The Garden Route runs along a scenic stretch of coastline beginning in Mossel Bay and ending in Port Elizabeth, (although we include Hermanus courses as well in our classifications). It is perennially green, making it a fantastic location for golf courses, with some of South Africa’s top rated courses, such as Arabella, along the route. Styles of courses are either parkland, using the natural lakes and rivers of the region, or dramatic coastal links courses that wind along the cliffs of the Indian Ocean.
The Garden Route is one of our most popular destinations for golf holidays in South Africa. Generally our guests choose to self-drive, starting from Cape Town and ending the trip in Port Elizabeth, roughly 800km along the coast. We recommend at least 10 days for the trip but 2 weeks is better, giving you more time to stop and enjoy the scenery and play the golf courses.
For many the highlight is a round on The Links course at Fancourt, which is currently ranked as the No.2 course in South Africa. However there are many other good courses which should not be over looked. We have listed the most popular but can advise on others that have not been included, such as Plettenberg Bay, George Golf Club and Kingswood.
We offer a wide choice of accommodation along the Garden Route, including ‘Bed and Breakfasts’ all the way up to luxury 5 star hotels. You tell us what you prefer and we can suggest places to suit. There are some small owner-run B&B places that we particularly like, some quite basic and then others that would fall into the more up-market ’boutique’ category. We would be happy to discuss your requirements and suggest something that we think is appropriate.
The Garden Route has the added bonus of safari game lodges close by, particularly towards the end at Port Elizabeth. It is possible to end your golf tour with a couple of nights on one of the private game reserves, such as Shamwari or Pumba.
All of the courses welcome visitors on golfing holidays in South Africa throughout the week. Sometimes it can be difficult to get a tee time over a weekend, but we have a good working relationship with the different clubs, and can generally get a booking. However for that reason we try to plan itineraries where the weekends are spent sight seeing to avoid when the courses are most busy.
Call us on +44 208 249 5919 if you would like a copy of our brochure or some advice about a South African golfing holiday. Our experts will be happy to help, or you can contact us here.
Reviews
A Garden Route Golf Itinerary is by far our most popular holiday destination. It is easy and safe to drive and the route can be broken with stays at different towns along the way where you can enjoy golf courses and sight seeing.Call Us
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Arabella Golf Club
Next to the Kogelberg Nature Reserve, the Arabella course has links, parkland and coastal aspects to it, with wide rangy fairways, deceptively placed bunkers, and the inevitable water hazards.
Fancourt Golf Club
Fancourt has established itself as the top golfing destination in South Africa and deservedly so. With 3 courses maintained to the highest possible standards, this is a golfer’s dream destination.
Hermanus Golf Club
Located close to the centre of Hermanus, this popular 27 hole Member’s golf club has magnificent views across Walker Bay and is nestled in the foothills of the Overberg Mountains.
Humewood Golf Club
Humewood Golf Course in Port Elizabeth is as close to a traditional links course as you will get in Africa. It is situated amongst the sand dunes along the shores of Algoa Bay, Port Elizabeth.
Oubaai Golf Club
A short drive from Fancourt and the town of George, is the Ernie Els collaboration, Oubaai Golf Club. It is a links style course with stunning panoramic views of the sea.
Pezula Golf Club
Pezula Golf Course is perched between the Knysna Lagoon and the Indian Ocean. The dramatic coastal scenery is matched by the breath-taking holes that wind along the cliffs.
Pinnacle Point Golf Club
One of the newest additions to the golf courses of the Garden Route, Pinnacle Point is a spectacular links course that winds along the cliffs just outside of Mossel Bay.
Simola Golf Club
Set high inland, Simola Golf Club, designed by Jack Nicklaus, offers stunning views across the Knysna lagoon. The layout is spread across two valleys and golf carts are included.
St Francis Links
The layout of St Francis Links encourages every element of shot making with its undulating terrain, greens and surrounds as well as its variation in length and direction.