Cape Town has a wealth of world-class golf courses, some of the best of which can be found right at its tip. The Southern Suburbs are known for their laid back atmosphere, which is perfectly conducive to a lazy round of golf.
At the southernmost point of the area one can find three of the best golf courses the lovely city has to offer, as well as a surprisingly challenging short course in Simon’s Town.
Westlake Golf Club
According to its website, Westlake Golf Club is “the most popular course in the Cape”. It lies at the foot of the Silvermine Mountains, which separates Muizenberg, Fish Hoek, Simon’s Town and Kommetjie from the Constantia and the rest of the city.
The greens are very green and the course is dotted with plenty of big shady trees that provide respite from the sun and, if you’re lucky, temporary shelter from the omnipresent wind.
The club was established in 1932 and maintains the charm of the era with all the modern conveniences a golfer could desire. It also has the advantage of spectacular views, so you have something to admire while your golfing partner goes in search of lost balls.
The dress code is fairly strict. It’s a soft-spike course only and players are not permitted to wear t-shirts, only proper golf shirts will do. Furthermore, shirts must be tucked in at all times. And don’t even think of wearing jeans.
Westlake Golf Club is also civil minded and in 1999 started a golf development project to help bring up talented young golfers, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds who would otherwise never have had the chance. The club provides all equipment and transport to and from the course, as well free training.
Steenberg Golf Club
Steenberg Golf Club is a private and incredibly exclusive club at the foot of the Constantiaberg Mountains in Constantia. It is located on the grounds of the luxurious Steenberg Hotel and is fantastically beautiful.
While it is nominally a private club it is open top the public depending on availability. It is rated among the top three golf courses in South Africa and is equally attractive to golf widows and widowers who can enjoy the comfortable surroundings while their partners exercise their swing.
Facilities include a halfway house for refreshments, pro shop and practice range, as well as locker rooms, bar and hotel spa for treatments after the game. It offers a “total golfing experience”, including “bump and run” opportunities and the longest green in Africa – 76m. Golfers need to be on top of their game to navigate vineyards, forests and waterways, not to mention bunkers and sand traps.
Clovelly Country Club
Clovelly Country Club is located within the Silvermine Valley; about a five minute drive away from Fish Hoek. The course at Clovelly consistently makes the list of the top 50 golf courses in the country (as compiled by Compleat Golfer magazine).
This has a lot to do with the fact that the club continuously looks for ways in which the course can be improved. Improvements, however, are always carried out with utmost considering for the environment and a dedication to maintain the character and integrity of the course.
The course attracts visitors from as far afield as Thailand and Europeans from across the continent regularly seek out a satisfying 18 holes (with an equally satisfying stop at the 19th).
Simon’s Town Country Club
Simon’s Town Country Club is not as lush, exclusive or posh as the other clubs mentioned. It’s not officially recognised as a top golf course on any list. But it is challenging and with only 9 holes it’s provides the opportunity to aim at a few flags after a long day at work (or at the beach) or to get in a quick nine before the day really begins.
The course is located between Boulders Beach and Fisherman’s Beach and you’ll have to watch out for the occasional waddling penguin. You’ll also have to fight to maintain your concentration because the ocean views are incredible. A word of warning, however, it gets very windy so be prepared to lose a few balls to the sea.
Jade Scully is a copywriter excited about writing copy and stories, blogging about the world and editing. She currently and regularly publishes her stories on a number of blogs. Jade loves animals and hopes to begin writing copy for the animal rescue charity TEARS as her contribution to the cause.
