Golf

Serengeti Golf and Wildlife Estate. Image (c) Gauteng Tourism Authority

According to the International Association for Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), 56-million people play golf. Of these, between 5% and 10% travel to another country just to play golf. This represents a perfect market for South African tour operators to tap into.

In 2011, IAGTO named South Africa the Africa, Indian Ocean and Gulf States Golf Destination of the Year. South Africa won the award based on votes from more than 300 golf tour operators from 50 countries.

And Gauteng province is the perfect place for visitors to South Africa to explore its golfing facilities. Two of the top 10 golf courses in South Africa are to be found in the province and it plays host to four of the tournaments that make up the Sunshine Tour, South Africa’s professional golf tour.

Additionally, several golfing estates offer conference facilities, making it easy to plan a business meeting or event that combines the opportunity to experience playing on South Africa’s finest courses, and negotiating deals.

Golf Tourism associations

For tour operators wanting to help their golfing enthusiast clients explore the particularly fine golf courses in the province, the South African Golf Tourism Association (SAGTA) is  the perfect resource. Launched in 2011 to promote South Africa as a golf tourism destination to local and international travellers, the association represents members (mostly tour operators) from across the country. SAGTA is fully endorsed by IAGTO, and represents the South African chapter of the global golf body, yet remains an independent non-profit organisation.