Sun City. The name itself evokes images of opulence and entertainment and, for golfers, two of the most famous courses on the African continent. For decades, this “Kingdom” has been seeking a unique blend of resort luxury and world-class golf. Ascot Tours has been sending clients to Sun City for years, and while it’s a destination that certainly “sells itself,” our approach has always been to look beyond the obvious. How can we elevate the Sun City experience? How can we weave it into a richer, more diverse South African golf safari? Let me unpack what makes Sun City special and how we add that distinctive Ascot Tours touch.
Gary Player Country Club & The Lost City Golf Course
The heart of Sun City’s golfing allure lies in its two championship courses, both designed by the legendary Gary Player:
The Gary Player Country Club (GPCC)
This is an icon. Home to the prestigious Nedbank Golf Challenge (“Africa’s Major”) for decades, the GPCC is a formidable, classic parkland layout. It’s long, demanding, and unforgiving of errant shots, with strategically placed bunkers and water hazards. As you walk these fairways, you’re stepping into the footsteps of golf’s greatest champions. The course consistently maintains its impeccable condition, making it a genuine challenge for any golfer.
The Lost City Golf Course
A stark contrast to the GPCC, the Lost City course offers a more dramatic, desert-style experience with a unique African theme. Famous for its 13th hole – a par-3 with a green shaped like the African continent, complete with live Nile crocodiles in the water hazards – this course is as much about the spectacle as it is about golf. It features rugged terrain, clever bunkering, and expansive waste areas. It’s visually stunning and incredibly fun to play. Playing both courses is a must for any serious golfer visiting Sun City, offering a fantastic contrast in styles and challenges.
The Sun City Universe
Sun City is more than just golf. It’s a sprawling resort complex offering:
- Luxury Accommodation
- The Valley of Waves
- Entertainment & Casino
- Restaurants & Bars
While anyone can book a stay at Sun City, Ascot Tours focuses on enhancing the experience and integrating it into a broader, more fulfilling South African journey. Here’s how we do it:
Pilanesberg National Park: Right on Sun City’s doorstep lies the magnificent Pilanesberg National Park. This malaria-free reserve is home to the Big Five and offers incredible game viewing. We often arrange for our clients to combine their Sun City golf with thrilling morning or afternoon game drives in Pilanesberg, staying either within the resort or at a beautiful lodge within the park itself for a more immersive bush experience. This golf-and-safari combination is a natural fit and incredibly popular.
We can arrange excursions to nearby cultural villages, interactions with local communities, or even hot air balloon rides over Pilanesberg at dawn for a truly unforgettable perspective. We know the best room types, secure preferential tee times (especially important during peak periods), and can handle all the on-site logistics, like golf cart bookings and caddy arrangements.
We ensure your journey to and from Sun City is comfortable and stylish, perhaps with private vehicle transfers. More importantly, we often feature Sun City as part of a larger South African golf itinerary—perhaps starting in Cape Town and the Garden Route and flying up for a Sun City and Pilanesberg experience before heading to the Kruger region. This holistic approach is our speciality. Whether it’s arranging a special dinner to celebrate an occasion, booking a spa treatment, or ensuring your favourite drink is stocked at your lodge, it’s these little details that elevate a good trip to a great one.
Is Sun City for You?
Sun City offers a high-energy, resort-style experience with two truly world-class golf courses. It’s fantastic for those who enjoy having a wide array of amenities and entertainment at their fingertips, and the proximity to Pilanesberg is a massive bonus. This option may be less suitable for individuals looking for a very quiet, intimate, or purely “bush-focused” golf safari; however, we can certainly customize stays at more secluded lodges within Pilanesberg if that is their preference, including day trips to Sun City for golf.
At Ascot Tours, we believe Sun City golf tours can be a highlight of any South African adventure. It’s about understanding your preferences and crafting an itinerary where Sun City plays its part in a larger, perfectly orchestrated symphony of experiences. Ready to experience the magic of Sun City, elevated by Ascot Tours? Contact us today at scott@ascottours.co.za to discuss how we can weave this iconic destination into your dream South African golf safari.
By Scott Edkins, Ascot Tours