Experience Unique Challenges On A Golf Vacation In South Africa

South Africa has many well-manicured golf courses available for visitors, often set in fantastic scenery. However, it also offers some extreme experiences for the well-traveled golfer, including wildlife on the course and the highest and longest Par 3 in the world. Read on to find out about the adventures to be had on the golf courses of South Africa.

Legend Golf & Safari Resort, Entabeni Safari Conservancy

Here, we look at the Legend Golf & Safari Resort, set in the Entabeni Safari Conservancy, which has the dubious fame of being one of the 13 craziest golf holes in the world. This Signature Golf Course was designed by 18 world-famous golf pros, including Bernard Langer, Justin Rose, Colin Montgomerie and Trevor Immelman.

However, its claim to fame is the Extreme 19th, said to be the longest and highest par 3 in the world. Meanwhile, it is a 400-yard hole with a tee-up on Hanglip Mountain and is only accessible by helicopter.

The golf course is located in the UNESCO-registered Waterberg Biosphere and its surroundings are teeming with wildlife and rough bushveld. Moreover, it is also hugged by gorgeous mountainous scenery on all sides.

Meanwhile, the Signature Clubhouse offers players and their families a restaurant, pool, and barbeques, as well as a sky walkway between the venues with great views. If the rest of the family is not into golf, they can be kept amused with safari tours, scenic helicopter flights, and quad and mountain biking adventures.

Skukuza Golf Club, Kruger National Park

The beautiful Skukuza Golf Club is located on the road to Paul Kruger Gate in the Kruger National Park. It started out life as a recreational facility for personnel working at Skukuza Rest Camp. You can just imagine, being stuck out in the middle of the African bush with little to do. However, the golf course finally allowed the personnel to relax and have fun.

Nowadays, the Skukuza Golf Course is open to the public and is available to any visitors to the iconic Kruger National Park. The well-maintained golf course offers a truly unique experience for even the most seasoned golfer. While teeing off, players are surrounded by the iconic Big Five, as well as many other species of animals and birds. This can make it difficult to keep your eye on the ball! With the course unfenced, baboons, warthog and impala make the odd visit, while occasionally, an inquisitive hippo or three might appear on the scene. How’s this for a water hazard?

Meanwhile, the par 72, nine-hole, 18-tee course has no bunkers. However, on the official Kruger National Park website, it states that golfers are surrounded by “aerial bunkers,” due to the many trees surrounding the course.

Hans Merensky Hotel & Spa, Phalaborwa

Close to Kruger National Park, the Hans Merensky Hotel and Spa offers an 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course. Meanwhile, the course, designed by Bob Grimsdell, has attracted world fame due to its unique setting. In fact, the occasional hippo or giraffe loves visiting golfers. Take care, however, as the occasional crocodile casually saunters onto the well-manicured greens.

Moreover, the golf course was voted the best walking course in South Africa. Basically, you just need to watch out for those crocodiles!

Take a golfing vacation in South Africa this year, visiting these unique golf courses and many more. Here, wildlife is definitely par for the course.