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Test Cricket, Championship Golf and the Cape Winelands

What happens when you combine five days of international Test cricket with three rounds of golf in one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions? You get a trip that ticks all the boxes for sports fans, golfers, and travelers looking to experience South Africa beyond the usual tourist route.

England Cricket
Image source: www.reuters.com

From 2 to 12 January 2027, this itinerary brings together two great sporting traditions. First, five days at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town for the 3rd Test between South Africa and England. Then, a move to Stellenbosch for golf at three of the Cape’s best-known courses.

Let’s be honest. The golf is excellent, and we’ll get to that shortly. But the real star of this journey is five days of Test cricket at Newlands. For cricket fans, Newlands sits firmly on the bucket list. There are bigger stadiums around the world, but few can match the setting. One glance beyond the boundary rope and Table Mountain dominates the skyline, creating a backdrop that feels almost unfairly good.

The South Africa vs England rivalry has produced memorable matches for generations, and over five days guests have the chance to watch every session unfold from the comfort of an exclusive hospitality suite.

Food and drinks are taken care of throughout the day. Gourmet snacks keep appearing, lunch is served daily, and the bar remains fully stocked. Then there’s the unexpected crowd favourite, unlimited ice cream. It might sound like a small detail, but after a warm Cape Town afternoon watching world-class cricket, it tends to become surprisingly important.

Before the guests know it, the final ball has been bowled, the result is decided, and they’ve spent five memorable days watching one of cricket’s great rivalries in one of the sport’s most famous settings.

The Tour Begins in Cape Town

2 January 2027

After arriving in Cape Town, guests collect their rental vehicle and make their way to Newlands. The remainder of the day is free to relax, recover from the flight, and prepare for the cricket ahead.

3 to 7 January 2027

The next five days are dedicated to the South Africa vs England Test Match. Each day they’ll take their place in the hospitality suite at Newlands Cricket Ground and watch the action unfold. Alongside the cricket, they’ll enjoy premium hospitality, including gourmet snacks, a three-course lunch, and a fully inclusive bar. For cricket enthusiasts, there are few better ways to experience a Test Match.

Into the Cape Winelands

8 January 2027

After the final day of cricket, it’s time to swap the stadium for vineyards. Drive through the Cape Winelands to Stellenbosch, one of South Africa’s oldest and most famous towns. Surrounded by mountains and vineyards, Stellenbosch serves as the perfect base for the golfing portion of the tour. Over the next few days, the guests experience three very different golf courses, each with its own character and history.

Golf Course One: Pearl Valley

9 January 2027

Designed by Jack Nicklaus, Pearl Valley has built a reputation as one of South Africa’s premier golf courses. The course winds through the Berg River Valley and is framed by mountain ranges in nearly every direction. Wide fairways provide opportunities from the tee, but strategically placed bunkers and water hazards ensure that accuracy remains important. International visitors often appreciate the conditioning of Pearl Valley. The course is known for its consistently high standards and tournament-quality playing surfaces. Several holes run alongside water features, while the surrounding scenery creates a memorable backdrop from start to finish.

Golf Course Two: Erinvale Country & Golf Estate

10 January 2027

Designed by South African golfing legend Gary Player, Erinvale offers something completely different. Set between the Helderberg Mountains and False Bay, the course changes character throughout the round. Some holes feel like classic parkland golf, while others take advantage of the surrounding elevation and natural terrain. The mountain views are a constant companion, particularly on the back nine, where the landscape becomes one of the course’s defining features. Erinvale has hosted major international tournaments and remains a favourite among both local and visiting golfers.

Golf Course Three: Stellenbosch Golf Club

11 January 2027

Founded in 1904, Stellenbosch Golf Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in South Africa. Unlike many modern championship layouts, Stellenbosch offers a more traditional golfing experience. Mature trees, well-established fairways, and strategic positioning are rewarded more than sheer distance. The course sits among vineyards and mountain scenery, giving players a true sense of the Winelands environment. For many visitors, Stellenbosch Golf Club provides a fitting conclusion to the golfing portion of the journey, combining history, scenery, and enjoyable golf in equal measure.

Departure Day

12 January 2027

After breakfast, guests make their way back to Cape Town International Airport, return their rental vehicle, and begin their journey home. By this stage, they’ll have experienced one of cricket’s great rivalries, played three outstanding golf courses, explored the Cape Winelands, and spent time in one of the world’s most scenic regions.

A Tour Designed for Cricket Fans and Golfers

Few destinations can combine international Test cricket and championship golf as naturally as South Africa.

The contrast between the energy of Newlands Cricket Ground and the relaxed pace of the Cape Winelands creates a journey that feels varied without being rushed. One day they’re watching fast bowlers charge in against world-class batsmen, the next they’re standing on a tee box surrounded by vineyards and mountains.

Available in Budget, 4-Star, and 5-Star accommodation options, this itinerary allows travellers to choose the level of accommodation that best suits their preferences while enjoying the same cricket and golf experiences throughout the journey.

For anyone who enjoys great sport, good company, and memorable destinations, this is a trip that delivers all three.

To join this tour, contact us at:
scott@ascottours.co.za

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