Leopard Creek
If you’re an American golfer, you know to keep your eyes peeled for an alligator or two if you’re playing anywhere in the South. Maybe you don’t go too far into the woods if you’re playing in the Northeast, as there are plenty of critters to turn your round into an ugly one — and we’re not talking about your scorecard.
But imagine teeing it up while giraffes roam nearby. Yes, giraffes.
In South Africa, Kruger National Park gives those teeing it up at Leopard Creek a chance to see wildlife that Americans are used to seeing in zoos.
Leopard Creek is just one of a handful of courses that the Travel Caddie is taking a deep look at for an upcoming African golf safari, so we thought we’d share some of that insight:
Leopard Creek
Well, since we teased it, we might as well start with the par-72 course that hugs the southern border of Kruger National Park.
This Gary Player-design is lined up against the Crocodile River (gulp!) and winds through bushveld. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled throughout the round, this routing gives you a good chance to take a selfie with some amazing wildlife (from afar!).
The course itself is highlighted by its ninth and 18th holes, featuring island and peninsula greens. The par-5 13th is likely the most photographed hole on the course, as the green is located on the edge of the river nearly 100 feet above — giving golfers a chance to spot wildlife.
You can also stay on property here with the luxurious Leopard Creek Lodge (overlooks the 18th hole) or a private villa.
Leopard Creek
Fancourt Links
If you’re looking for links golf on your safari, Fancourt is the only option in all of South Africa — but the par-73 gem in Western Cape is well worth the trip.
As yet another Gary Player-design, the course features deep bunkers, large greens and undulating fairways — challenging the country’s best golfers in the South African Open many times.
You can find opportunities to score at Fancort, as the course features five par-5s, although you’ll need to be accurate off the tee if you want to get a look at birdie. The course is well-known for its par-4 10th — nicknamed Kilimanjaro — that features a green nestled into a raised dune, which can make your second shot quite nerve wracking.
This is another resort where you can stay onsite with The Links Guesthouse, with jaw-dropping views of the Indian Ocean.
Fancourt Links
Gary Player Country Club
If you are sensing a theme here, it’s not just you — Gary Player pretty much has put his mark on everything golf in South Africa.
This par-72 course in Sun City is one part challenging golf and one part mesmerizing course that will require a fully-charged smartphone to take an abundance of photos.
The wide variety of hazards has attracted plenty of professional tournaments, including the Nedbank Golf Challenge and South African Open.
As for the course, the par-5 9th is capped with an island green that will make you question whether or not you should attack with your second shot. But you can’t catch yourself thinking ahead to this behemoth, as the par-4 8th requires accuracy off the tee because there is a ditch that runs across the middle of the fairway.
Did you think Gary Player would make it easy on you? No way, the Black Knight wants to work you out mentally and physically, just like he does in the gym (how can an 87-year-old look that good?!).
Fancourt Montagu
You might recognize this course, as it hosted the Presidents Cup in 2003 and has hosted a pair of South African Opens.
No shock here: it’s a Gary Player design, with the par-72 course known for its strategic bunkering and tight fairways — which means bombing and gauging is likely out on this course.
In what some refer to as South Africa’s own “Amen Corner,” Nos. 5-7 have ruined a round early for plenty of golfers of all skill levels — or given that spring in your step to polish off a great round. Nos. 5 and 6 are both short par-4s that require thought off the tee. Meanwhile, the par-4 7th is a dogleg left and is guarded by a stream and bunkers.
Montagu adds in another Augusta-esque hole with the par-3 17th, which is a replica of the par-3 12th you see on TV in the Masters.
You can stay on property here with a luxurious hotel that includes a spa and multiple dining options.
Fancourt Montagu
Arabella Country Estate
Alright, we had to find one course that Gary Player hadn’t designed, so this par-72 delight is the handiwork of Peter Matkovich. Don’t worry, we are sure Gary has teed it up here at some point.
Arabella, located in Kleinmond, features fast greens and bunker placement that will take your full attention.
But, speaking of attention, Arabella’s par-5 8th hole is considered by many to be the most stunning in all of South Africa, with a fairway that slopes from right to left (a fader’s dream!), challenging bunkers and water hazards protecting the green. Sign us up!
Meanwhile the closing two holes, the par-3 17th and par-5 18th, will give you Instagram-worthy peeks at the lagoon, while also putting water in play on both holes.
This is another day that can be capped with an on-site hotel and spa.
Arabella Country Estate
Recommendation
There is plenty of world-class golf in South Africa — most of it stamped by one of the greatest to ever to tee it up in Gary Player — and there will be plenty of photos to be had at every stop.
Planning for this trip will involve a lot of details, so we recommend working with a travel agency that specializes in maximizing the investment in the once-in-a-lifetime expedition. We’ve partnered with Africa Golf Safari, and they’d love to connect with you to see how they might be able to make your dream trip become a reality.
Let them know that Golf Stay and Plays sent you and we may be able to cover a portion of your trip through our Trip Captain program — just one way we get you on the world’s best courses.
Leopard Creek