As a golfing destination, South Africa and it’s Western Cape is still a relatively well-kept secret. But there is no reason why that should be so.
Incredible landscapes. A wonderful climate. Spectacular courses designed by legendary architects like Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus. Easy access via Cape Town. One of the world’s top wine producing regions. The South African gourmet capital, Franschhoek. Stir it all together, and you have the recipe for a great sporting break.
Leeu Collection has three properties in the Franschhoek Valley, just an hour from Cape Town’s international airport.
They provide a great base for a golf holiday. Their three-night package includes transfers to and from the golf course on two days plus a three-course dinner at one of the group’s restaurants on one night (excluding the restaurants at Le Quartier Francais).
Golfers can simply book into any of Leeu Collection’s properties for three nights to secure the above benefits. The Leeu Estates hotel in Franschhoek is a 17-room country house and boutique winery in the Franschhoek valley.
Leeu House is an exclusive 12-room hotel in the heart of Franschhoek village, while Le Quartier Français is an iconic 32-room property with two independent villas.
Six great Western Cape courses
All that Leeu’s golfing guests have to do is choose from the six great courses with which Leeu has links.
All the courses offer greenfees that are reasonable compared to most other of the world’s best golfing destinations. Ranging from 300 to 895 South African rands , which are from 21 to 64 dollar US, or 19 to 57 euros.
Pearl Valley Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course (pictured above) has been consistently ranked among the best courses in South Africa since 2006. The visually pleasing course was inaugurated in 2003, with a match between Nicklaus and Gary Player.
Erinvale , designed by Gary Player opened in 1995, and made an impact internationally when it hosted the 1996 World Cup of Golf, won by Ernie Els and Wayne Westner for the home nation. Erinvale hosted the South African Open in 2003 and 2004.
De Zalze co-hosted the World Amateur Team Championships in 2006 alongside Stellenbosch. It is located in the shadows of the Helderberg Mountains, the oak-lined Blaauwklippen River that runs through this charming parkland course adds a degree of danger.
Stellenbosch Golf Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in South Africa. Celebrating its centenary in 2004, it has hosted some of the country’s most prestigious professional and amateur events, including the World Amateur Team Championships in 2006.
Devonvale is a world class championship course located just five miles outside Stellenbosch while Boschenmeer Golf Estate has the Western Cape’s first 27-hole golf club. Here the majority of the holes are marked by intimidating water hazards that make for a challenging round of golf.
After a morning on the fairways, it is lovely to head to one or more of the wide number of wineries in and around Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. There, you can taste a range of wines.
If you head into Cape Town, you should take the cable car up to Table Mountain or explore the cultural centre at the Victoria and Albert Waterfront.
If you visit during the South African winter June till October, a golfing break can be twinned with a safari for the holiday of a lifetime.
