Western Cape Golf Courses

The Western Cape is blessed with a large range of golf estates and golf courses that have turned the area into an internationally acclaimed golfing Mecca. Many of these top estates are located close to the city of Cape Town and some of the leading courses that host international competitions can be found on the Garden Route.

In recent years, South Africa has become the preferred destination of international golfers. The Western Cape and the Garden Route in particular have a vast number of challenging courses, making self-drive tours extremely popular in these areas.

It is possible to drive from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, a journey that takes ±6 hours, and to play golf at virtually every single town en route. Car rental is a sensible option as the road networks in the Western Cape are excellent and the N2 Highway is the only simple route you will have to follow.

We have earmarked a selection of challenging golf courses close to Cape Town that are definitely worth playing. We include concise directions to each, so that your car hire experience in South Africa will be a good one.

Arabella

The Peter Matkovitch-designed course has been pulling in awards since its launch in 1999. It is located on the banks of the largest natural lagoon in South Africa and when the wind blows, the course becomes a real challenge for even the lower handicap range of golfers. The golf estate is known for its natural beauty, hence the name “Beautiful Land” and is situated on the border of the Botriver and Kogelberg Nature Reserves.

Arabella is only an hour's drive from Cape Town. On leaving the city, take the N2 past the Cape Town International Airport and over Sir Lowry's Pass. Take the R43 off-ramp, then turn immediately right onto the R44 to Kleinmond and Botriver and keep a sharp eye out for the signs to the Club on your left.

Erinvale

This Gary Player-designed course on the slopes of the Helderberg mountain range has hosted the renowned SAA Open in the past. The course offers a unique challenge in that the front 9 holes are set out on the low, flat areas while the back 9 embrace the more mountainous and hilly parts of the estate.

The course is surrounded by vineyards, orchards and majestic mountain views, so while you're in the Cape Winelands area, we highly recommend that you set some time aside for a spot of top-class wine tasting.

Erinvale is situated in the town of Somerset West, about 40 minutes out of Cape Town. Simply follow the N2 highway past the Cape Town International Airport and take Exit 43 to Stellenbosch/Broadway. Turn off onto the R44, stay left and at the first set of robots, turn left into Somerset West Main Road. Turn left into Lourensford Road and 5kms on the left you will see the Estate.

Pearl Valley

Pearl Valley is situated right in the middle of the Winelands and is embraced by the Simonsberg and Drakenstein mountain ranges. Designed by the celebrated golfing guru, Jack Nicklaus, the course plays regular host to the SA Open championships, a Sunshine and European Tour-sanctioned event.

To get to this championship course, simply follow the N1 highway out of Cape Town. Take the Wellington turn-off (Exit 59) and then turn right onto the R30. About 7km up the road you will see the entrance on the right.

Other leading courses in the Western Cape

• Boschenmeer
• De Zalze
• Oubaai
• Fancourt
• Pezula