#5 in SA
Glendower Golf Club
Johannesburg
Par 72 7250 yards
Johannesburg Golf Guide
Golf Courses in Johannesburg
Experience altitude golf in South Africa's largest city. At 1,700m above sea level, your ball flies 10-15% further in the thin highveld air. Johannesburg offers 20+ championship courses including legendary Glendower, Royal JHB, and Houghton—all within 30 minutes of the CBD. Perfect winter weather and firm, fast conditions make this South Africa's year-round golf capital.
20+
Courses
1,700m
Altitude
+10-15%
Extra Distance
R600-R1,500
Green Fees
Golf in Johannesburg – What Makes It Unique
Johannesburg is South Africa's golf capital, with more courses per capita than almost any major city globally. The defining characteristic is altitude: at 1,700 meters above sea level, the thin air dramatically increases ball flight distance. Expect your drives to fly 20-30 yards further and approach shots to carry an extra 10-15%. This isn't just a novelty—it fundamentally changes course strategy and club selection.
The highveld climate delivers perfect golf weather, especially in winter (April-September). Clear blue skies, minimal rain, and comfortable temperatures (15-25°C) create ideal conditions. Summer brings afternoon thunderstorms, but morning rounds are spectacular. Courses are predominantly parkland-style with mature trees, strategic bunkering, and kikuyu grass that's firm and fast in winter.
Unlike coastal Cape Town or humid Durban, Johannesburg golf is defined by consistency. Courses drain quickly, wind is rarely a factor, and year-round playability is exceptional. The city's golf heritage runs deep—Royal Johannesburg & Kensington was founded in 1890, and courses like Glendower regularly host professional tournaments. This guide helps you navigate Joburg's extensive golf scene and choose courses that match your skill level and playing style.
Playing Golf at Altitude – Essential Adjustments
Distance Adjustments
- • Your ball will fly 10-15% further than sea level
- • A 150-yard shot becomes 165-170 yards
- • Take 1-2 clubs less than normal
- • Driver can gain 20-30 yards
- • Wedges lose spin—expect less stopping power
Course Strategy
- • Ball rolls further on firm highveld fairways
- • Less spin at altitude affects control
- • Stay hydrated—altitude can be tiring
- • Use more lofted clubs for stopping power
- • Bunker shots fly further—adjust accordingly
Best Golf Courses in Johannesburg
SA Open Host
Glendower Golf Club
South Africa's premier parkland course and regular SA Open venue. Designed by Charles Hugh Alison in 1937, Glendower features mature trees, strategic bunkering, and championship conditioning. Ideal for serious golfers seeking a world-class test. Members-only weekends, visitors welcome weekdays.
- • Type: Championship Parkland
- • Difficulty: Advanced (Slope 140)
- • Access: Visitors weekdays only
- • Green Fees: R1,200 - R1,600
Historic
Royal Johannesburg & Kensington
South Africa's first Royal club (1890) with two championship 18-hole courses. The East Course has hosted multiple SA Opens and is considered one of the country's toughest layouts. Perfect for history buffs and experienced players. Excellent visitor facilities.
- • Type: Championship Parkland (2 courses)
- • Difficulty: Advanced
- • Access: Visitors welcome
- • Green Fees: R1,000 - R1,400
Houghton Golf Club
Located in Johannesburg's most prestigious suburb with panoramic city views. Classic parkland course with excellent conditioning and friendly atmosphere. Ideal for business golf and visitors staying in Sandton/Rosebank. Walking-friendly layout with moderate difficulty.
- • Type: Parkland
- • Difficulty: Intermediate
- • Access: Public (booking required)
- • Green Fees: R800 - R1,200
Wanderers Golf Club
Set in beautiful parkland near the famous Wanderers cricket ground. Well-manicured fairways, fast greens, and strategic design make it popular with locals and visitors. Excellent value for championship-quality golf. Good for mid-handicappers seeking a fair challenge.
- • Type: Parkland
- • Difficulty: Intermediate
- • Access: Public
- • Green Fees: R700 - R1,100
Randpark Golf Club
Two excellent courses (Firethorn and Bushwillow) offering outstanding value. Bushwillow is beginner-friendly with wide fairways, while Firethorn provides championship challenge. Fully public with easy online booking. Popular with corporate groups and visitors.
