A place to explore nature at its myriad best, the Garden Route couldn’t have been more aptly named. Unless of course, the name should also account for some of the best golf courses in South Africa. And not just one or two. There are quite a few, to keep the golfer distracted from the other treasures of the Garden Route. So much so, some golfers with a view myopic as only they could have, have rechristened it the Golf Route. This does beg the question – Is the Garden Route a must in a golf holiday in South Africa?
The Garden and the Golf
But, what is the Garden Route? It is a slender, stunning region alongside the southern cape, stretching from near Cape Town to Port Elizabeth. It comprises a rugged shoreline, with beaches and bays, interspersed with densely forested mountains, winding rivers and serene lakes. The climate complements perfectly with mild conditions all year round, including the winter months. And that’s not where it ends. After all this is South Africa, and there is a wildlife safari not too far away. It may sound too good to be true that the best golf courses in South Africa are also here. But they are. At least most of the best. No wonder then, that golf holidays in South Africa with such a backdrop, ranks right up with the best.
The Trio at Fancourt
The Fancourt at George rules, with all its 3 gems, placed within the top 15 golf courses in South Africa. This includes the famous Links course, ranked no 1 golf course in South Africa year after year. The golf professionals at Fancourt will point out that the Links is brutally difficult, but that doesn’t deter too many. After all, everyone wants to play the top-ranked course. So, what if they get beat up? That said, it is always more enjoyable playing the other two – Montagu and Outeniqua, especially for high handicappers. The experience at Fancourt, however extends beyond the golf, into the lush countryside in the shadow of the Outeniqua mountains. In fact, a “stay and play” here is one of the topmost luxury experiences. For many returning golfers, this is where their golf holiday in South Africa begins and ends. Visit https://www.golftripz.com/golf-holiday/fancourt-exclusive to plan an exclusive Fancourt experience.
Golf by the Ocean
Be that as it may, that is a limiting view. Neither the Garden Route nor the golf in the Garden Route starts and ends with the Fancourt. There is much to explore across the length and the Fancourt, can be but one part of it. There are at least another four of the best golf courses in South Africa to be played here. Of these four, Pinnacle Point, Pezula and Oubaai play alongside the Indian Ocean, with glorious views on offer.
The Pebble Beach of South Africa
However, if there is one must-play amongst them, in a golf holiday in South Africa, it is Pinnacle Point. If you are wowed by what you see as you drive into Pinnacle Point, you got another thing coming. Thrill after thrill awaits at this golf course but you wouldn’t mind a calm day here. It will help appreciate the layout and the drama of the Indian Ocean setting better. The wind, if up, is known to wreck any scorecard and that can be a dampener. But one thing that will not be dampener, is the price you pay for it. Truly, the green fees here will amaze you too. Not bad for South Africa’s Pebble Beach, with the occasional comment, that it is even “better”.
The Golden Bear’s Affair with Forests and Mountains
The fourth golf course in the list, and one, which does not play alongside the ocean is Simola. This Jack Nicklaus design is blessed with an incredible setting near the Knysna river. The dense forest and mountainous landscape are the key ingredients of a challenging yet thrilling experience. Getting the contours of the greens right, requires experience and skill, but is key to good scores. The Golden Bear couldn’t have got it more right!
The Best Golf Holiday Experience in the entire African Continent
The Garden Route golf experience is an essential item in a golf holiday in South Africa. One could very easily rate it as the best golf holiday in the entire African continent. The experience goes beyond simply playing some of the best golf courses in South Africa. The uniqueness of their settings and nature’s blessings make it a lot more. Every golfer should do it. Here’s how you could – visit https://www.golftripz.com/golf-holiday/golf-through-cape-town-knysna
