening in November 2000, the course has been offering players a unique and challenging golfing experience, earning it the # 1 position on www.top100golfcourses.com’s 100 top golf courses in the Western Cape.

Where: The Links, Montagu Street, Blanco, George
Web: www.thelinks.fancourt.co.za

Arabella Country Club, Kleinmond

Image source: www.arabellacountryestate.co.za/arabella-golf-course/

“It is a sheer pleasure to play Arabella: fast greens, course in immaculate condition, great lay-out, and spectacular views. Highly recommended.”
– Smeets (reviewer on www.top100golfcourses.com)

The Arabella Country Estate, complete with luxurious hotel and spa, is home to an 18-hole championship course that is perched on the edge of the Bot River Lagoon near Hermanus, where thousands of water birds have made their home. Peter Matkovich is the lauded golf architect behind the design of this course, which offers players a healthy challenge set against the stunning scenery of the Kogelberg Nature Reserve and Palmiet Mountain Range.

Where: R44, Arabella Country Estate, on the way to Kleinmond
Web: www.arabellacountryestate.co.za/arabella-golf-course/

Pearl Valley at Val de Vie Estate, Paarl

Image source: www.pearlvalley.co.za

“The Pearl Valley Jack Nicklaus Signature course is something special. I love how the layout keeps you interested for 18 holes and requires some great shot-making into the greens. The views of the Simonsberg and Drakenstein Mountain ranges are some of the best out there.”
– Damian Wrigley (reviewer on www.top100golfcourses.com)

Pearl Valley carries a reputation for being one of South Africa’s most beautiful golf courses, which was no design accident. Pearl Valley is a work of art by preeminent golf course designer Jack Nicklaus and, since 2006, has consistently landed a spot among the top 10 courses in South Africa by Golf Digest magazine. It has also been named the Western Cape’s best-conditioned golf course every year for several years in a row.

Where: R301, Wemmershoek Road, Paarl
Web: www.pearlvalley.co.za

Pinnacle Point Golf Estate, Mossel Bay

Image source: www.pinnaclepointestate.co.za/golf-club/

“It is easy to overlook Pinnacle Point with all the other great courses in the Western Cape but it is a must-visit! It is picturesque with sea views from almost every hole. The service is, of course, fantastic and if the wind blows, you are in for a tough day. The greens are wonderfully slopey.”
– Spencer Milton (reviewer on www.top100golfcourses.com)

Designed by golf architect Peter Matkovich and overlooking the Indian Ocean from its panoramic cliff-top position, the Pinnacle Point Golf Course is a unique and scenic masterpiece. The 18-hole golf course has a challenging layout that follows the contours of Mossel Bay’s dramatic landscape. Seven holes run parallel to the Indian Ocean and four are played quite exhilaratingly over ocean and cliff.

Where: 1 Pinnacle Point Road, Mossel Bay
Web: www.pinnaclepointestate.co.za/golf-club/

Steenberg Golf Estate, Constantia

Image source: www.steenberggolfclub.co.za

“Golf at Steenberg is a great experience and if you can add in a stay at the hotel too, you will not be disappointed! The golf club is situated in the Contantia Valley and has spectacular views all around with course conditioning very high.”
– Andy Newmarch (reviewer on www.top100golfcourses.com)

Set against the dramatic Constantiaberg Mountains and the 17th Century estate’s lush carpeting of vineyards, the Steenberg Golf Estate in the Constantia valley offers players an epically beautiful golfing experience. The course itself is technically challenging and varied, featuring a mix of wetlands, flats, parkland, and fynbos. And afterwards, there’s the promise of a glass (or bottle) of award-winning wine by Steenberg and breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the estate’s lauded restaurants, Tryn and Bistro Sixteen82.

Where: 1111 Tokai Road, Tokai, Cape Town
Web: www.steenberggolfclub.co.za

De Zalze Golf Club, Stellenbosch

Image source: www.dezalzegolf.com

“I was very anxious to play at De Zalze because it hosted the World Amateur in 2006 and I can say I was not disappointed. Not only is it a great golf course and very well-maintained but also has great golf holes and views of the mountain and winelands together.”
– Javier Pintos (reviewer on www.top100golfcourses.com)

Yet another masterpiece by prolific golf architect Peter Matkovich, the De Zalze course sprawls out in the heart of the Stellenbosch winelands, on the 750-acre Spier Estate, in the shadow of the Helderberg Mountains. This pleasant parklands-style course (played to a par of 72) was originally opened in 2001 and, in 2006, co-hosted the prestigious biennial World Amateur Championships. Nearby, De Kleine Zalze winery offers a fantastic watering hole to refresh and refuel.

Where: R44, De Zalze Golf Estate, Stellenbosch
Web: www.dezalzegolf.com/course-tour