For serious golfers Southern Africa has a host of world-renowned courses that are open throughout the year. The year-round sunny climate, glorious scenery, low costs and welcoming clubhouses make it an ideal destination for golfers. Golf holidays in Southern Africa combine all the sophistication players might expect from courses in Europe and North America—with that African magic not found elsewhere in the world!

Almost all are set in breathtaking landscapes: the rough could be the beach, an open savannah, subtropical forest, a parched desert or set against the grandeur of magnificent mountain ranges. Most courses are close to attractions such as national parks or interesting resorts so it’s easy to  mix and match golfing with other activities.

GOLF IN SOUTH AFRICA...

Best known courses in Northwest Province are to be found at Sun City and the adjoining Palace at the Lost City. The Gary Player Country Club, which hosts the annual "Million Dollar Challenge," one of the worlds richest tournaments, is surrounded by the rugged scenery of the African bush. The course at the nearby Palace at the Lost City has some even more unusual challenges—resident crocodiles in the water hazard at the 13th hole. At the resort of Sun City the Pilanesberg National Park is literally on the doorstep. 

In the Western Cape, the main golf season is during the South African summer months from December to April. In the winter, the direction and severity of the notorious Cape winds will only add to the challenge—although it seldom gets very cold and some days can be calm and wind free. The courses are lush and green year round, very scenic, and often surrounded by mountains. In the Cape there are the winelands and the vibrant city of Cape Town to explore, while the courses on the Garden Route are close to almost deserted beaches or the lush Tsitsikamma forest. Along the Garden Route, golfers will find some of the country's most graceful and charming country hotels, again set in picturesque surroundings.

KwaZulu-Natal boasts some of the finest hotels and golf courses in the country—and its south coast is sometimes referred to as the Golf Coast. Many of the courses are of championship standard, playing host to international events from November to March. However, due to the semi-tropical climate, visiting golfers may find the weather more pleasant in the cooler months from May to September. During January and February it can be hot and humid. Beaches are also a draw for those playing in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. The dramatic mountain scenery of the Drakensberg is another attraction, as are the game reserves in Zululand. 

The golf courses of Mpumalanga and Northern Province are known for their striking natural beauty, with their characteristic flora of thorntree, bougainvillea and acacias. This is Big Game Country and it is not unusual to see wildlife crossing the fairways! At the bushveld courses—like Sabi, Hans Merensky and Malelane—you'll see warthogs, monkeys or even antelope invade the greens. So be sure to pack your camera. The Kruger National Park, the private game reserves on its borders and gracious country house hotels are within reach of the courses in these areas. 

The leafy suburbs of Johannesburg and Pretoria in Gauteng Province have a surprise in store for keen golfers—whether on business or leisure—a selection of world class courses...all of championship standard. Several belong to country clubs with long and distinguished pedigrees. 

The Free State and the Northern Cape also boast some excellent courses, particularly around their respective capitals of Bloemfontein and Kimberley. Specialist golf tour operators have helped open up the market to international golfers, with packages tailored to their demands—while offering sightseeing options for their non-golfing partners. Most courses are located close to major visitor attractions...so there`s plenty for golfers to see and do when they can drag themselves away from the game. Bloemfontein is a base for exploring the Free State with its Golden Gate Highlands National Park, while from Kimberley travelers can set off  for the Augrabies  Falls and the Kalahari Gemsbok National Parks. 

GOLF IN NAMIBIA...
Swakopmund in Namibia boasts one of five desert golf courses. The 18 hole course offers plenty of challenges. While golf clubs are on hire, it is recommended that you bring your own. The Windhoek Country Club and Casino boasts a beautifully maintained 18 hole course, situated conveniently (necessarily, some say) close to the pool and bar.

GOLF IN ZIMBABWE...
The quality of Zimbabwe's golf courses is indisputable, with top international players coming each year to compete in the Zimbabwe Open. The spectacularly beautiful setting of many of the courses, and the sheer variety of them, are reasons enough to tempt any golfer on holiday. Year-round good weather, uncrowded fairways, and very reasonable green fees make the prospect even more appealing. The Bulawayo Golf Club is the oldest club in Zimbabwe, established in 1895. Leopard Rock Golf Course is an undulating course set in the Upper Vumba in the Eastern Highlands. Spectacular scenery, and built to US Golf Association standards and specifications. It's worth packing your camera for a round at the Elephant Hills Golf Club. Situated within a National Game Park on the banks of the Zambezi River, you'll find crocodiles in water hazards, and wild animals visiting fairways and greens!

With 400 golf courses, many of championship standard, golfers are now discovering the delights on offer in Southern Africa. Most clubs offer international visitors temporary membership—and locals look forward to playing with enthusiasts from overseas.