- • Type: Parkland (2 courses)
- • Difficulty: Beginner to Advanced
- • Access: Fully Public
- • Green Fees: R600 - R900
Bryanston Country Club
Most beginner-friendly course in Johannesburg with forgiving layout and affordable green fees. Wide fairways, minimal water hazards, and friendly staff make it ideal for high handicappers. Excellent practice facilities and coaching available.
- • Type: Parkland
- • Difficulty: Beginner-Friendly
- • Access: Public
- • Green Fees: R550 - R800
Best Golf Courses in Johannesburg by Player Type
For Beginners
If you're new to golf or have a handicap above 20, these courses offer forgiving layouts, affordable green fees, and welcoming atmospheres:
Bryanston Country Club
Wide fairways, minimal hazards, and excellent practice facilities. Most forgiving course in Joburg. Green fees: R550-R800.
Randpark Club (Bushwillow)
Shorter layout (6,100 yards) with generous landing areas. Great for building confidence at altitude. Green fees: R600-R850.
Parkview Golf Club
Compact parkland course with minimal water. Walking-friendly and affordable. Perfect for high handicappers. Green fees: R500-R700.
For Low Handicappers
Experienced players seeking championship challenges will appreciate these demanding layouts:
Glendower Golf Club
Slope rating 140. SA Open venue with championship conditioning. Demands precision and course management from the tips (7,200 yards).
Royal Johannesburg (East Course)
One of South Africa's toughest tests. Narrow fairways, strategic bunkering, and lightning-fast greens challenge even scratch golfers.
Randpark Club (Firethorn)
Championship layout with water on 14 holes. Hosted SA Open. Requires accuracy and distance control. Excellent value for difficulty level.
Best Value Courses
Championship-quality golf without premium pricing—these courses offer exceptional value:
Randpark Club
Two championship courses for R600-R900. Firethorn hosted the SA Open. Best value in Johannesburg for serious golf.
Wanderers Golf Club
Championship conditioning and excellent facilities for R700-R1,100. Popular with locals who know quality when they see it.
Bryanston Country Club
Affordable green fees (R550-R800) with well-maintained course. Perfect for casual rounds without breaking the bank.
Best Public-Access Courses
No membership required—these courses welcome all visitors with easy booking:
Randpark Club
Fully public with excellent online booking system. Two championship courses. Book 7-14 days ahead for weekends.
Bryanston Country Club
Walk-ins welcome on weekdays. Very accommodating to visitors and corporate groups. Easy phone/online booking.
Wanderers Golf Club
Public access with advance booking. Popular with business golfers. Weekday availability is generally good.
Comparing Golf Courses in Johannesburg
Use this comparison table to quickly identify which Johannesburg course matches your priorities. All listed courses are excellent—ratings reflect characteristics, not quality.
| Course | Difficulty | Conditioning | Value | Walking | Public Access | Green Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glendower | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Weekdays | R1,200-R1,600 |
| Royal JHB (East) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Yes | R1,000-R1,400 |
| Houghton | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Yes | R800-R1,200 |
| Wanderers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Yes | R700-R1,100 |
| Randpark (Firethorn) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Yes | R700-R900 |
| Randpark (Bushwillow) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Yes | R600-R850 |
| Bryanston | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Yes | R550-R800 |
Rating Key: Difficulty (1=Beginner-friendly, 5=Championship), Conditioning (1=Basic, 5=Tournament-ready), Value (1=Premium pricing, 5=Excellent value), Walking (1=Flat/Easy, 5=Hilly/Difficult)
Local Tips for Playing Golf in Johannesburg
Best Time of Day
Morning tee times (7am-9am) are ideal year-round. In summer, finish before afternoon thunderstorms (typically 3-4pm). Winter afternoons are perfect with warm sunshine and no wind. Twilight golf is popular in summer with extended daylight.
Seasonal Considerations
Winter (Apr-Sep): Best season—clear skies, firm fairways, 15-25°C. Peak golf weather.
Summer (Oct-Mar): Morning rounds essential. Afternoon storms common. Lush, green courses.
Shoulder (Mar-Apr, Sep-Oct): Perfect conditions with fewer crowds and excellent value.
