Besides beautiful beaches, lagoons, forests and adrenaline-filled adventures, the Garden Route also offers something for the more active among us ─ golf! With world-class golf courses such as Fancourt and Pezula, it’s no wonder this area attracts avid golfers from all across the globe. So, if you’re planning your next golfing getaway, include a few of these golf courses from Mossel Bay to Plettenberg Bay. And if you’re not a keen golfer, simply enjoy the scenery while you’re supporting your mates. We’ll also show you where to stay after a long day in the sun to avoid ending up in the rough!
Mossel Bay Golf Club
Mossel Bay
This popular golf course is renowned as the ‘friendly club’ where friendliness is key to your golfing experience. You’ll be spoiled with sea views from every tee and might even spot a roaming springbok ─ the perfect way to tee-off your Garden Route golfing trip! This course is an easy walk with fair greens, but it can be quite challenging, especially when you’re driving into the sea breeze. The golf club was founded in 1905 and in 1924 the golf course was moved to its current location. With the clubhouse and restaurant overlooking the eighteenth hole and distant ocean, you’ll definitely end off the first day of golf with a memorable view! Read more …
Facilities:
18-hole links-style golf course | pro shop | driving range | golf lessons | restaurant | bar | carts | caddies
Accommodation:
Pinnacle Point Golf Estate
Mossel Bay
You should absolutely swing by the Pinnacle Point Golf Course as it has been voted Best Golf Course in South Africa at the 4th Annual World Golf Awards for the second year in a row! This championship course was designed by Peter Matkovich and the 2011 Open Champion, Darren Clarke, and is set on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean. Its unique layout with four holes being played over ocean and cliff, commands respect and absolute craft. Read more …
Facilities:
18-hole golf course | pro shop | golf carts | children’s entertainment centre | wellness centre | restaurant | bar | conference centre | function venue | beaches | Pinnacle Point Caves | Louis Oosthuizen Junior Academy | driving range | putting green
Accommodation:
Outeniqua Golf Course, Fancourt Country Club
George
This prestigious golf course is named after the magnificent mountain range that forms its backdrop and is one of three Fancourt courses designed by Gary Player. This course has its fair share of challenges with water hazards on eleven of its holes! A warm-up area is available with a full-length range and a chipping and bunker practice area if you’re a bit rusty. Fancourt isn’t just a famed golfers’ paradise, it also boasts a spa ─ ideal for a royal treat after a long day on the golf course! Read more …
Facilities:
18-hole golf course | spa | restaurants | swimming pools | tennis courts | gym | leisure trails | pro shop | golf academy
Accommodation near Fancourt:
Self-Catering | Guest House | B&B | Hotel
Kingswood Golf Estate
George
Kingswood Golf Estate is an international award-winning golf estate designed by Danie Obermeyer and inspired by the Home of Golf, St Andrews, in Scotland. Set at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains, the natural scenery and unpredictable weather offer a unique challenge. Locals rate the greens at this championship golf course as the best on the Garden Route and this is why Kingswood is frequented by players of the Sunshine Tour. Read more …
Facilities:
18-hole Sally Little signature golf course | golf lessons from resident PGA Professional | fleet of electric golf carts equipped with GPS | pull trolleys | 250 m driving range with bunkers, chipping and putting green | pro shop | change rooms | fully licensed restaurant and bar | Riverine Jogging Trail | cycle path | mini cricket oval | jungle gym and children’s play area | golf lessons | corporate clinics
Accommodation near the golf course:
Self-Catering | Guest House | B&B | Hotel
Pezula Golf Course
Knysna
Pezula, designed by David Dale and Ronald Fream of GolfPlan USA, is one of the most scenic golf courses in the world with sprawling views of the Knysna Heads, lagoon and ocean. This championship course offers a top-notch golfing experience, and was named Best New Golf Course in South Africa just a few months after its opening in 2001. At Pezula early risers will be spoiled with an amazing sunrise casting its ethereal glow through the trees onto the fairway of the third hole. While your friends are playing, you can stroll along the cart pathways, enjoy the views, and work on your tan ─ you can even tie the knot here! Read more …
Facilities:
18-hole golf course | restaurant | bar | boutique pro shop | halfway dining facilities | library | change rooms with showers
Accommodation near the golf course:
Self-Catering | Guest House | B&B | Hotel
Knysna Golf Course
Knysna
Nestled on the shores of the Knysna Lagoon, this golf course is one of the most picturesque courses on the planet and is annually frequented by thousands of golfers. The course has been upgraded over the years and offers a gentle stroll yet timeless challenge along tree-lined fairways, many tidal water hazards, raised undulating greens and strategic bunkers. Read more …
Facilities:
18-hole golf course | clubhouse | bar | terrace | halfway house | change rooms | lockers | lounge | conference venue | meeting room
Accommodation near the golf course:
Self-Catering | Guest House | B&B | Hotel
Goose Valley Golf Club
Plettenberg Bay
Goose Valley Golf Club opened in 2003 and received gold status for its golfing experience in 2007 after which they hosted the South African Amateur Championships. This golf course, designed by Gary Player, borders the Keurbooms Lagoon and is uniquely set on a sand dune. You’ll be able to combine a relaxing round of golf with unmatched views of the Tsitsikamma Mountains and Robberg Peninsula.
Facilities:
18-hole golf course | restaurant | bar | pro shop | golf cart and golf club hire | driving range with practice chipping, putting and bunkers
Accommodation near the golf course:
Self-Catering | Guest House | B&B | Hotel
Other towns to stay in along the Garden Route
Little Brak River | Sedgefield | Wilderness | Tsitsikamma | Nature’s Valley | Storms River
Whether you’re a pro, amateur or non-golfer, be sure to visit these above-par golf courses on your next road trip along the Garden Route ─ even if it’s just to chill at the nineteenth hole!
Feature image: Kingswood Golf Estate (WikiMedia Commons)
