Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa | Ranking: #47 — The Global Golfer Top 100
Type: Parkland | Designer: Jack Nicklaus (2003)
Editor’s Note: Jack Nicklaus built his finest African course in the Paarl wine valley below the Drakenstein mountains — and Pearl Valley immediately became the benchmark against which all South African parkland courses are measured. The combination of Nicklaus’s characteristic risk-reward design philosophy, the extraordinary Cape Winelands setting and the estate hotel creates a golf experience of complete luxury and genuine challenge.
Contact & Booking
- Website: pearlvalley.co.za | Green Fees: From ZAR 3,500 (approx. £150) | Rating / Slope: 74.2 / 138 | Airport: Cape Town (CPT) — 45 mins.
Championship Scorecard
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | OUT |
| Par | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 36 |
| Yards | 420 | 565 | 185 | 430 | 415 | 425 | 195 | 550 | 415 | 3,600 |
| Hole | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | IN | TOTAL |
| Par | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 36 | 72 |
| Yards | 405 | 180 | 420 | 540 | 420 | 435 | 190 | 555 | 430 | 3,575 | 7,175 |
Par 4Par 3Par 5
Key Notes & 19th Hole
- The Mountains: The Drakenstein mountains rise directly behind the 18th green — on clear mornings the snow-capped peaks reflect in the estate’s lakes.
- The Winelands: Stellenbosch’s wine estates — Rust en Vrede, Meerlust, Kanonkop — are within 20 minutes. A round at Pearl Valley followed by a Pinotage tasting at Kanonkop is the definitive Cape Winelands afternoon.
- Delaire Graff Estate (5★): The finest hotel in the Cape Winelands — 30 minutes from Pearl Valley. Book via Expedia →
Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. The Global Golfer may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.