Golf is a sport deeply rooted in tradition, and one of the most intriguing aspects of the game is the variety of courses on which it can be played. Across the globe, golf courses can vary greatly in terms of design, layout, and the natural landscapes they occupy. From the timeless Links courses, which pay homage to the sport’s storied Scottish origins, to the tree-lined Parkland courses ensconced within the country’s wine estates, South Africa offers different types of golf courses for different tastes. Let’s delve into the main types of golf courses and introduce some notable examples in South Africa.
Links Course
A links course is perhaps the most iconic type of golf course. Originating from the Old English word “hlinc”, meaning rising ground or ridge, links courses are primarily found along coastal areas with sandy soil. This type of course is characterized by its rough terrain, minimal tree cover, and the presence of dunes and undulating surfaces. The coastal winds prominently affect play, adding an extra layer of challenge. The general rules of golf apply uniformly across different course types, but links courses often encourage playing shots along the ground due to the firm and fast conditions of the fairways and greens.
St. Francis Links: Located in the Eastern Cape Province, St. Francis Links is a true reflection of classic links design, incorporating the natural undulations and coastal winds that define the genre.
The Links at Fancourt: The Links at Fancourt is the brainchild of legendary golfer Gary Player, whose vision and expertise have transformed this land into an exclusive golfing sanctuary. The course demands precision and strategic play from even the most seasoned golfers.
Humewood Golf Club: Humewood Golf Club was designed by the esteemed Colonel S.V. Hotchkin, whose expertise in creating challenging yet playable courses shines through. Humewood’s exposed fairways and variable winds challenge golfers to adapt their play, making every round a unique adventure.
Parkland Course
Parkland courses are inland courses often characterized by tree-lined fairways and manicured landscapes. These courses usually bear a resemblance to well-kept public parks, featuring vegetation and water hazards. Unlike links courses, parkland courses require significant maintenance to retain their pristine condition. The primary challenge here is navigating the dense foliage and strategically placed water hazards.
Glendower Golf Club: Originally designed by Charles Hugh Alison in 1937, Glendower has been further refined by Robert Grimsdell, whose enhancements have solidified its status as one of South Africa’s premier golfing destinations. This course is a sanctuary, where mature trees, narrow fairways, and water features create a strategic challenge.
Royal Johannesburg & Kensington Golf Club: A testament to the art of parkland golf, with perfect fairways, towering trees, and a blend of challenges that delight and test golfers at every turn.
Heathland Course
Heathland courses are similar to links courses but are usually located inland and feature native vegetation such as heather and gorse. Heathland terrains are typically more open than parkland courses, with a blend of sandy soil and rolling landscapes. Standard golfing rules apply, with an emphasis on overcoming natural vegetation and undulating fairways.
Glendower Golf Club: Located in Johannesburg, this course provides a heathland-like experience with its open fairways surrounded by native flora.
Steenberg Golf Club: Situated in the Constantia Valley near Cape Town, Steenberg Golf Club epitomizes the quintessence of heathland golf. Water hazards and well-placed bunkers further enhance the strategic challenge, presenting a golf experience that is as mentally engaging as it is visually stunning.
Sandbelt Course
Found primarily in the Sandbelt region of Melbourne, Australia, these courses sit on sandy loam soil perfect for firm, fast conditions. This soil type is ideal for creating challenging greenside bunkers and undulating terrain. The courses are known for their intricate bunker designs, requiring precise sand play.
Leopard Creek Country Club: Located near Kruger National Park, Leopard Creek features elements of sandbelt design, with challenging bunkers and lush, sandy terrain. Take a look at the golf courses near Kruger National Park or learn more about Kruger golf and safari options from Ascot Tours. These itineraries can be tailored, with the flexibility to upgrade or change accommodations, and adjust or add activities as desired. Our tours can also be Customised for non-golfers.
East London Golf Club: A classic sandbelt layout that has stood the test of time. This course is characterized by its indigenous flora and sandy subsoil that provides superior drainage and playability. The bunkers and greens challenge golfers to think critically and execute with precision. The coastal winds add an element of unpredictability, making every round a true testament to a golfer’s skill.
Championship Course
Stadium and championship courses are designed with tournaments in mind. These courses feature spectator-friendly layouts, with elevated vantage points and challenging holes that test the skills of even the best golfers. The difficulty and length of these courses make them distinct, often featuring tight fairways and deep bunkers.
Gary Player Country Club: Situated in the Sun City Resort, North West Province, this course is known for hosting the prestigious Nedbank Golf Challenge. As the creation of the legendary Gary Player himself, this course reflects his profound understanding of the game and his commitment to excellence. Every contour, bunker, and green is crafted with the intent to provide a challenging yet immensely rewarding experience.
Durban Country Club: A venerable championship course that has hosted numerous South African Open Championships. Its design is geared toward high-level competition. The emphasis here is on accuracy and short-game skills.
Executive Courses
Designed predominantly with the executive in mind, these courses are characterized by their shorter length and often feature a higher number of par-3 holes. The emphasis here is on delivering a complete golfing experience within a condensed time frame, perfect for those who wish to enjoy a round of golf amidst a busy schedule. Comprising mainly par-3 and a sprinkling of par-4 holes, these courses demand exquisite accuracy and masterful short game skills, making them a true test of finesse rather than power.
Simbithi Country Club: Nestled in the picturesque North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, Simbithi Country Club’s executive course offers an exquisite blend of scenic beauty and challenging play. This course delivers a succinct yet richly rewarding golfing experience, ideal for the adventurous golfer who treasures both luxury and convenience.
Oubaai Golf Club: The first Ernie Els Signature golf course in South Africa, is situated in the picturesque Herolds Bay along the Garden Route. This course artfully combines tradition with innovation, offering golfers a challenging experience. The signature hole, the Par three 17th, overlooks the Indian Ocean, enhancing the beauty that accompanies the gameplay.
The Els Club at Copperleaf: The second ‘Signature’ Ernie Els designed golf course in South Africa. This course offers a unique blend of rich heritage and modern design, providing a luxurious experience.
Par-3 Course
Par-3 courses are shorter and typically consist only of par-3 holes. These courses are perfect for beginners, kids, and those looking to practice their short game without committing to a full round.
The River Club: Located in Cape Town, this course offers an excellent par-3 experience, providing a quick yet enjoyable round for all ages.
Woodhill Country Club: The Woodhill Country Club’s par-3 course stands as an epitome of luxury and modern design. Each hole on this course offer a symphony of challenge, aesthetics, and tranquility.
Golf courses around the world are as diverse as the terrain they inhabit. Whether you find yourself on a windswept links course, a perfectly maintained parkland course, or a tournament-ready championship course, each offers a unique experience and challenge. While the rules of golf remain consistent, the strategies and skills required can vary greatly depending on the type of course you’re playing.
South Africa, with its varied geography, provides excellent examples of these course types, ensuring a rich golfing experience for enthusiasts of all kinds. Let us guide you through South Africa’s golf courses, ensuring every swing is imbued with luxury, excitement, and the promise of a truly extraordinary adventure.