South Africa & Mauritius

Golf in the Indian Ocean Region is diverse and compelling. The three primary countries where golf is played are South Africa, Mauritius and Sri Lanka.

South Africa is a compelling blend of world-class courses, spectacular scenery, and rich sporting heritage. With its warm climate, diverse landscapes, and passion for the game, the country has firmly established itself as a top golf destination, attracting both casual enthusiasts and elite players from around the world.

The country's courses are as varied as its terrain, ranging from coastal layouts along the Indian and Atlantic Oceans to inland tracks nestled in the highveld and bushveld.

One of the most iconic is The Links at Fancourt in George, consistently ranked the top course in South Africa. Designed by Gary Player, this links-style course offers challenging play amidst breathtaking natural beauty and immaculate conditioning. Two other courses - Otinequa and Montagu complete the golf offering.

Cape Town, with its stunning mountainous backdrop and ocean views, offers exceptional golfing experiences, including Steenberg Golf Club and Clovelly Country Club.

The Garden Route, a popular coastal stretch between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, boasts many top-tier courses such as Pinnacle Point, Arabella, Pearl Valley, Simola, and Pezula, where dramatic cliffs and ocean winds test both skill and nerve.

Johannesburg and Pretoria are home to numerous parkland courses that combine rich history with championship layouts. The Gary Player Country Club at Sun City, host of the Nedbank Golf Challenge, is one of the most recognizable. This high-profile event on the DP World Tour draws some of the world’s best players and is a highlight on the African golfing calendar.

One of the unique appeals of golfing in South Africa is the chance to combine sport with safari. Courses like Leopard Creek, bordering Kruger National Park, offer the rare opportunity to see elephants, hippos, and other wildlife just beyond the fairways. Designed with luxury and conservation in mind, Leopard Creek is a true African golfing jewel.

In terms of value, South Africa is highly competitive. Visitors often find that green fees, accommodation, and dining offer excellent quality at a fraction of the cost of similar experiences in Europe or North America. The hospitality, too, is world-class, with friendly service and a strong culture of golf tourism.

In summary, golf in South Africa is about more than just fairways and greens—it’s about adventure, scenery, and the passion of a nation that loves the game. Whether teeing off against a backdrop of Table Mountain, playing through coastal dunes, or hearing a lion’s roar in the distance, South Africa offers a golf experience like no other.

Mauritius, a jewel in the Indian Ocean, has become a premier destination for golfers seeking a blend of tropical beauty, world-class design, and luxurious hospitality.

Despite its small size, the island boasts an impressive collection of championship golf courses, many of which are set along breathtaking coastlines, nestled between volcanic mountains, or embedded within lush sugarcane plantations.

One of the island’s most iconic golf venues is the Ile aux Cerfs Golf Club, located on its own island off the east coast. Designed by two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer, this 18-hole course is often ranked among the world’s most beautiful. Accessible only by boat or helicopter, it offers a unique sense of seclusion. The course meanders through tropical vegetation, volcanic rock formations, and coastal lagoons, with several holes offering panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. It’s both a visual and strategic masterpiece.

On the southern coast lies the Heritage Golf Club, consistently voted the best golf course in the Indian Ocean. Designed by Peter Matkovich, it features a challenging championship layout that blends seamlessly into the Bel Ombre nature reserve. With wide fairways, undulating greens, and a backdrop of rolling hills and native forest, it’s as scenic as it is satisfying. The club is also home to the new La Réserve Golf Links, which is the first and only links-style course in the region—further elevating Mauritius as a golf destination.

The Anahita Golf Club, designed by Ernie Els, is another standout on the east coast. Set within a luxury resort, this course combines generous fairways, oceanfront holes, and immaculate conditioning. Several holes run along the lagoon’s edge, with the closing stretch offering particularly memorable views. The facilities here are exceptional, including a state-of-the-art practice area and fine dining at the clubhouse.

For a change of pace, the Avalon Golf Estate in the island’s highlands offers cooler temperatures and a different landscape. Designed by Peter Matkovich, Avalon features elevation changes, open fairways, and sweeping views of tea plantations and the southern coastline. It’s a favourite among locals and visitors alike for its relaxed atmosphere and playable design.

Other notable courses include the Tamarina Golf Club, which offers a championship layout along the western coast, framed by Mount Rempart and the Black River Gorge. With dry, sunny weather most of the year and African-style savannah surroundings, it provides a distinctive Mauritian golf experience.

Mont Choisy Le Golf, located in northern Mauritius, offers a scenic championship course designed by Peter Matkovich. Set amid volcanic rock and lush vegetation, it features wide fairways, strategic bunkering, and mountain views. Its welcoming layout and high-quality facilities make it a favourite for both locals and international visitors.

Le Paradis Golf Club, nestled on Mauritius's Le Morne Peninsula, offers an 18-hole, par-72 championship course stretching 5,924 meters. Designed by Tony Johnstone, it winds between the UNESCO-listed Le Morne Mountain and the turquoise lagoon, providing breathtaking coastal views and features five water hazards and lush tropical landscaping.

Mauritius’ golf courses are complemented by luxury resorts, warm hospitality, and excellent service. Most offer tailored golf holiday packages that include green fees, transfers, spa treatments, and gourmet dining. With year-round playability, direct international access, and unforgettable scenery, Mauritius has firmly established itself as one of the world’s top island golf destinations.

Golf in Sri Lanka offers a unique blend of tropical scenery and colonial charm. The country boasts historic courses like Royal Colombo Golf Club and scenic gems such as Victoria Golf & Country Resort in Kandy, nestled among lush hills and lakes. Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, set in the tea country highlands, offers cool climates and stunning backdrops. Sri Lanka’s golf experience is enriched by its warm hospitality, rich culture, and diverse landscapes.