The Eastern Cape is South Africa at its most unhurried: a coastline of canal-laced villages, big skies and links land shaped by the wind off the Indian Ocean. At its heart sits St Francis Bay, a thatched-roofed resort town built around waterways and dunes, with golf that ranges from a friendly members' course to one of the country's most admired modern links. It is a place to slow down, play in shorts in our British winter, and let the days stretch.
We have arranged South Africa golf since 1981. Every itinerary is hand-built and hand-priced around your dates, your group and the courses you want to play.
Why play golf in Eastern Cape
A true winter-sun fix: while the UK is dark and cold, the Eastern Cape is warm and bright, so you swap the off-season for shorts and short sleeves.
Genuine variety in a small radius — the welcoming St. Francis Bay Golf Club, the dune drama of St Francis Links, and the cliff-top setting of Pezula Golf Club along the coast at Knysna.
Wind is part of the game here; learning to flight the ball off the Indian Ocean breeze is half the pleasure.
A relaxed, low-volume coast — fewer crowds, easy tee times, and a settled village base in St Francis Bay.
Strong value: the favourable exchange rate stretches a long-haul trip further than most warm-weather alternatives.
The courses you’ll play
The anchor pairing is in St Francis Bay itself. St. Francis Bay Golf Club is the unpretentious local heartbeat — a sociable, walkable course that rewards a steady game and a sense of humour about the wind. A short hop away, St Francis Links is the headline act: a Jack Nicklaus design laid through towering dunes and fynbos, routinely ranked among South Africa's finest, and a genuinely testing examination when the sea breeze gets up.
Up the coast at Knysna, Pezula Golf Club completes the trio, perched on the cliffs above the lagoon and ocean with some of the most dramatic outlooks of any course in the region. Three courses, three very different moods — we'll sequence them around your dates and pace.
Where you’ll stay
Our preferred base is Cape St. Francis Resort, a relaxed, low-rise retreat near the village and the surf, ideally placed for the St Francis Bay courses and easy days between rounds. It suits couples and golf groups alike, with the kind of quiet, settled feel that makes a long-haul stay restorative rather than rushed.
We hand-pick where you stay around how you want the trip to feel — close to the first tee, near the water, or somewhere to unwind after a round in the wind. Tell us your group and we'll build the stay to match.
Best time to play golf in Eastern Cape
The Eastern Cape sits in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons run opposite to ours — which makes it a genuine winter-sun escape. From November through March the coast is warm and bright, exactly when the UK is at its bleakest; this is the prime window for a sunshine golf trip.
Conditions are pleasant well beyond that, with mild shoulder seasons either side, but expect more changeable, cooler weather in the southern winter around June and July. Wind is a near-constant companion year-round on this stretch of coast, so pack a layer for the breeze whenever you travel. For the surest warmth, aim for our winter months.
A sense of Eastern Cape
History & heritage
St Francis Bay grew from a fishing and farming corner of the Cape into a distinctive village of white walls and black thatch, its identity bound up with the network of canals that thread through the town. The wider Eastern Cape carries deep significance in South Africa's modern story, and the coastline here has long drawn surfers to its celebrated point breaks.
It is an easygoing, outdoors-first culture — built around the sea, the wind and the rhythm of the tides. We'll point you to the corners worth lingering in between rounds, so the trip is about the place as much as the golf.
Food & wine
Eating well here means eating fresh from the sea: line fish, calamari and prawns straight off the Indian Ocean, simply done and best enjoyed with a sundowner. South African wines travel the short distance from the Cape's vineyards, and a chilled Chenin Blanc or a Cape red rounds off a day on the dunes nicely.
Expect a relaxed, unfussy table — harbourside grills, easy village bistros and braai (barbecue) culture rather than white-tablecloth formality. We're happy to suggest where to book and where the locals actually go.
Beyond the fairways
There is plenty to fill the non-golf hours. St Francis Bay is famous for its surf, and the canals invite a paddle or a slow boat. The coastline rewards walkers, and the Eastern Cape is celebrated for its wildlife — malaria-free game reserves are within reach for those who want to pair fairways with a safari.
Surf or paddle the point breaks and canals around St Francis Bay
Coastal and dune walks straight from the village
Lighthouse and beach days at Cape St Francis
Game-viewing in the region's reserves, on a day trip or extension
Tell us how active you want the down-days to be and we'll weave it in.
