#13 in SA
Steenberg Golf Club
Cape Town
Par 72 6523 yards
Cape Town Golf Guide
Golf Courses in Cape Town
Cape Town combines world-class golf with breathtaking scenery. Play championship courses with Table Mountain as your backdrop, from historic Royal Cape to luxury Steenberg. With year-round sunshine and 15+ courses within 30 minutes of the city, Cape Town is South Africa's premier golf destination for visitors seeking both challenge and beauty.
15+
Courses
Year-Round
Golf Season
R500-R2,500
Green Fees
18-25°C
Avg Temp
Golf in Cape Town – What Makes It Unique
Cape Town's golf scene is defined by dramatic contrasts. The city's Mediterranean climate delivers 300+ days of sunshine annually, creating ideal playing conditions year-round. Unlike the Highveld courses around Johannesburg, Cape Town's coastal location means sea-level golf with no altitude advantage—what you see is what you get.
The terrain varies dramatically: parkland courses like Royal Cape and Rondebosch feature tree-lined fairways and protected greens, while links-style Atlantic Beach and Milnerton expose players to the famous "Cape Doctor" wind. Estate courses like Steenberg and Westlake wind through vineyards and fynbos, offering a uniquely South African aesthetic.
What sets Cape Town apart is accessibility. Most courses welcome visitors, green fees are reasonable compared to international standards, and the city's compact geography means you can play three different course styles in three days without driving more than 45 minutes. This guide helps you choose the right course for your skill level, budget, and playing preferences.
Best Golf Courses in Cape Town
Royal Cape Golf Club
South Africa's oldest golf club (1885) and perennial top-10 course. This parkland masterpiece features mature trees, strategic bunkering, and lightning-fast greens. Ideal for traditionalists who appreciate history and precision golf. Members-only on weekends, but visitors welcome weekdays.
- • Type: Championship Parkland
- • Difficulty: Advanced (Slope 135)
- • Access: Visitors weekdays only
- • Green Fees: R1,200 - R1,800
Steenberg Golf Club
Luxury estate golf in the Constantia wine valley. Designed by Peter Matkovich, this course combines championship challenge with resort amenities. Perfect for golfers seeking a premium experience with post-round wine tasting. Scenic mountain views throughout.
- • Type: Estate Championship
- • Difficulty: Intermediate-Advanced
- • Access: Public (booking required)
- • Green Fees: R1,500 - R2,200
Atlantic Beach Golf Club
Cape Town's only true links course, built to USGA specifications. Located on the West Coast, it offers authentic links golf with ocean views, pot bunkers, and firm, fast conditions. Best for experienced players who enjoy strategic, wind-affected golf.
- • Type: Links
- • Difficulty: Advanced (wind-dependent)
- • Access: Public
- • Green Fees: R800 - R1,400
Metropolitan Golf Club
Outstanding value for championship-quality golf. "The Met" features undulating fairways, strategic bunkering, and fast greens. Walking-friendly layout makes it popular with purists. Excellent choice for mid-handicappers seeking a fair but challenging test.
- • Type: Parkland/Links Hybrid
- • Difficulty: Intermediate
- • Access: Public
- • Green Fees: R600 - R900
Clovelly Country Club
Spectacular clifftop course with ocean views on 13 holes. Designed by Laurie Waters, it's shorter than championship courses but demands accuracy over distance. Perfect for golfers who prioritize scenery and enjoy a relaxed pace. Very walkable.
- • Type: Clifftop Parkland
- • Difficulty: Beginner-Intermediate
- • Access: Public
- • Green Fees: R700 - R1,100
Rondebosch Golf Club
Classic parkland course with wide fairways and mature trees. Excellent for high handicappers and beginners due to forgiving layout and affordable green fees. Well-maintained greens and friendly atmosphere make it a local favorite for casual rounds.
