Once you’ve identified the right region for your client, the next step is to drill down to the course itself. A golfer’s satisfaction hinges on playing courses that match their taste and skill. Across Africa, the diversity is astounding, allowing you to create a highly personalized itinerary. Let’s break down the primary styles of courses you can offer.
1. The Championship Test (Parkland & Links)
For the purist who seeks a world-class challenge, Africa delivers.
- Parkland: These are lush, manicured courses that form the backbone of the continent’s offering. Think of the historic Royal Harare in Zimbabwe, the classic Muthaiga Golf Club in Kenya, or the prestigious River Club in Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Links: For the ultimate strategic test, South Africa’s Garden Route is king. A round at The Fancourt Links, a regular on global Top 100 lists, is a bucket-list experience for any serious golfer.
2. The “Only in Africa” Bush Course
This is where the magic happens. These courses are integrated directly into the wild African landscape, offering an experience that is simply not available anywhere else. The two pinnacles of this style are Leopard Creek in South Africa, bordering the Kruger National Park, and Elephant Hills in Zimbabwe, where it’s not uncommon to wait for a family of warthogs to clear the green.
3. The Scenery-First Spectacle
Some courses are defined by their breathtaking, jaw-dropping locations. These are perfect for the client who values the photo opportunity as much as the scorecard.
- Coastal: South Africa’s Pinnacle Point is a masterpiece of cliff-top design, with holes hanging dramatically over the Indian Ocean.
- Desert: Rossmund Golf Resort in Namibia offers the surreal, unforgettable contrast of immaculate green fairways against the stark, ancient dunes of the Namib Desert.
“The magic of an African golf trip is that the environment is an active participant in the game,” says Scott Edkins, CEO of Ascot Tours. “Whether it’s the wind coming off the ocean at a links course, the call of a fish eagle over a water hazard at Leopard Creek, or the sheer scale of the desert in Namibia, the sense of place is what your clients will remember long after they’ve forgotten their score.”
The Agent’s Takeaway
Don’t just sell a list of courses. Sell the experience of each course style. By asking your client what kind of golfer they are, a purist, an adventurer, or a lover of beauty, you can craft an itinerary that speaks directly to their passion.
Need help finding the perfect course for your client’s handicap and taste? The team at Ascot Tours has played them all across the continent. Let us help.