Sun City Celebrated as South Africa’s Best Golf Hotel 2025

Excellence Recognised in Global Golf Tourism

Sun City has secured a distinguished new accolade, being named South Africa’s Best Golf Hotel 2025 by the World Golf Awards, a global platform that celebrates and rewards excellence in golf tourism. Golf tourism continues to grow as an important pillar of the international travel and leisure market, and this recognition arrives at a significant moment. The annual Nedbank Golf Challenge NGC, one of the most notable events on the South African sporting and social calendar, begins at the Gary Player Country Club on Thursday, 4 December 2025. Over the following four days, an estimated 74,000 spectators and guests will arrive to witness world-renowned golfers compete on one of the continent’s most celebrated courses.

A Legacy of Championship Excellence

Opened in 1979, the Gary Player-designed 18-hole, par-72 course has become a cherished landmark in South African golf. As the home of the NGC since 1981, it is admired for its flawless conditioning and the way it tests even the world’s best players while still offering a fair and satisfying round. Over the years, many top international golfers have praised its pristine layout, often referring to it as one of the finest tournament courses in the world.

Savour the Flavours, Relish the Leisure

The experience at the club goes well beyond the fairways. Guests can unwind in the restaurant and bar, where sweeping views of the lush greens provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxed breakfast or light lunch. Golfers can enjoy refreshments and snacks at the Halfway House on the ninth hole, while those seeking complete relaxation can retreat to the resort’s health club and spa for indulgent beauty treatments, therapies, and a professional hair salon. With additional amenities including a chipping green, gym, locker rooms, pro shop, club hire, putting green, showers, and a steam room, every detail has been designed to ensure comfort, convenience, and a true sense of indulgence.

The Main Hotel: The Iconic Retreat of Timeless Elegance

Often called the Main Hotel, the Sun City Hotel and Casino was the very first hotel built at the resort and has since become an iconic heart of Sun City’s identity. Its central location places guests within easy reach of the resort’s full spectrum of entertainment, dining, and leisure experiences, cementing its status as South Africa’s Best Golf Hotel 2025.

This cherished 47-year-old landmark is now in the midst of an extensive three-year refurbishment, with the second phase set for completion this month, just in time for the Nedbank Golf Challenge. Guests can choose from nine thoughtfully designed room types, from spacious family rooms to elegant luxury suites, all within the hotel where the enduring legend of Sun City began.

Preparing the Course for Champions

In the lead-up to the Nedbank Golf Challenge, the Gary Player Country Club has undergone carefully planned enhancements, designed to both test the worlds finest golfers and delight spectators at every turn. Maintaining the perfect balance between challenge and enjoyment is key. Tournament Director Ken Payet explains:

“When it comes to the Nedbank Golf Challenge, these players are the best in the world, and we want to keep challenging them while also keeping the balance so it remains exciting for the fans to watch,” said Ken Payet, the Tournament Director.

He continues, “We’re in a good space in terms of our preparation. We’ve had some good rain. We’ve fertilised the rough so that’s definitely going to kick in. We’re very pleased with the players we’ve announced, including a lot of South Africans who are playing great golf this year. So the stars just need to align in order to bring it all together in tournament week.”

A VIP Perspective on Championship Golf

The improvements to the course are accompanied by significant enhancements to fan hospitality. This year introduces the Hospitali TEE Lounge, a refined VIP experience that marks a first in the history of Africa’s Major. Guests will enjoy exclusive access to the 18th hole grandstand, autograph sessions with players, a photo opportunity with the Nedbank Golf Challenge trophy and a merchandise voucher worth R500 for use at The Pro Shop at Sun City, among other premium benefits. A new feature, the Sunbet Signs on the 18th viewing area, offers spectators a prime vantage point. Positioned along the 18th fairway and furnished with comfortable directors’ chairs, it provides exceptional proximity to where many professionals land their tee shots, ensuring an exhilarating final hole experience.

Challenge Yourself on a Championship Course

Sun City extends the championship experience to its visitors. Both resort guests and day visitors have the rare opportunity to play on the same fairways that shape the destiny of world-class golfers. Sun City’s recognition as South Africa’s Best Golf Hotel 2025 reaffirms its status as a premier destination where championship golf, luxury hospitality and resort excellence come together in perfect harmony.