Sun City in the north-west province of South Africa is a golfer’s dream destination. Two of the country’s most respected courses are located at this venue.
While golf is one of the leading draws for visitors, there are plenty of other activities to make everyone’s stay enjoyable.
Sun City History
Sun City has a fascinating history. It was initially opened in 1979 by hotel magnate Sol Kerzner during the extremely turbulent apartheid period in South Africa. His vision was to provide an entertainment venue for people to escape from the negativity of the time.
Although the United Nations imposed a cultural boycott on the entire country during that period, Kerzner offered a significant amount of money to famous entertainers to ignore the rules and perform at his resort. And they did! Frank Sinatra, Elton John, and Rod Stewart were just a few of the big names.
Apartheid ended in 1994, and the resort continues to be the entertainment mecca of South Africa, and golf plays an important part.
Golf Courses at Sun City
Golf was introduced into Sun City at the planning stage; Sol Kerzner believed that this sport would attract a higher class of visitors to the resort. He was right!
There are two champion golf courses at Sun City, both designed by golf legend Gary Player. The first one, opened in 1979, is named after him. The second one, The Lost City Golf Course, opened in 1992.
Gary Player Golf Course
The Gary Player Golf Course is an 18-hole par-72 walking-only course; no carts are allowed or available. It also has a 5km running track alongside it.
The course is next to the Gary Player Country Club, which hosts breakfast and lunch overlooking the green. The country club also features a health club and spa — ideal for partners who want to relax while their significant other plays golf.
The Gary Player Golf Course is home to the Nedbank Golf Challenge, one of the world’s most recognized events, which attracts the best players from across the globe.
For those golfers who need to get in some extra practice, the course also features a putting and chipping green.
The Lost City Golf Course
Sun City proved to be so popular as a golfing destination that Gary Player designed a second course. A 72-par, 18-hole desert-style golf course with rocky terrain and 28,000 square meters of water features, the Lost City Golf Course is massive, covering over 250 acres.
Unlike the Gary Player Golf Course, golf carts are compulsory at The Lost City Golf Course and can be hired from the Lost City Country Clubhouse, where food and beverages are also available.
The 13th hole is where things get really interesting; the green is in the shape of the African Continent, and keep a close eye out for the live two-meter-long crocodiles.
As it’s such a vast course, there’s a clubhouse at the 9th and 18th holes, perfect timings for a pitstop and refueling.
Not Just for Golfers
Sun City is a haven for golfers, but what about their partners and children who may not be as enthusiastic? The resort also has them covered.
There are many dining outlets, bars, and a casino that, for some, solely offers a just-for-fun experience but is more enjoyable if you wager real money. There are also a ton of shopping outlets and activities for kids, a massive maze, and a day of fun at the beach.
Eat, Drink, and Play
Sun Central is home to an enormous range of restaurants, including every cuisine imaginable and staples like Nando’s and Krispy Kreme. Other restaurants can be found in the hotel, the palace, and the vacation club.
Sun City Casino features slots and table games, restaurants like Hard Rock Cafe, and a range of bars.
Soak Up the Sun
Who would expect to find a beach deep in the middle of jungle terrain? Sun City thought of that, too. The Valley of Waves is a man-made beach, with the main attraction being the Roaring Lagoon. Every 90 seconds, seven-foot waves rise up, and visitors can body-surf their way back to the beach. Kids even have their own section, ensuring safety for the whole family.
Get Lost, Literally
The Maze of the Lost City is the largest outdoor maze in the Southern Hemisphere. The entrance is at the end of a 300-foot suspension bridge. Will you choose left or right? There’s only one way out. Visit after sunset, and tiki torches light the way.
View the Big Five
No trip to South Africa is complete without a jungle safari, and Sun City has thought of that, too. Its location next to Pilanesberg National Park is ideal. Book a safari and spend a few hours driving through the park. Will you see “the big five” — lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo?
Shop Until You Drop
Did you leave your beach gear at home? That’s not a problem. Whatever you need, whether in fashion or practicality, you’re bound to find it at the Sun Central mall. The shops range from boutique stores to huge labels like Billabong. There’s also a supermarket, a liquor store, and a candy shop, so you’ll never need to leave the resort.
Something for the Little Ones
Sun City is a family-friendly resort. While mom or dad are out playing golf, there are plenty of activities to keep children occupied. A jump park, kids’ movie theater, ten-pin bowling, and an obstacle challenge exist. Kamp Kwena offers educational activities with supervised care.
Visit Sun City
Golfers, if you’ve never been to Sun City, you must. It isn’t just home to two of the best courses on the African continent; it’s an entire entertainment resort. Bring the whole family together; everyone will experience something they’re interested in.
HOGWire – Golf Industry News
