SUN CITY: A Golfer’s Ultimate South African Destination
Sun City Resort - The Palace
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 attractions for visitors, there is plenty of other activities to make everyone’s stay enjoyable.
SUN CITY HISTORY
Sun City Resort 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. That 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 today to be the entertainment mecca of South Africa with golf playing 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 championship golf courses at Sun City Resort, both designed by golf legend Gary Player. The first one, his namesake, opened in 1979. The second, The Lost City Golf Course, opened in 1992.
Gary Player Golf Course - Sun City
GARY PLAYER GOLF COURSE
The Gary Player Golf Course is an 18-hole par-72 walking 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 recognised events, which attracts the best players from across the globe.
For those golfers who need to get in some extra practise, 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 metres 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 interesting; the green is in the shape of the African Continent, and you’ll need to keep a close eye out for the live two-metre long crocodiles.
As it’s such a vast course, there’s a clubhouse at both the 9th and 18th holes, perfect timing for a pitstop and refuelling.
The Lost City Golf Course
NOT JUST FOR GOLFERS…
Not only a haven for golfers, Sun City Resort also offers an array of activities and attractions for partners and children.
There are many dining outlets, a selection of bars and a casino that, for some, solely offers a just-for-fun experience but also caters to those who wish to wager real money. You will also find a variety of shopping outlets and activities for kids, including an extraordinary maze with twists and turns and a stunning man-made beach!
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 is only one way out. Visit after sunset and tiki torches will help light the way.
VIEW THE BIG 5
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 spot “the Big Five” - lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo?
If you have never been to Sun City, it’s a must. It isn’t just home to two of the best courses on the African Continent; it is an entire entertainment resort. Bring the whole family together; everyone will experience the trip of a lifetime!