Bordering the Kruger National Park in South Africa, Leopard Creek Country Club is a private club experience like no other. Visit as part of our South Africa golf safari to enjoy everything this country has to offer, from game drives to wine tasting, and of course, plenty of golf.
While Leopard Creek is a private championship course, there are a limited number of visitor times available for guests of approved neighboring luxury safari camp accommodations.
Leopard Creek Golf Course is built in the middle of an active African wildlife habitat, offering a unique golfing venue. But fear not, clever and innovative architecture here ensures player safety while providing an authentic playing experience in the bush.
While protected from the more aggressive wildlife, it is not uncommon to see giraffes and antelope on the fairways during a round. Leopard Creek Golf Club is a true golfer’s paradise and makes for an exciting stop on your next South Africa golf vacation.
Johann Rupert is the founder of the Club, which opened in 1996 and is also the Chairman of Richemont, owner of the luxury brand Dunhill. The club has been the proud host venue of the Alfred Dunhill Championship since 2004. A favorite stop on the professional Sunshine Tour as a co-sanctioned event with the DP World Tour. Past winners include Ernie Els, Branden Grace, and 4-time winner Charl Schwartzel.
The course was closed in 2017 for renovations including a total redesign of the par 3 12th, a classic Redan. Fairway bunkers were repositioned to assist higher handicappers while maintaining the integrity of the design for the professionals.
On the sustainability issue, the Kikuyu grass was replaced with Bermuda to allow more run and use 30% less water.
The greens were regrassed with Champion Bent and Rupert was so impressed with the results Leopard Creek now owns the South African rights to it.
One of the outstanding vistas on the routing occurs on the 13th green which is positioned 40 meters in the air overlooking the river and wildlife. The 16th is a par 3 where famous resident Harry the Hippo calls home. Gary Player advises players to listen for the hippos playing in the river and watch for lions surrounded by bushvelds.
The facility also boasts a state-of-the-art practice facility and a par 3 course with replica par 3 holes from around the world.
Johann Rupert is the founder of the Club, which opened in 1996 and is also the Chairman of Richemont, owner of the luxury brand Dunhill. The club has been the proud host venue of the Alfred Dunhill Championship since 2004. A favorite stop on the professional Sunshine Tour as a co-sanctioned event with the DP World Tour. Past winners include Ernie Els, Branden Grace, and 4-time winner Charl Schwartzel.
Another important part of the club’s prestige is its role in hosting the annual Alfred Dunhill Championship, which draws talent from around the world. The club layout uses innovative landscaping to protect the local ecosystem, and Leopard Creek is well regarded for its role in conservation and protection of local wildlife.
Leopard Creek prides itself on its exclusivity, but there are ways that non-members can get tee times. Visitors staying at nearby lodges like the Buhala Lodge, Jock Safari Lodge, and Singita can get access to the Championship course. Green fees cost around $450, and tee times for non-members can be restricted to specific days (often Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday afternoons).
Being a private club, the dress codes are strict: traditional golf attire only, shorts must be tucked in, and caps must face forward, with soft-spiked golf shoes also being required.
Immerse yourself in the Rainbow nation, and discover the best of South Africa on this luxury 12-night tour.
Golfers will play the best courses in the country, including Pearl Valley, Leopard Creek, and Fancourt.
Sample some of the world’s finest wines, and enjoy game drives in the Kruger National Park.
South Africa has many world-class clubs and courses to choose from, but it is also a vast country, and anyone wanting to make a single tour of the golf available here may have to look at internal flights, as courses can be hundreds of miles apart.
The most convenient way to reach the club is through the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in Nelspruit, which is no more than a 60-minute drive away. If you’re arriving via Johannesburg, it takes 4 hours down the N4 highway, or, much faster, internal flights to Kruger take 50 minutes.
Private charters can use Malelane Airport, which is minutes away from the estate.
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Leopard Creek Country Club; Leopard Creek
Leopard Creek Country Club, Malelane, Mpumalanga, South Africa (adjacent to Kruger National Park)
Opened 1996
Exclusive members’ club with limited visitor play; golf usually available year round with tee times on selected days.
Championship Course – 18 holes, par 72; Gary Player design on the banks of the Crocodile River overlooking Kruger National Park; parkland layout with water hazards and wildlife viewing opportunities.
High end clubhouse, practice facilities and access to nearby luxury lodges and safari camps used in stay and play golf safaris.
Longtime host of the Alfred Dunhill Championship on the DP World Tour and frequently ranked as South Africa’s top course.
White River Country Club and other Mpumalanga courses, combined with Kruger area safari experiences.
Leopard Creek Golf Course is situated on the edge of Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga, South Africa.
Yes, golf carts are available at Leopard Creek, and they are equipped with GPS for easy navigation.
Leopard Creek features one exclusive 18-hole course, renowned for its proximity to wildlife and stunning design.
The par-4 12th hole is considered more approachable, with wider fairways and fewer hazards.
The ideal time to visit is between May and September, when the weather is cooler and the chance of rain is lower.
Yes, Leopard Creek borders Kruger National Park, and you may spot wildlife like elephants and antelope during your round.