- • Type: Parkland
- • Difficulty: Beginner-Friendly
- • Access: Public
- • Green Fees: R500 - R750
Best Golf Courses in Cape Town 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:
King David Mowbray Golf Club
Shortest course in Cape Town (5,800 yards) with wide fairways and minimal hazards. Perfect for building confidence. Green fees: R400-R600.
Rondebosch Golf Club
Forgiving parkland layout with generous landing areas. Excellent practice facilities and beginner-friendly staff. Green fees: R500-R750.
Westlake Golf Club
Flat, easy-walking course with scenic mountain views. Minimal water hazards and wide fairways make it ideal for high handicappers. Green fees: R550-R800.
For Low Handicappers
Experienced players seeking championship challenges will appreciate these demanding layouts:
Royal Cape Golf Club
Slope rating 135. Demands precision off the tee and exceptional short game. Fast, undulating greens test even scratch golfers.
Atlantic Beach Golf Club
Links golf at its finest. Wind, firm conditions, and strategic bunkering require course management and shot-shaping ability.
Steenberg Golf Club
Championship tees stretch to 6,500 yards. Elevated greens, water hazards, and narrow landing areas demand accuracy and distance control.
Most Scenic Courses
For golfers who value views as much as scores, these courses deliver unforgettable backdrops:
Clovelly Country Club
Clifftop holes with ocean views. The par-3 13th plays over a ravine to a green perched above the Atlantic—one of South Africa's most photographed holes.
Steenberg Golf Club
Constantia Valley setting with Table Mountain, vineyards, and historic Cape Dutch architecture. Every hole offers postcard-worthy scenery.
Milnerton Golf Club
Table Mountain views from every hole. Lagoon-side layout with birdlife and sunset rounds that are truly spectacular.
Best Public-Access Courses
No membership required—these courses welcome all visitors with easy online booking:
Metropolitan Golf Club
Fully public with excellent online booking system. Championship quality at municipal prices. Book 7-14 days ahead for weekends.
Atlantic Beach Golf Club
No restrictions on visitor access. Easy booking via website or phone. Twilight rates available after 2pm.
Clovelly Country Club
Walk-ins welcome on weekdays. Weekend booking recommended. Very accommodating to international visitors.
Comparing Golf Courses in Cape Town
Use this comparison table to quickly identify which Cape Town course matches your priorities. Ratings are based on course characteristics, not quality—all listed courses are excellent.
| Course | Difficulty | Scenery | Wind Exposure | Walking Difficulty | Public Access | Green Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Cape | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | Weekdays | R1,200-R1,800 |
| Steenberg | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Yes | R1,500-R2,200 |
| Atlantic Beach | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Yes | R800-R1,400 |
| Metropolitan | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Yes | R600-R900 |
| Clovelly | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Yes | R700-R1,100 |
| Rondebosch | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | Yes | R500-R750 |
| Milnerton | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐ | Yes | R650-R950 |
| King David Mowbray | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ | Yes | R400-R600 |
Rating Key: Difficulty (1=Beginner-friendly, 5=Championship), Scenery (1=Basic, 5=Spectacular), Wind (1=Sheltered, 5=Exposed), Walking (1=Flat/Easy, 5=Hilly/Difficult)
Local Tips for Playing Golf in Cape Town
Best Time of Day
Book morning tee times (7am-10am) to avoid the famous "Cape Doctor" south-easterly wind, which typically picks up after 11am in summer. Early rounds also offer cooler temperatures and faster pace of play.
Seasonal Considerations
Summer (Nov-Mar): Warm and dry but windy afternoons. Book 2+ weeks ahead.
Autumn (Apr-May): Best overall conditions—mild, less wind, fewer crowds.
Winter (Jun-Aug): Occasional rain but 30% lower fees. Courses are lush.
Spring (Sep-Oct): Wildflowers bloom, temperatures rise, excellent value.
Wind & Weather Strategy
The south-easterly wind is strongest at coastal courses (Atlantic Beach, Milnerton, Clovelly). Inland courses like Royal Cape and Rondebosch are more sheltered. Always bring an extra club for wind—it can add 2-3 clubs to approach shots.
