The 'land of the rising sun' is an adventurer's paradise favoured by South Africans for its preserved and non-commercialised natural heritage.

It's also the ideal destination if you'd like to combine wildlife safaris and a good game of golf.

South Africa has an increasing number of courses where you can combine both pursuits, either close to Kruger National Park in the east of the country, or the Waterberg region north of Gauteng.

There are two courses which actually adjoin the Kruger Park and where animals -including the Big Five – flow on to the fairways.

They are Leopard Creek, the no. 1 course in South Africa, in the south and Hans Merensky in the north.

In the northwest you will find the grand Sun City resort, with two championship courses designed by Gary Player, the Gary Player Country Club and Lost City Golf Course, and an adjoining game reserve, while there are numerous courses to be found in the mining regions west of Gauteng.

These offer some hidden gems at great-value green fees.

Explore many other golf courses with these great packages

Leopard Creek Country Club

Private and exclusive course set in the Mpumalanga bushveld adjoining the southern border of the Kruger National Park. Spectacular Gary Player design, with holes bordering the Crocodile River. Wild animals can be found on the course, which annually hosts a major Sunshine Tour event.

Signature Hole: The par-five 13th is a challenging hole with a stream running down the left side of the fairway, but the striking beauty of the hole is the position of the green next to the Crocodile River.

Visitors Green Fees: Members only; Members Guests R350 (excl Saturday), R450 Saturday; Hotel & Lodge Residents R1500 to R1800 (dependent on accommodation)
Carts R200 (18 holes), R100 (9 holes)

Designer: Gary Player Design Company
Location: Malelane, Mpumalanga (013) 791 2000

Nelspruit Golf Course

Attractive bushveld course in Mpumalanga’s main centre, which has excellent views over the surrounding area. The course has a remarkable collection of different indigenous trees lining the fairways, plus some large kopjes. This is a Bob Grimsdell design upgraded by Peter Matkovich in the 1990’s

Signature Hole: The 14th is a downhill par 5 played from an elevated tee (with a wonderful view) to a wide but tree lined fairway.

Visitors green fees: Affiliated R205; Non-affiliated R270

Cart Fees: R150
Designer: Bob Grimsdell (1960’s), Peter Matkovich (1999)
Location: Nelspruit, Mpumalanga (013)  744 0952

Graceland Casino and Country Club

This is a modern Gary Player design in the industrial heartland of Mpumalanga, part of the Graceland Hotel and Casino resort, and an hour's drive from Johannesburg. It is an open, links type layout, a popular tournament venue that is a good challenge. In excellent condition all year round.

Signature Hole: The fourth is a par five where you twice have to carry a stream that winds around the hole, and a water hazard also guards the right of the green.

Visitors Green fees: Affiliated R125, Non Affiliated R150

Cart Fees: R140
Designer: Gary Player Design Co.
Location: Secunda, Mpumalanga (017) 620 1188

Sabi River Bungalows Golf Club

This is a fun tree-lined resort course at Hazyview close to the Kruger National park, popular with visitors, being relatively short to play, with some attractive water hazards.

It has an abundance of bird and wildlife on the course. The Sabi River borders the course and comes into play on four holes.

Signature Hole: The 17th is a daunting long par 4 where you need a good drive in order to attempt a tough second shot over a large dam, home to crocodiles and hippos, to a two-tired green.

Visitors Green Fees: Affiliated R200; Non-affiliated R325

Cart Fees: R180
Designer: Golf Data
Location: Hazyview, Mpumalanga (013) 737 7311

Skukuza Golf Club

Probably the most unique golf course in South Africa, this 9-holer is built inside the Kruger National Park, in remote bushveld near the Skukuza camp.

It used to be a private course for parks Board employees, but has been open to the public for the last few years. Its fun to play but the course is unfenced, so there is a good chance of seeing animals roaming the rough and the fairways. Best to consider including a game ranger in your fourball!

Visitors Green Fees: Affiliated R140; Non affiliated R210

Cart fees: R120
Location: Kruger National park, Mpumalanga (013) 735 5543


White River Country Club

This rural parkland course lies within an attractive and understated golf estate, close to schools, the city of Nelspruit and Kruger National park, while retaining a distinct country feel. Originally a 9-hole layout, it was extended to 18 holes more than 10 years ago when the estate was first developed.

Signature Hole: The seventh is an excellent par 5 which offers the chance of going for the green in two, but there is water along the way in the form of a lake.

Visitors Green fees: Affiliated R181; Non affiliated R201

Cart Fees: R145
Designer: Gary Player Design Co. (1974 nine holes); Golf Data (1993)
Location: White River, Mpumalanga (013) 751 3781

• Add new comment

Bookmark/Search this post with:

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•