South Africa has once again proven why it’s a golfer’s paradise after receiving major recognition at the World Golf Awards, an event that celebrates excellence in global golf tourism.
At the 12th annual ceremony, South Africa didn’t just participate, it absolutely shone, picking up several top honours across multiple categories:
Sun City, one of Joburg’s favourite day-trip and holiday escapes, was named South Africa's Best Golf Hotel 2025. The resort continues to deliver with its world-class hospitality, legendary courses, and unforgettable golfing experience. It has also recently undergone renovations, making the entire property feel refreshed and even more impressive. Read more about the renovations here. The course first welcomed golfers in 1979 and is home to the famous 18-hole, par-72 Gary Player–designed course. It’s been the proud host of the Nedbank Golf Challenge since 1981 and will once again draw the spotlight on Thursday, 4 December 2025.
Another big winner was St Francis Links, a world-class Jack Nicklaus Signature links course. It claimed the award for South Africa's Best Golf Course 2025, securing its place as one of the country’s most beloved and most challenging golfing destinations.
Explore More Travel, a professional, high-quality travel consultancy and destination management company, took home the title of South Africa's Best Inbound Golf Tour Operator 2025. They’re known for crafting unique and memorable golf experiences for international visitors wanting to explore South Africa’s top courses.
Capescout was named South Africa's Best Outbound Golf Tour Operator 2025, showing excellence in putting together world-class international golfing trips for South Africans.
None of these recognitions comes as a surprise, though. South Africa has a long and rich golfing history and has produced some of the world’s greatest players. Icons like Bobby Locke, Gary Player, Ernie Els, and Retief Goosen have all carried the nation’s flag with pride and left their mark on the global stage, helping cement the country’s reputation as a serious golfing powerhouse.
Golf, often called “the gentleman’s sport”, was first introduced in South Africa in 1885, and more than a century later, the country is still swinging strong.
Golf in Johannesburg
Johannesburg has a number of brilliant golf courses for golfers of all levels to try out. Glendower, Randpark, Houghton, Wanderers, and Royal Johannesburg & Kensington golf clubs are just a handful of what the city has to offer.
If you love golf, you have to play in Johannesburg. Not just because the courses are challenging and a lot of fun, but because at altitude, your ball flies further than normal. Bragging rights!
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