10 top places to play golf in Cape Town and surrounds

These courses will have you jumping into your golf cart and teeing off in no time

Ocean breezes, tree lined fairways and sheltered mountains are the ideal conditions for golfers so it's little wonder that Cape Town and Surrounds are home to a collection of uniquely designed nine and 18 hole golf courses that are ranked as some of the best in South Africa. Championship status courses have played host to major events including the Sunshine Tour event, the SA Cup and the Bells Open. Get your golf clubs ready, as we're about to tell you where they are.

1 - The River Club
Home of the Southern African Golf Institute, this world class practising facility includes undercover bays, which protect golfers from the rain; grass hitting bays, putting greens, chipping areas and bunker practice facilities. In addition, you'll find a mashie course, where you can play nine par 3 holes, as well as conferencing and restaurant facilities.

Liesbeek Parkway | Observatory | Cape Town | The River Club: +27 (0)21 448 6117 / Southern African Golf Institute: +27 (0)21 400 0140

2 – Erinvale Golf Club
This Gary Player designed course is considered one of the best in the Western Cape and is situated at the foot of the Helderberg Mountains boasting spectacular views of False Bay. The mountains protect the course from the wind and a flat challenging first nine is complemented by a second hilly nine.

Somerset West | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 847 1144

3 – The Royal Cape Golf Club
The Royal Cape Golf Club strives to create a golfing environment that is enjoyable and memorable for all golfing enthusiasts with guidance from well trained PGA professionals. The course includes a driving range, chipping green, pitching green, putting green and a practice net.

The Royal Cape Golf Club | 174 Ottery Road | Ottery | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 761 6551

4 – Clovelly Country Club
Nestled in the pristine Silvermine Valley Clovelly is known for its family character and outstanding facilities and their membership profile ensures that the club thrives from sporting, competitive and social perspectives. With visitors as far reaching as Thailand and Ireland playing up to 60 000 rounds a year it's advisable to book ahead.

Clovelly Road | Clovelly | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 784 2111

5 – King David Golf Course
Founded in 1956 as a golf and country club the 18 hole championship course is, to this day, rated as one of the finest layouts in South Africa. The course is set amongst a meandering and rolling landscape that is sheltered from Cape Town's strong winds and protected from wet winters.

80 Palotti Road | Motana | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 934 0365

6 – Atlantic Beach Golf Course
The 18 hole, Championship Links style golf course is flanked by the ocean breeze so you can use normal lofted shots on calm days and use the firm turf to play low running shots on windy days. The club boasts a pro shop, a golf academy, a leisure complex with a swimming pool and bar and restaurant facilities.

1 Fairview Drive | Melkbosstrand | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 553 2223

7 – Westlake Golf Club
This easy to walk 18 hole par 72 golf course lined by towering trees welcomes visitors with old world charm and modern facilities. The club also hosts functions.

Westlake Avenue (off Boyes Drive) | Lakeside | Cape Town |  +27 (0)21 788 2020

8 – Rondebosch Golf Club
Since opening in 1911, Rondebosch Golf Club's 18 hole course has been rated as a 'must-play' for golf enthusiasts and, at only 10 minutes from Cape Town, affords views of Devils Peak and Table Mountain. Rondebosch has hosted seven consecutive Sunshine Tour Events, two professional ladies European Tour events and the South African Ladies Amateur Open.

Klipfontein Road | Mowbray | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 689 4176

9 – Mowbray Golf Club
Having hosted the SA Open seven times and the Bells Cup three times Mowbray Golf Club's championship course is recognised as one of the best in the country. Tee off on newly mown fairways, bordered by tall pines and indigenous trees and relax with friends in one of their comfortable lounges afterwards.

Mowbray | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 683 3018

10 – Metropolitan Golf Course
Adjacent to the V&A Waterfront with magnificent views of Table Mountain and Signal Hill you'll find a variety of greens and tees which result in a different challenge on the second round. Other facilities include a clubhouse, bar and golf clubs are available.

Fritz Sonnenberg Road | Mouille Point | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 430 6011

By Lisa Nevitt

Are you still feeling energetic? Check out our 10 Top Running Routes, 10 Top Cycling Routes and 10 Top Hiking Routes.

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