Altitude Acclimatization
First-time visitors may feel slightly breathless walking uphill. Stay hydrated (drink 2-3L water per round) and take your time. The altitude advantage is immediate—no acclimatization needed for ball flight. Most visitors adjust within 24 hours.
Transport & Parking
A car is essential in Johannesburg. All courses have secure parking. Uber/Bolt available but expensive for multiple trips. Most hotels offer car rental. GPS is reliable—courses are well-signposted. Allow 20-40 minutes driving time depending on traffic.
Dress Code & Etiquette
Collared shirts and tailored shorts/trousers required at all clubs. Glendower and Royal JHB have strict dress codes. Metal spikes banned everywhere—bring soft spikes. Pace of play is enforced—keep up with the group ahead.
Money-Saving Tips
• Play public courses (Randpark, Bryanston) for best value
• Weekday rates are 20-30% cheaper
• Twilight rates (after 2pm) save 30-40%
• Multi-round packages available at most clubs
• Sharing a cart saves R150-R250
All Johannesburg Golf Courses
Browse our complete database of Johannesburg courses. Click any course for detailed information including altitude adjustments, hole-by-hole guides, green fees, and booking contacts.
Golf Courses Near Johannesburg
Expand your Johannesburg golf trip by exploring nearby regions. Each offers distinct playing experiences within 45-90 minutes of the city.
Pretoria
45 minutes north. Home to Pretoria Country Club and Woodhill. Similar altitude benefits with less traffic. Excellent value courses.
View Courses →Sun City
2 hours northwest. Gary Player Country Club and Lost City. Resort golf with wildlife. Perfect for golf + safari combination.
View Courses →Mpumalanga
3-4 hours east. Leopard Creek and Kruger courses. Combine golf with safari. World-class championship layouts.
View Courses →Regional Golf Guide
For a comprehensive overview of all Gauteng courses, including Pretoria, East Rand, and West Rand:
View All Gauteng CoursesFrequently Asked Questions
How many golf courses are there in Johannesburg?
Johannesburg has over 20 golf courses within a 30-minute drive of the CBD, making it one of the most golf-dense cities in the world. This includes championship venues like Glendower and Royal Johannesburg, as well as excellent public courses like Randpark and Bryanston.
How does altitude affect golf in Johannesburg?
At 1,700 meters above sea level, the thin air causes golf balls to fly 10-15% further than at sea level. A 150-yard shot becomes 165-170 yards. Take 1-2 clubs less than normal and expect your driver to gain 20-30 yards. The ball also rolls further on Johannesburg's firm highveld fairways.
What is the best time to play golf in Johannesburg?
Winter (April-September) is ideal with clear skies, minimal rain, and comfortable temperatures (15-25°C). Summer (October-March) brings afternoon thunderstorms, so book morning tee times. The dry winter season offers firm, fast conditions and is considered peak golf season.
What is the easiest golf course in Johannesburg?
Bryanston Country Club is the most beginner-friendly course in Johannesburg, with wide fairways, minimal water hazards, and forgiving rough. Randpark Club (Bushwillow Course) is also excellent for high handicappers, offering a shorter layout with generous landing areas.
Are Johannesburg golf courses safe for visitors?
Yes, golf courses in Johannesburg are secure environments with controlled access and on-site security. Most clubs are located in safe suburbs like Sandton, Houghton, and Randburg. Use common sense, don't display valuables in parking areas, and you'll have an excellent experience.
Do I need a car to play golf in Johannesburg?
Yes, a car is highly recommended in Johannesburg as courses are spread across the city. Uber and Bolt are available but can be expensive for multiple trips. Most hotels offer car rental, and courses have secure parking. Driving is the most practical option for golf in Joburg.
Can visitors play at Johannesburg's private clubs?
Yes, most private clubs welcome visitors on weekdays with advance booking. Glendower, Royal Johannesburg, and Houghton all accept visitors. Some clubs restrict visitor access on weekends. Always call ahead or book through the pro shop to confirm availability and dress code requirements.
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Experience Altitude Golf in Johannesburg
Ready to bomb drives in the thin highveld air? Explore our Johannesburg golf guides or let us help you plan the perfect trip.