LUXURY GOLFING VACATION IN SOUTH AFRICA

 

 

Golf has become one of the most popular sports in the world, being played by men, women and children alike. It has gained a life and built an industry all on its own. In all sporting goods shops, a huge part of the store is dedicated to golf clubs, shoes, clothing and accessories, pro-shops are dedicated just to the sport, driving ranges are abound and living on a Golf Estate is very popular.

 

No wonder then that for golf enthusiasts, the thought of going on a golfing vacation seems like heaven, the ultimate in indulgence.

 

Going on a Golfing Safari in South Africa, you will find golf courses and accommodation that will fit your style and budget. You can bring along the family and even if they are not as enthusiastic about golf as you are, there will be something that is sure to make them feel as indulged as you are. Resorts like Fancourt and Arabella Golf Estate have programs for children of every age, and world renowned Spa’s. Sun City is in a class of its own when it comes to entertainment away from the golf course. The list of activities and entertainment seems endless and is sure to please even the most critical and fussy person.

 

Most of the luxury golf resorts in South Africa boast golf courses designed by big names in the sport – the 4 courses at Fancourt and the 2 courses at Sun City, designed by Gary Player, come to mind. Resorts like Fancourt and Arabella and Sun City hosts some of the biggest golfing events in South Africa and therefore pride themselves on the conditions of their golf courses. These courses are being kept in pristine condition by people in the know and that love the sport just as much as you do. Most of these resorts have training facilities and resident pro players at hand to help you to analyze your posture, improve that swing and better your overall game. Lessons are available to children as young as 7 years. Now what can a better bonding time for a golfing family than to take a few golfing lessons from a pro together?

 

Amenities at these resorts on average include entertainment programs for kids of all ages, on-site activities that the whole family can enjoy, top quality restaurants that caters from informal dining to the very formal. When you are not on the golf course, you can go for cooking classes with the resident chef, or have an interactive dinner with winemakers from the region, or gambling. If you are more of an adventurer, activities can include shark cage diving, game drives, or mountain biking. All this depends on the location of the resort. A fully equipped gym with personal trainers on hand and a pool (or pools) usually complete the picture. Activities such as tennis and tennis lessons, squash courts, hiking and biking are usually also available. Again, the location of these resorts will determine the activities available.

 

If you are combining business with pleasure, these resorts have it all. State of the art conference centers equipped with the latest in technology to do your presentation, Internet access and fax machines are freely available. Even for the children there are Wii and Xbox facilities available with Ipod stations in the rooms.

 

At these resorts, concierge facilities are at your fingertips. If there is something that you or your family need or want that is not offered, all you have to do is ask. The concierge will arrange it, or see to it that you get it.

 

If your budget does not include a vacation at a luxury golf resort, there is still hope. Although it will take a bit of planning, with as many golf courses available, there is bound to be golf courses with fees that will fit into your budget and have facilities like a day spa nearby that will allow your partner that spa treatment or shopping or favorite activity. The children can also be catered for.

 

This is where the services of a private concierge come in handy. All you need to do is contact the concierge, explain you and your family’s needs and budget, and let him/her do the planning. The concierge usually has a wealth of knowledge and contacts and will use it in order to arrange for the best affordable accommodation, book you to play on some of the best golf courses in South Africa, book your partner that treatment or arrange for that shopping trip or activity that they requested and arrange for the children to go to the aquarium or theme park – accompanied by a responsible person- all within your budget.

 

If you were to go on a Golfing Safari through South Africa, how do you decide on the golf courses you are going to play? Following are some suggestion as made by www.go2africa.com:

 

 Johannesburg area: Glendower Golf Course

• Johannesburg is the financial capitol of South Africa as well as the international business destination for South Africa,
• This golf course is situated minutes away from the airport in a declared Nature Reserve and only minutes away from the airport,
• This course is challenging and rated under the Top 10 in South Africa,
• Recomended accommodation: Melrose Arch

 

Sun City: Lost City Golf Course

• Sun City is South Africa’s premier holiday destination only two hours drive from Johannesburg,
• This resort combines gold, game, gambling and world class hotels,
• Both courses  are designed by Gary Player and plays host to the Nedbank Million Dollar Golf Challenge
• Holes: 18; Par: 72; Type: Bushveld,
• Challenging course with crocodiles in the 13^th hole water hazard,
• Recommended accommodation: Palace of the Lost City.

 

Kruger National Park area: Hans Merensky Golf Course:

• Kruger National Perk is one of the top wildlife parks in the world and the crown jewel of South Africa’s wildlife parks,
• Best time to visit is in winter when playing golf and game watching is easier,
• Course is situated adjacent to the Kruger National Park in the Valley of the Elephant with crocodiles and hippos frequently found in the water hazards,
• This course is playable for all skill levels and rates in the Top 20 in South Africa,
• Holes:18; Par: 72; Type: Parklands,
• Game tends to wonder onto the golf course and it is advised to wait for them to leave, rather than trying to go through them.

 

Durban North Coast: Zimbali Golf Course

• This area is know as the Dolphin Coast because of the abundance of bottlenose dolphin sightings,
• This area is well equipped to fulfill not only your golfing needs, but also your shopping, business and entertainment needs,
• This  is a challenging championship course designed by Tom Weiskopf,
• Holes: 18; Par: 72; Type: Links Coastal Parkland,
• Recommended accommodation: Zimbali Lodge.