Transport & Booking
Most courses are 15-30 minutes from Cape Town CBD. Uber/Bolt are reliable and affordable (R150-R300 per trip). Book tee times online 7-14 days ahead for weekends. Weekday walk-ins are often possible at public courses.
Dress Code & Etiquette
Most Cape Town courses enforce collared shirts and tailored shorts/trousers. Denim and athletic wear are prohibited. Royal Cape has the strictest dress code. Metal spikes are banned at all courses—bring soft spikes.
Money-Saving Tips
• Twilight rates (after 2pm) save 30-40%
• Winter green fees are significantly lower
• Municipal courses (Metropolitan, Milnerton) offer best value
• Multi-round packages available at resort courses
• Sharing a cart saves R200-R300
All Cape Town Golf Courses
Browse our complete database of Cape Town courses. Click any course for detailed information including hole-by-hole guides, green fees, booking contacts, and player reviews.
Golf Courses Near Cape Town
Expand your Cape Town golf trip by exploring nearby regions. Each offers distinct playing experiences within 45-90 minutes of the city.
Stellenbosch
45 minutes from Cape Town. Winelands golf with courses like Devonvale and Stellenbosch Golf Club. Combine golf with wine tasting.
View Courses →George (Garden Route)
4.5 hours from Cape Town. Home to Fancourt and Pinnacle Point. Worth the drive for world-class championship golf.
View Courses →Hermanus
90 minutes from Cape Town. Coastal golf with whale watching (Jun-Nov). Hermanus Golf Club offers clifftop ocean views.
View Courses →Regional Golf Guide
For a comprehensive overview of all Western Cape courses, including the Winelands, Garden Route, and Overberg regions:
View All Western Cape CoursesFrequently Asked Questions
How many golf courses are there in Cape Town?
Cape Town has over 15 golf courses within a 30-minute drive of the city center, ranging from historic parkland layouts to modern links-style courses. This includes championship venues like Royal Cape Golf Club and scenic estate courses like Steenberg.
Are Cape Town golf courses open to the public?
Yes, most Cape Town golf courses welcome visitors. While some require advance booking or have member-priority times, courses like Metropolitan, Clovelly, and Atlantic Beach are fully public. Premium clubs like Royal Cape and Steenberg accept visitors with tee time reservations.
What is the best time to play golf in Cape Town?
October to April offers the best weather with warm, sunny days and minimal rain. However, Cape Town's mild Mediterranean climate allows year-round golf. Winter months (May-September) offer lower green fees and less crowded courses, with temperatures still comfortable at 12-18°C.
What is the easiest golf course in Cape Town?
King David Mowbray Golf Club is considered the most beginner-friendly course in Cape Town, with a shorter layout (5,800 yards), forgiving fairways, and affordable green fees. Rondebosch Golf Club is also excellent for high handicappers, offering a parkland layout with wide fairways.
Do I need a car to play golf in Cape Town?
While a car is recommended for flexibility, it's not essential. Uber and Bolt operate throughout Cape Town, and many hotels offer golf shuttle services. Courses like Royal Cape, Rondebosch, and King David Mowbray are accessible via public transport or ride-sharing.
Can I walk Cape Town golf courses?
Yes, walking is permitted and encouraged at most Cape Town courses, particularly Metropolitan, Clovelly, and Rondebosch. Some hillier courses like Steenberg and Westlake may be challenging to walk. Always check with the pro shop when booking.
What should I know about Cape Town's wind conditions?
Cape Town is known for the "Cape Doctor" – a strong south-easterly wind that typically blows in summer afternoons (November-March). Book morning tee times to avoid the strongest winds. Coastal courses like Atlantic Beach and Milnerton are most affected.
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Plan Your Cape Town Golf Trip
Ready to experience golf with Table Mountain views? Explore our complete Cape Town guides or let us help you plan the perfect golf holiday.