Sun City Golf Holidays

Why Golfers Travel to Sun City

You get to play a tournament course. The Gary Player Country Club hosts the Nedbank Golf Challenge, known as Africa's Major, and the chance to play the same holes as the world's best is the main reason groups come.

Everything is in one place. Both courses, the hotels, the restaurants, the casino and the Valley of the Waves water park are all within the resort, so there is no daily driving between golf and the hotel.

The safari is right next door. The Pilanesberg National Park borders the resort and has the Big Five, so a sunrise game drive before golf is easy to arrange. The area is also malaria-free, which suits groups who do not want to take antimalarials.

The Best Golf Courses in Sun City

Gary Player Country Club - The championship course at Sun City and one of the longest on the DP World Tour. Kikuyu fairways, deep bunkers and fast greens make it a real test, especially from the back tees, but there are plenty of tee options for mixed handicaps.

Lost City Golf Club - A desert-style course with wide fairways, waste areas and big undulating greens. It is the more forgiving of the two and the better choice for a first round. Look out for the 13th, where the green sits beside a pit full of live crocodiles.

When Is the Best Time to Play Golf in Sun City?

Sun City has golf weather all year, but each season feels different. April, May, September and October are the sweet spot: warm, sunny days in the mid to high 20s°C and little rain.

The South African winter (June to August) is dry and sunny with days around 20°C, although early mornings are cold, so plan later tee times. The summer months (November to March) are hot, often over 30°C, with afternoon thunderstorms, so book early tee times. The Nedbank Golf Challenge is usually played in late November or early December, and the Gary Player Country Club closes to visitors around the event.

Planning a Golf Trip to Sun City

Three or four nights at Sun City gives you a round on each course, a game drive in the Pilanesberg and time at the pool. Many groups add Sun City to a longer South Africa trip, flying on to Cape Town for the Winelands courses or to the Garden Route for Fancourt, or heading east to the Kruger National Park for a longer safari.

Choose your hotel by budget and style. The Palace of the Lost City is the resort’s flagship five-star hotel, The Cascades Hotel is a five-star hotel set in tropical gardens, the Sun City Hotel sits at the heart of the action beside the casino, and The Cabanas is the relaxed, family-friendly option. All are a short walk or shuttle ride from both courses. Let us know your budget and preferred hotel when you enquire, and we will price the trip around it.

Travel Tips for Visiting Golfers

Flights - Fly to Johannesburg OR Tambo Airport. Direct flights from London take around 11 hours, and the transfer to Sun City takes about two and a half hours by road.

Passports - UK passport holders do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days, but your passport needs two blank pages. Check the latest FCDO advice before you book.

Time difference - South Africa is one hour ahead of the UK in summer and two hours ahead in winter, so there is no jet lag.

Money - The currency is the South African rand, and cards are accepted across the resort.

Caddies - Caddies are available at both courses and are part of the experience. Tipping at the end of the round is expected; ask us about current rates.

Plugs - South Africa uses the large round three-pin plug (type M), so bring a specific adapter.