Getting around & exploring
This is a coast best explored by car — a hire vehicle gives you the freedom to move between the St Francis Bay courses, run up to Knysna for Pezula, and reach the beaches and reserves at your own pace. Distances are easy and the driving is straightforward, with the Garden Route unfurling along the coast.
If you'd rather not drive, we can arrange private transfers between your stay and each tee. We'll set up the ground logistics so the only thing you're thinking about is the next round.
Getting there
The usual gateway is the Eastern Cape's nearest airport, reached on a connecting flight from one of South Africa's main international hubs, then a scenic drive to St Francis Bay. It's a long-haul trip, so we'll plan the routing and timings to land you settled and rested.
Flights are arranged separately as an ATOL-protected add-on — we are ground-only, so your golf, stay and transfers are organised by us, and we'll happily coordinate the air alongside if you'd like. Just tell us your preferred departure airport and dates.
Good to know
Ground-only specialists. We arrange your courses, stay and transfers; flights are a separate ATOL-protected add-on we can coordinate for you.
Winter-sun timing. Southern hemisphere seasons mean November–March is the warm, bright window — ideal when the UK is cold.
Currency. South Africa uses the Rand; the favourable rate makes dining and extras excellent value.
Wind is a factor. Pack a light layer and expect to flight the ball — it's part of the coast's character.
Self-drive is easiest. A hire car suits the St Francis Bay–Knysna circuit; private transfers are available if you prefer.
Trade credentials. We are PTS and IATA accredited, with ATOL cover on the flights we arrange.
Hand-built itineraries. We've arranged South Africa golf since 1981 — every trip is priced around your dates, your group and the courses you want to play.
Golf holidays in Eastern Cape — answers to the questions our golfers ask most.
Is South Africa good for golf in the winter?
Absolutely! South Africa is an ideal winter golf destination. While much of Europe is bundled up, the Western Cape offers mild temperatures and sunny days, perfect for enjoying a round of golf. Famous courses like Royal Cape, Stellenbosch, and Erinvale offer stunning views and top-tier conditions, making this holiday an unforgettable golf experience. Whether you're looking for a winter sun escape or simply a great game, South Africa’s winter weather is perfect for teeing off.
What is the best time of year to play golf in South Africa?
South Africa is a year-round golf destination, but the best time to play depends on what you're looking for. For winter sun and mild temperatures, the Western Cape is perfect from November to April. If you prefer warmer weather, the summer months (May to October) are ideal for golf in regions like Kwazulu Natal, where temperatures are pleasant and the courses are in top condition. Regardless of when you visit, South Africa offers fantastic golf all year long.
What are the best golf courses to play in South Africa?
South Africa is home to some of the best golf courses in the world. Notable courses include Royal Cape Golf Club in the Western Cape, ranked among the country’s top courses, The Links at Fancourt, Erinvale, and Pearl Valley. Each course provides a unique challenge and stunning views, making them perfect for golfers looking for an unforgettable round.
Do I need a handicap to play golf in South Africa?
While most golf courses in South Africa don’t require a specific handicap for visitors, we always recommend checking with us in advance, especially for high-end or championship-level courses. The last thing we want is for you to have an unsuitable round of golf. Generally, golfers with a handicap of 24 for men and 36 for women will find the courses accessible. Our expert team can help ensure you have all the information you need to book your perfect round. For extra support, why not book on one of our annual golf tours? Our resident PGA pro Nigel Burch will sort out any golf niggles during your stay.
How many golf courses are there in South Africa?
South Africa boasts over 450 golf courses spread across its diverse regions, offering a variety of challenges for golfers of all levels. From world-renowned championship courses like The Links at Fancourt to hidden gems nestled in scenic landscapes, such as Knysna, there's no shortage of exceptional places to play. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a club golfer, South Africa has a course that’s perfect for you.
What to expect upon arrival in South Africa?
Our local ground agents will meet you upon arrival and take you to your hotel. Most of our visitors arrive in Cape Town and spend a few days exploring the city, with private airport transfers included.
Car hire is highly popular in the Western Cape, and most importantly, it’s very safe. We recommend hiring a car, as it allows you to make the most of your trip and experience the best that South Africa has to offer. However, we are delighted to arrange private transfers if you prefer.
