Golfing Near Red Rock Villa: Our 5 Recommended Estates
In this journal we invite you to explore our personal selection of the finest golf estates within easy reach of the undeniably beautiful Cape Town. More than just a guide to great courses, this is a journey through places where golf blends with wellness, nature, fine dining, and unforgettable hospitality, perfect for anyone seeking an experience of a lifetime.
Photo credits to Justine-sterling, Marcus-santos, Justine-sterling via Pexels.
Arabella Country Estate
Our first recommendation is a five-star golf and residential estate set in the beautiful Kogelberg Biosphere between Kleinmond and Hermanus. This award-winning 18-hole course, designed by Peter Matkovich, is consistently ranked among South Africa’s top five and is just a scenic 45-minute drive from The Red Rock Villa. Off the course, the spa offers a hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, and a wide range of treatments for complete relaxation. Guests can also enjoy tennis, cycling, or a refreshing swim. Dining at Jamani restaurant features fresh, seasonal farm-to-table dishes with breathtaking views over the Bot River Lagoon, while the Laguna Lounge offers a relaxed space for cocktails and light bites to eat.
Pearl Valley Golf Estate
Next is Pearl Valley Golf Estate, home to a Jack Nicklaus signature course and widely celebrated as one of the Western Cape’s most prestigious golfing venues, regularly featured at the top of Golf Digest’s rankings. Set in the scenic Paarl–Franschhoek Valley, just over an hour from The Red Rock Villa. Pearl Valley offers far more than exceptional golf. Guests can enjoy a luxury spa, a resort-style pool, a fully equipped gym, walking trails, and mountain biking routes. Wine tasting and nature walks provide slower moments to savour, while the clubhouse hums with energy. Dining choices include Back’s Restaurant, which overlooks the polo pavilion, and the Deli, known for fresh seasonal flavours, and the main clubhouse restaurant for a classic post-golf meal.
Steenberg Hotel and Spa
Only a little over an hour’s drive from The Red Rock Villa, Steenberg Hotel and Spa is where championship golf meets the elegance of a historic wine estate. The course weaves between manicured vineyards, offering players a round framed by breathtaking views. Away from the greens, the five-star spa is a haven of tranquillity, and the estate’s gardens invite gentle walks before or after a wine tasting at the Steenberg winery. Dining at Tryn is a highlight due to its refined global cuisine served in a relaxed setting that is perfect for long lunches or evening cocktails. Steenberg is also a popular choice for group golf days and private celebrations, blending sport and leisure in a seamless way.
Erinvale Country & Golf Estate
In fourth place, Erinvale Country and Golf Estate rests at the foot of the Helderberg Mountains in Somerset West. The 18-hole course, designed by Gary Player, is surrounded by some of the most dramatic scenery in the region. The estate’s spa offers a calming retreat, while its location gives easy access to nearby wine estates, hiking trails, and nature reserves. Dining is a pleasure here at Stefan’s or relaxed, open-air meals at the Oak Terrace bistro under ancient oak trees. The clubhouse is a cosy meeting point for coffee, drinks, and post-round conversations. Best of all, Erinvale is only a chip and a putt away! About a 30-minute drive from The Red Rock Villa, making it a convenient choice for a spontaneous day of golf.
Royal Cape Golf Club
Last, but by no means least, is Royal Cape Golf Club, a place of deep history and prestige. Founded in 1885, it is Africa’s oldest golf club and has hosted major tournaments, including the South African Open. The parkland-style course offers a challenging yet rewarding round, with the iconic Table Mountain ever-present in the background. Facilities include a pro shop stocked with top equipment, a driving range, practice greens, and a welcoming clubhouse with dining options. Royal Cape’s heritage, charm, and location in Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs make it a worthwhile stop for any golfer visiting the city. It is just under an hour’s drive from The Red Rock Villa.
All of these golf estates are within easy reach of Red Rock Villa and each offers a complete day out, from world-class courses to quality dining, wellness facilities and leisure activities. Whether you plan your visit around a full round of golf, a wine tasting, or a relaxing spa session, these destinations allow you to enjoy the best of the Cape in one stop.