Frequently Asked Questions
Why Southern Africa for Golf?
This is not an easy question to answer. There are so many good
reasons, ranging from the sunny climate and spectacular natural
beauty to the many excellent golf courses and the wide range of
accommodation options. Where else can you play a round of golf in
the morning with warthogs as spectators and join a "big five"
safari in the afternoon? Value for money is another draw card. The
favourable exchange rate and relatively low visitors fees make a
golfing holiday in Southern
African accessible to most. Finally, the good infrastructure
ensures you reach your selected courses as planned and the lack
of crowds mean almost no waiting time.
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Planning a Golf
Tour?
This golfing manual has been designed to assist you in planning
a comprehensive and memorable golf tour. Southern
Africa offers a range of superb golfing opportunities. The difficult
part is deciding which courses not to play and how much golf you
want to sacrifice in order to build some sightseeing into your programme.
The great thing is that sightseeing and golf really go hand in hand
unless you want to play 36 holes every day. Amazing combinations
are available - Gary
Player and Sun City,
Erinvale and wine
tasting, Hans Merensky
and safari,
Fancourt and
Garden Route, Elephant Hills and Victoria Falls. Personalised Travel
Journals are prepared for our golfing clients. These include pre-booked
tee off times, golf course descriptions as well as directions (for
self-drive) and sightseeing options.
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Golf Courses
We have selected a comprehensive range of the most popular and
challenging courses. These are the courses that our clients have
enjoyed and returned to year after year. The variety is immense
- there are championship city courses, world-class golfing estates,
seaside holiday courses and even courses that boast live crocodiles
in the water features! Each golf course is allocated one page -
here you will find detailed information including location, length,
green fees, facilities, club regulations, course layout and much
more.
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When to Travel?
Southern Africa is blessed with a moderate climate well suited
to all-year-round golf. Peak season in the Western and Southern
Cape is in summer (December to April) and days are warm and dry.
Weather patterns improve from late September into October and November
when winter rain subsides. December to February offers the golfer
longer daylight hours and hot, clear weather. This time of the year,
a south-easterly wind blows in the Western Cape during mid-morning
and dies down late afternoon, providing additional challenges to
the golfer. February, March and April usually offer the most perfect
weather for play. Winter has special qualities of its own. But generally,
even in the rainy season, the days are mild, clear and usually wind-free.
Courses are lush, green and a joy to play.
Kwa-Zulu Natal offers sub-tropical weather patterns and flourishing
natural vegetation. Winters (May - September) are dry and pleasant
and summer months (October - March) offer hot and humid weather
with an annual rainfall of 1000mm per year. The best time is therefore
when humidity is at its lowest in winter and spring, when the landscape
also offers a stunning display of flowers and fruit.
In general, the rest of Southern
Africa experiences hot and sunny weather in the morning with
possible afternoon thunderstorms in summer. Daytime temperatures
can rise to 38ºC (100ºF) and night temperatures drop to
around 20-25ºC (68-77ºF). The afternoons can be very humid.
The rainy season begins late in October/ November and ends in March.
The northern areas receive up to 700mm while the Kalahari Desert
area averages as low as 225mm. During winter, days are dry, sunny
and cool to warm while evening temperatures drop sharply. Daytime
temperatures generally reach 20ºC (68ºF) and can drop
to as low as 5ºC (41ºF) at night. Please note that exceptionally
cold spells can occur (although this is the exception rather than
the rule), so it is recommended to bring appropriate clothing, just
in case.
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Transport
Driving a rental car in South
Africa is easy; the road network is excellent and extensive.
However, there is quite a distance between some of the tourist destinations
- and for these journeys a short domestic flight is advised. For
the golfer who prefers to concentrate on his game and leave the
route planning to others, we recommend enlisting the services of
a local golfing guide who will escort them to the courses and also
include some sightseeing. The safari lodges are easily accessible
with our daily shuttle flights from Johannesburg or from local airports
such as Skukuza, Hoedspruit (Eastgate Airport) and Durban
or Richards Bay. For those with more time available to them it is
also possible to self-drive to the safari lodges. In addition, there
is the option of luxury rail travel between the major centres and
to premier tourist destination such as the Garden Route or Kruger.
NOTE: Shuttle flights have certain luggage restrictions but arrangements
can be made for golf bags/clubs to be stored safely in Johannesburg.
Scheduled domestic flights will accept golf bags/clubs subject to
their excess luggage stipulations.
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Clothes and Etiquette
It is important to be aware of the golfing etiquette in South
Africa:
Dress on the course
- Players must be tidily dressed
- T shirts must have sleeves and collars
- Good shoes to be worn.
- No jeans
- A hat is strongly recommended to counter the effects of the
sun
- Short pants and socks are allowed. No draw-string pants.
Dress code in the clubhouses
Certain clubs have a strict dress code for the clubhouse. It is
advisable to bring a jacket and tie if you want to eat or drink
in the dining room /main lounge. There is usually a terrace-type
bar, which is less formal.
Halfway House
It is customary to break your round of golf after nine holes at
the "halfway house" for a drink and a sandwich - perhaps
even breakfast. You are advised not to by pass the halfway house
as this may upset the golfers playing in front of you.
Caddies
Caddies are readily available at all the courses and in some cases
are compulsory. Speak to the caddie master regarding the caddie
fee - approximately R 65 - and the standard of caddie which you
would like. The caddies are often graded and a good caddie will
assist you with club selection and in reading the greens - not just
merely carrying your clubs and helping you find lost balls! A caddie
tip is also expected at the halfway house for a drink and at the
end. The caddie master will advise you. The caddies recognise foreign
visitors and you may receive a request for more no matter how generous
your original tip! You are advised not to leave valuables in your
golf bag.
Golf buggies are available at the larger courses. They are limited
in number and it is advisable to book these in advance. Trollies
and normally golf clubs are available for hire. It is better, although
not essential, to arrange club hire in advance.
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