Ready to Tee Off in Hermanus?

Up your game

Golf is one of the most popular sports in the world, and that’s especially true here in South Africa thanks to year-round sunshine and ample space for designing and creating golf courses that combine beautiful scenery, legendary history, and challenging and rewarding holes. Welcome to the land of Gary Player, Retief Goosen and Ernie Els – world-class players who changed the game with their skill, flair and passion for golf.

Within easy reach of Birkenhead House lie two of South Africa’s best golf courses, and if you’re a keen golfer, we can help you take your perfect stay to a whole new level by arranging a round or two for you.

Adding 9 or 18 holes to your Hermanus coastline experience gives you the opportunity to experience new courses – and the hospitality for which local golf clubs are known. You’ll relish the challenge of bunkers and water features, and enjoy the thrill of pitting your golfing skills against pristine, tree-lined fairways and tricky greens.

Enjoy the game – happy golf is good golf!

Arabella Golf Course

Situated close to Kleinmond, just inland from Hermanus and on the banks of the beautiful Botrivier Lagoon, Arabella Golf Course is rated as one of the top courses in the entire country, and has regularly hosted professional tournaments including the Nelson Mandela Invitational from 2000 to 2008. Winners on this course have included such notable names as Sandy Lyle, Lee Westwood and Trevor Immelman – this is a course with a palpable sense of history.

Arabella Golf Course was designed by Peter Matkovich, and he took full advantage of the lay of the land alongside the lagoon to create a course that’s as beautiful as it is challenging. The 8th hole in particular is reckoned by many golfers to be the most beautiful par-5 hole in South Africa, while the renowned 18th makes for a standout finish to any tournament or amateur round.

The seasonal rains, sea breezes and warm sunshine of the Hermanus coast – plus the care of the expert greenkeepers – ensure that the Arabella (as this course is fondly known) stays in pristine condition year-round. If you’re at all serious about your game, the opportunity to play a round at the Arabella is not to be missed.

Hermanus Golf Club

Dedicated management and an unbeatable setting have helped this golf course to build up an unrivalled reputation over many years. It is especially popular with golfers from Cape Town, but their closely guarded secret is now known to golfers from all over the world.

A cut above the rest

In keeping with their status, both of these golf clubs have strict rules regarding playing attire – but each also has a well-stocked pro shop where you can purchase the requisite items, and hire clubs should you have left yours at home.

No matter what you ultimately score, you’ll remember your Hermanus golf experience as one of the highlights of your time in South Africa. Be sure to allow enough time for drinks or a meal at the club house to complete your morning or afternoon, and you’ll return to Birkenhead House with that special glow that comes from finding your new favourite place to swing your clubs.