Gary Player Country Club
A legendary championship golf course at Sun City Resort, renowned for its challenging layout, pristine condition, and iconic status in African golf.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal conditions
Gary Player Country Club
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal conditions
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary championship golf course at Sun City Resort, renowned for its challenging layout, pristine condition, and iconic status in African golf.
"Probably the toughest course I’ve ever played but enjoyed every moment of it."
🎯 Book Tee Times Early
Essential for this popular course! Secure your spot in advance, especially during peak season.
🤝 Hire a Caddy
Highly recommended for navigating the tough layout and finding balls in the rough.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Legendary Gary Player Course
Gary Player Country Club
Play where legends have triumphed. This challenging 18-hole course offers a true test of golf with stunning scenery.
Hole 9's Walk of Fame
9th Hole
Experience the humbling sensation of walking over the names of golfing greats who have won here.
Spectacular Lake and Hillside Views
Various holes
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the lake and surrounding hills, complemented by abundant local flora and fauna.
Challenging 17th Hole
17th Hole
A par 4 that can make or break your round, demanding precision and strategic play.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tee Time in Advance
Prepare for a Challenging Round
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tee Times Early
Essential for this popular course! Secure your spot in advance, especially during peak season.
🤝 Hire a Caddy
Highly recommended for navigating the tough layout and finding balls in the rough.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking a challenging course, so good golf shoes are a must.
💧 Stay Hydrated
South African sun can be intense. Bring plenty of water or purchase it at the club.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tee Times Early
Essential for this popular course! Secure your spot in advance, especially during peak season.
🤝 Hire a Caddy
Highly recommended for navigating the tough layout and finding balls in the rough.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking a challenging course, so good golf shoes are a must.
💧 Stay Hydrated
South African sun can be intense. Bring plenty of water or purchase it at the club.
📸 Capture the Views
The scenery is as impressive as the course. Don't forget your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Players consistently praise Gary Player Country Club for its challenging yet rewarding layout and immaculate course conditions, offering a truly memorable golfing experience. The stunning scenery and the prestige of playing on a legendary course are major highlights. However, some find the course extremely difficult, and the premium pricing can be a consideration for some visitors.
"It was the best experience playing where the greatest golfers walked.
It was humbling walking over all the names on the 9th hole and playing and putting where they won big money."
Sampie Liversage
"Probably the toughest course I’ve ever played but enjoyed every moment of it. My caddy, Budha was amazing as he knew the ins and outs of the course whilst being a legendary ball finder, being able to find my ball in the thick rough.
The course provides a plethora of shot types to play whilst also having lots of risk management.
The scenery of the lake was also beautiful alongside the high hills. There were also a lot of local flora and fauna making this not only fun to play, but fun to relax in the scenery."
cheezo
"As always this place is spectacular, after huge amounts of rain the course was immaculate, albeit very challenging. We played both golf courses but Gary Player Country Club remains one of my favorite courses and had the privilege of playing a few holes with the legend himself, Gary Player...almost 90 years old but still as fit as ever."
Mark van Rensburg
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gary Player Country Club is located within the Sun City Resort in the North West Province of South Africa. Most visitors arrive by car or shuttle from Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), which is about a 2.5 to 3-hour drive away. Package deals often include transfers.
While direct public transport to Sun City is limited, organized shuttle services are available from major cities like Johannesburg and Pretoria. Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the resort and surrounding areas.
From Johannesburg, take the N1 North towards Pretoria, then the N4 West towards Rustenburg. Follow signs for Sun City. The resort is well-signposted.
Yes, Sun City Resort offers a range of hotels, including The Palace of the Lost City, The Cascades Hotel, and The Sun City Hotel, all within easy reach of the Gary Player Country Club.
There is no major international airport directly at Sun City. The closest international airport is O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, from where you would arrange onward travel.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Green fees can vary depending on the season, day of the week, and whether you are a resort guest. It's best to check the official Gary Player Country Club or Sun City Resort website for current pricing and packages. Expect premium rates for this championship course.
Absolutely! Gary Player Country Club is a highly sought-after course. Booking your tee time well in advance is essential, especially for weekends and during tournament periods.
The golf course typically opens early in the morning and closes at dusk. The pro shop and clubhouse hours may vary, so it's advisable to check their specific opening times when booking.
Yes, a smart golf attire is required. This typically includes collared shirts, tailored shorts or trousers, and golf shoes. Denim and sportswear are generally not permitted.
Yes, non-resort guests can play, but booking in advance is even more critical. Resort guests may sometimes have priority or access to special packages.
