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Frequently Asked Questions
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Why should I choose South 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- How do I plan 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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Which Course do I choose?
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, and much more. Prices quoted are should be taken as guidelines only.
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Which Tour do I choose?
To assist those unfamiliar with the region, we have designed a few tours that incorporate the most popular courses and introduce the golfer to some of the highlights of the country - Cape Town, Sun City, safari and the KwaZulu-Natal coast. Please contact our specialist golf manager should you prefer a tailor-made itinerary.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- When should I 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- How do I get around?
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What is the golfing etiquette in South Africa?
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 - R100 - 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
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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Tailor-Made Golf Tours
Let CC Africa's Golfing Division tailor-make the ideal golf tour to suit
your needs, whether these encompass golf every day or a combination of golf,
sightseeing, safaris and fine dining. The possibilities are endless ...
CC Africa offers a range of tour operating and safari services throughout
Southern Africa.
Visit www.ccafrica.com
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