Golf tourism is not a cheap hobby. Even with the dollar-Rand exchange rate being favorable to those coming from North America, playing 18 holes even once or twice on one of the top courses in South Africa can set you back quite a bit.
The solution, for the budget-minded: play fewer holes, or play cheaper courses (or both).
You might have to forego famous courses like Sun City, Fancourt and Zimbali in favor of lesser-known spots like Linksfield Golf Club in Johannesburg, Akasia Country Club in Pretoria, Metropolitan Golf Club in Cape Town, Plettenberg Bay Country Club on the Garden Route, or Kloof Country Club in Durban.
Nine holes at most of these places will cost about R120-330 (US$10-$27), and 18 holes is generally double that amount.
If you still can’t afford that, there’s always the driving range (about R20/$US1.65 for a bucket of 50 balls), or mini-golf (there are many courses around the country).
Other tips: Look for golf clubs that are running promotions or discounts, and find out if it’s cheaper to play during the week rather than at the weekend.
