Leopard Creek Country Club Golf Course

— About

About Leopard Creek Country Club Golf Course

Leopard Creek Country Club sits on the western boundary of the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga Province, and no description can fully prepare a golfer for the experience of playing next to one of Africa's greatest wilderness reserves. Hippos wallow in the Crocodile River that borders several holes, elephants sometimes walk the perimeter fence, and the 13th hole — a par-3 with a green set just metres from the river and the Kruger Park fence — is the most extraordinary natural setting in African golf. Designed by Gary Player and opened in 1996, Leopard Creek combines championship-quality golf with an authentic African bush experience. The course is strictly private and exclusive, requiring a member or a stay at the adjacent lodge to gain access. This exclusivity has made Leopard Creek one of the most sought-after golf experiences on the continent. It hosts the Alfred Dunhill Championship each year, one of South Africa's flagship professional events, confirming its status as Africa's most dramatically situated world-class golf course.

— History

History of Leopard Creek Country Club

Gary Player designed Leopard Creek Country Club and it opened in 1996 on a site that Player has described as the most spectacular he has ever been given to work with. The course is located in Mpumalanga Province adjacent to the western boundary of Kruger National Park — a site selection that was Player's specific request to the developers, who had initially considered a different location. The club's private character and lodge accommodation were established from the outset, reflecting Player's intention to create an exclusive safari golf destination rather than a volume resort.

— Signature Holes

Signature Holes at Leopard Creek Country Club

The par-3 13th is one of golf's great holes — a shot across the Crocodile River to a green set metres from the Kruger Park fence, with hippos visible in the water below and the bush of Africa's most famous park stretching to the horizon behind. The par-4 3rd plays from a tee with a sweeping view across the bushveld toward the Lebombo Mountains, with the shot shaped around a waterhole. The par-5 18th finishes spectacularly with the Crocodile River running along the right side, audible from the tee.

— Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit Leopard Creek Country Club

May through September is the dry winter season in Mpumalanga — the best months for game viewing in Kruger as the bush thins, and comfortable golf weather with temperatures of 20–28°C. October through April is the wet season with afternoon thunderstorms and lush vegetation that reduces game visibility. The Dunhill Championship is played in December — during the rainy season but when the bushveld is spectacularly green.

— Practical Tips

Tips for Playing Leopard Creek Country Club

Leopard Creek is strictly private — access requires a stay at the on-site lodge or a member invitation. Green fees are not publicly listed. Lodge accommodation at Leopard Creek includes game drives in the adjacent Kruger Park. The course is accessible from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (30 minutes) or Johannesburg (4 hours). Advance booking of lodge stays and golf rounds should be made months ahead, especially around the December Dunhill Championship.

— Highlights

Why Play Leopard Creek Country Club

• ▸ Borders Kruger National Park — hippos, crocodiles, and elephants are genuine playing companions
• ▸ 13th hole par-3 plays over the Crocodile River with the Kruger Park fence as backdrop
• ▸ Host of the Alfred Dunhill Championship — South Africa's most dramatically staged professional event
• ▸ Designed by Gary Player in 1996 on one of the most spectacular sites in world golf
• ▸ Strictly private with lodge accommodation — one of Africa's most exclusive golf experiences

— FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Leopard Creek Country Club

Can visitors play Leopard Creek Country Club?

Leopard Creek is a private club — access requires a stay at the club's on-site lodge accommodation or a member invitation.

What wildlife can you see at Leopard Creek?

Hippos, crocodiles, and bird life are visible from the course itself. Elephants and other Kruger Park wildlife occasionally appear along the perimeter fence.

What professional event is held at Leopard Creek?

The Alfred Dunhill Championship — one of South Africa's flagship DP World Tour events — is held at Leopard Creek annually in December.

How far is Leopard Creek from Kruger National Park?

Leopard Creek borders the western boundary of Kruger National Park — the Crocodile River is the park boundary. Malelane Gate into Kruger is minutes from the course.