 

Durban Area: Durban Beachwood Course

• Durban is an economic hub built around the busiest port in the Southern hemisphere,
• This area is blessed with all year balmy weather and boasts golden beaches, modern shopping complexes, art galleries and much more in the form of entertainment,
• This  championship course has challenging long fairways and was originally designed by George Waterman and LB Walters; later it was redesigned by Gary Player,
• Holes: 18; Par: 72; Type: Semi Links,
• Recommended accommodation: Holiday Inn Durban.

 

Durban South Coast: Selborne Golf Course

• This area is know as the “Golf Coast” and the golfer are spoilt for choice,
• Off course activities include hiking, angling, biking, surfing and whale watching,
• Holes: 18; Par: 72; Type: Parkland,
• Recommended Accommodation: The Selbourne Lodge.

 

Cape East Coast: Humewood Golf Course

• This area is one of South Africa’s undiscovered gems and the birthplace of Nelson Mandela,
• This course is a challenging, genuine seaside links and rates under the Top 10 in South Africa,
• Holes: 18; Par: 72; Type: Links,
• Recommended accommodation: Hacklewood Hill Country House.

 

Garden Route: Fancourt Links

• The Garden Route starts in Cape Town and ends in Port Elizabeth,
• This area is ideal for water sports,
• This course is probably the most difficult course in South Africa and was designed by Gary Player,
• The course hosted the Presidents Cup,
• Three courses are available at the Golf Estate,
• Holes: 18; Par: 72; Type: Parklands,
• Recommended accommodation: Fancourt Hotel and Country Club Estate

 

 Whale Route: Arabella Golf Course

• This golf estate is situated near the seaside village of Hermanus, the whale watching capitol of South Africa (best time for whale watching is June through November),
• Shopping, craft markets, shark-cage diving and paragliding are nearby activities,
• This is a championship course designed by Peter Matkovich and was awarded the  Complete Golfer Five Star award in 2003,
• Holes: 18; Par: 72; Type: Combination of Links and Parklands,
• Recommended accommodation: Western Cape Hotel and Spa

 

Cape Winelands: Spier Golf Estate

• This golf course is situated in the area of Stellenbosch, Franschoek and Paarl – where some of the finest wine in South Africa is produced – and less than an hours drive from Cape Town,
• Combine 18 holes of golf with a wine tasting on the 19^th hole,
• Cheetah breeding program at the Spier Wine Estate,
• Holes: 18; Par: 72; Type: Inland parkland,
• This course was designed by Peter Matcovich and presents a challenge for all kill levels,
• Recommended accommodation: Village @ Spier.

 

Western Cape: Steenberg Golf Course

• This championship course was designed by Peter Malcovich and meanders through the Steenberg Wine Estate vineyards,
• The course is only available to residents, members and guests at the Steenberg Country Hotel,
• Holes: 18; Par: 72; Type: Parklands,
• Recommended accommodation: Steenberg Country Hotel.

 

If you need more information on these golf courses, go to their respective websites, or if you want to make use of our concierge service to arrange your ultimate golf vacation, contact Mari@bokmakiri.com.

 

www.hansmerensky.com                                                  www.fancourt.co.za

www.aboutsuncity.com                                                     www.westerncapehotel.co.za

www.glendower.co.za                                                       www.spier.co.za

www.zimbali.org                                                               www.steenberghotel.com

www.go2africa.com                                                          www.selborne.com

www.humewoodgolf.co.za

 

Oceanview House in Yzerfontein on the West Coast of South Africa is one of those hidden gems. The pictures on the website and the accompanying description of the house and amenities look enticing, but do not prepare you for the reality. In this case, a reality that is a wonderful surprise. 

We arrived there late at night, tired from a long drive from Jeffrey’s Bay. Our host, and owner of Oceanview House, Sabrina, was waiting for us, ready to help us settle in. Realizing that we probably have not eaten and did not buy any groceries yet, she supplied us with bread, milk and everything necessary for breakfast the following morning. She even spoiled us with a bottle - or two – very nice wine.

Entering this luxury three bedroom “home away from home”, with the sound of the sea in the background, is like instant relaxation. You immediately feel you are on vacation. The bedrooms were prepared with crisp, fresh linen and flowers. The living areas are comfortable and welcoming. The kitchen is stocked with every kind of utensil you may need - serving dishes, glasses for all uses, plates - the list just goes on. Having guests over for a party is almost a given – and not a problem for your host. Just pre-arrange it with her.

Waking up the following morning was bliss. All three bedrooms and the living room have full sea views. Having breakfast - prepared vacation style outside on the gas grill – on the balcony, overlooking the ocean was one of those moments that just stick in your mind. I can just imagine sitting there in whale season, watching the whales play in the bay. Early morning and around sunset is the best time to go for a long walk on the 16 miles of unspoiled beach. 

Yzerfontein is situated near Langebaan, famous for its casino and beach restaurants. Darling – where you will find Pieter Dirk Uys’s “Evita se Perron” – is about a half an hour’s drive away. We had dinner and Sunday lunch at a small restaurant in Yzerfontein. The food was really well prepared and presented. On both occasions, we left feeling satisfied and happy. Definitely worth the money spent.

Oceanview House is a self-catering holiday home. It is recommended that you either buy your food and wine for your stay in Cape Town on your way in, or make the drive to Langebaan, where you will find a well stocked grocery store. 

The privilege of attending the Weskus Kunste Makietie in Langebaan was also a rare treat. Artists like Snotkop, Emo Adams, Brandon October, Wynand en Cherie, Dozi, Theuns Jordaan and Kurt Darren all performed there on the same day. 

For more information on Oceanview House and to make reservations, make use of the following links:   www.wheretostay.co.za www.sa-venues.com