🎫 ⛳ Onsite Experience
It's a championship 18-hole course known for its challenging layout, immaculate conditioning, and beautiful scenery. It features strategic hazards, undulating greens, and offers a true test of golf for all skill levels.
For golf enthusiasts, it's an unforgettable experience. Playing where legends have competed, combined with the challenging course and stunning environment, makes it a bucket-list destination.
The club offers a pro shop, driving range, putting greens, a clubhouse with dining facilities, and locker rooms. A gym is also available for a daily fee.
Yes, club rentals are typically available at the pro shop. It's advisable to inquire about availability and brands when booking your tee time.
While many holes are memorable, the 17th hole, a challenging par 4, is often highlighted as a hole that can significantly impact a player's score.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the clubhouse typically offers dining facilities where you can enjoy meals and refreshments with views of the course.
Beverage carts often circulate the course during play, offering refreshments. Some holes may also have halfway houses or snack bars.
Expect a range of options, from casual snacks and light meals to more formal dining, often featuring South African specialties.
Certainly. The clubhouse restaurant is ideal for pre-game breakfast or post-game celebrations and meals.
Most reputable establishments will offer vegetarian options. It's always a good idea to check the menu or inform your server of any dietary requirements.
📸 📸 Photography
The scenic holes with lake and mountain backdrops, the 9th hole's 'Walk of Fame,' and the general landscape offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Yes, photography is generally permitted for personal use. However, be mindful of other players and avoid delaying play.
During professional tournaments, there might be restrictions on professional photography equipment or drone usage. For casual play, personal photos are usually fine.
The 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon – offer the best light for landscape and portrait photography, creating dramatic shadows and warm tones.
The course is known for its local flora and fauna. If you spot any wildlife, capture it respectfully from a safe distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking accommodation that caters to families, and perhaps arrange for one parent to play golf while the other enjoys the resort's attractions with the children. The resort also offers other activities like mini-golf, arcade games, and nature walks, ensuring there's something to keep everyone entertained.
💰 Budget Travelers
Staying at one of the more affordable hotels within Sun City Resort, or even slightly outside the resort, could help manage costs. Opting for a weekday round might also offer slightly lower green fees. While the course is a significant expense, enjoying the resort's general amenities and exploring the surrounding areas can still provide a fantastic experience without breaking the bank.
🏌️ Golf Enthusiasts
+2 Consider booking a golf package that includes multiple rounds at Gary Player and potentially the Lost City Course for a comprehensive golfing holiday. Don't underestimate the course's difficulty. Hiring a caddy is highly recommended to help you navigate the strategic challenges and maximize your enjoyment. Researching the course layout beforehand and practicing your short game will also be beneficial.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Gary Player Country Club Experience
+1Beyond the fairways, the surrounding landscape adds to the allure. Lush vegetation, the shimmering lake, and the dramatic hills create a picturesque backdrop for your game. Keep an eye out for the local flora and fauna that inhabit the area, adding a touch of wild beauty to the golfing experience. The 9th hole, with its 'Walk of Fame' featuring the names of past champions, offers a humbling moment to connect with golf history.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic amateur, playing Gary Player Country Club is an experience that lingers long after your final putt. The combination of world-class golf, stunning natural beauty, and a rich golfing heritage makes it a must-visit for any golf lover.
Navigating the Challenge: Course Strategy
Understanding the course layout is key. The greens are often undulating and fast, requiring a delicate touch on the greens. The rough can be particularly penal, making it crucial to keep your ball in play. This is where the advice to hire a caddy becomes invaluable. A knowledgeable caddy can provide insights into the best lines to take, help read the greens, and, importantly, assist in finding errant balls in the thick vegetation.
Players should also be prepared for varying conditions. The course is meticulously maintained, but weather can play a role. Playing during or after significant rainfall can make the course even more challenging due to its pristine condition. Ultimately, approaching the Gary Player Country Club with respect for its design and a focus on strategic play will lead to a more enjoyable and rewarding round.
Beyond the Greens: Sun City Resort Amenities
For those looking to stay active off the course, Sun City provides options like tennis courts, squash courts, and even a gym located at the country club itself, which is highly recommended for its well-equipped facilities and scenic views.
Exploring the resort can be an adventure in itself, with its lush gardens, man-made beaches, and various attractions. Whether you're looking for relaxation or excitement, Sun City Resort complements the golfing challenge of the Gary Player Country Club, offering a well-rounded and memorable getaway.
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