Durban Country Club
South Africa's most decorated links — a dune-strewn Durban classic that has staged more South African Opens than anywhere and still opens its tees to visitors.
Durban Country Club in photos
Can I play Durban Country Club?
Yes — while Durban Country Club is a members' club, it actively offers guest tee times to visitors and touring golfers through its bookings office. Traditionally visitors play accompanied by a member, but the club runs a guest-booking system that lets travellers arrange a round directly. Given its championship pedigree and popularity, booking well ahead is strongly advised.
How to book: Reserve through the club's guest-booking page or by contacting the golf office (golfadmin@durbancountryclub.co.za, +27 31 313 1716/1719). Advance booking is essential, especially in the cooler high season, and caddies — highly recommended on this walking course — can be arranged with your tee time.
About Durban Country Club
Durban Country Club, opened in 1922 and threaded through the coastal dunes beside the Indian Ocean, is one of South Africa's most revered courses. Originally designed by George Waterman and Laurie Waters and later refined by Col. S.V. Hotchkin and Bob Grimsdell, it plays as a links-parkland hybrid of tumbling fairways, elevated tees and swirling sea breezes. It has hosted the South African Open more times than any other club — a national record that includes the 2010 centenary championship — and its dramatic par-5 3rd is world-renowned. Though a members' club, it welcomes visiting golfers through a guest-booking system, keeping this piece of golfing history within reach of travellers.
Signature hole
The par-5 3rd is the world-famous hole — the tee sits on the highest point of the course overlooking the Indian Ocean, and the drive plunges into a valley below; it is regularly rated among the best third holes anywhere.
What makes it special
Record SA Open host
Has staged the South African Open more times than any other club in the country.
One of the world's great 3rd holes
The dune-top par-5 3rd, plunging toward the Indian Ocean, is a bucket-list tee shot.
Links golf on the Golden Mile
Rolling, wind-blown dune land right on Durban's beachfront, minutes from the city.
Tournament pedigree
- South African Open (host a record number of times — 17+, including the 2010 centenary Open)
- Durban Open
Need to know
Best time to play
April to September — Durban's drier, cooler winter — gives the most comfortable golf; summers are hot and humid subtropical.
Dress code
Collared shirt with tailored trousers or shorts and golf shoes; no denim. The club enforces a dress code on and off the course.
Good to know
This is a walking course where caddies are available and warmly recommended; carts are limited. Allow around 4.5 hours, and expect wind off the Indian Ocean through the dunes.
Upcoming golf tournaments
Prefer to watch the world’s best? Book tickets to an upcoming tournament, then add a hotel and flights.
Getting there
Nearest airports
King Shaka International Airport (DUR) ~30–40 minutes.
On arrival
The club lies on Durban's beachfront at Stamford Hill, off Isaiah Ntshangase Road near the Moses Mabhida and Kings Park stadiums, a short drive from the city centre and the Golden Mile.
Stay near the course
Stay along Durban's beachfront or in the smart northern suburb of Umhlanga; the course is minutes from the city's hotels and the promenade.
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices Suncoast Hotel & Towers
Durban
★★★★ 4-starTap for live prices Belaire Suites
Durban
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices Hilton Durban
Durban
A taste of the luxury stays near Durban Country Club — tap any hotel to see live availability and prices for your dates, or search them all.
Plan your golf trip
Hotels near the course
Live-priced stays a short drive from the 1st tee.
Search hotelsFlights
Get to Durban — search fares to the nearest airport.
Find flightsTournament tickets
Rather watch the pros? Book golf tournament tickets.
See golf ticketsThings to do
Tours and experiences around Durban.
Explore DurbanFrequently asked questions
Can visitors play Durban Country Club?
Yes. Although it is a members' club, it offers guest tee times to visitors through its bookings office. Traditionally visitors play with a member, but a direct guest-booking system is available — reserve well ahead.
How much does it cost to play Durban Country Club?
Indicative visitor green fees are around R480 on weekdays and R600 on weekends, with international and premium bookings higher and caddies extra. Confirm current rates with the club.
What is the signature hole?
The par-5 3rd — a downhill drive from the highest point on the course toward the Indian Ocean — is regularly ranked among the finest third holes in world golf.
When is the best time to play?
Durban's cooler, drier winter from April to September offers the most comfortable golf; summers are hot and humid.
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Green fees, access rules and tee-time policies change frequently and vary by season. The figures here are indicative for trip planning — always confirm on the official site before booking.
Hero image: Hansueli Krapf This file was uploaded with Commonist., CC BY-SA 3.0 — via Wikimedia Commons
Guide updated 2026-07-27.