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Royal Johannesburg Golf and Kensington Golf Club

Gauteng | South Africa
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Historic Championship Golf in the Heart of Johannesburg

Royal Johannesburg’s East Course is one of South Africa’s most respected championship layouts — a grand, tree-lined parkland classic with deep tournament pedigree and a calm, old-world prestige that reflects its status as a home of multiple South African Opens. It is the most acclaimed of the club’s two courses and a benchmark test of strategic, traditional golf for serious players.

Royal Johannesburg East Course — historic championship golf in South Africa
Course Type
Private Heritage Championship Parkland
Established
1890s Origins — Royal Status Granted 1931
Course Length
± 7,000 m (from Championship Tees)
Holes
18 (East Course)
Par
72
Closest Area
Linksfield North (Johannesburg, Gauteng)
Phone
+27 11 640 3021
Green Fee
Limited visitor access by advance request (priority given to members & reciprocal clubs)

General Course Information


Area and Setting

Situated within the prestigious residential belt of Linksfield North, the East Course is unmistakably traditional — mature oak and jacaranda trees, quiet fairways, and a refined, unwaveringly formal club culture. It is a quintessential city championship venue: serious in character, deeply respected by professionals, and steeped in over a century of Johannesburg golfing history.

The environment is peaceful and timeless rather than flashy — wide fairways framed by majestic trees, immaculate green complexes and subtle elevation variations contributing to its strategic rather than visual drama. It is the antithesis of resort or estate golf — classic in every sense, and highly regarded for it.

Layout and Signature Holes

The East Course is a pure strategic examination — long, demanding par fours, intelligent bunkering, and greens that reward disciplined angles over brute strength. The famed closing stretch has hosted countless championship moments, ending under the watchful elegance of the clubhouse. This is tournament golf at its most traditional — structured, fair, and relentlessly exacting.

Best Time of Year for a Round

Johannesburg’s dry winter season (May–August) provides ideal fast-running championship conditions and cool, clear air — a favourite among competitive purists. Summer offers lush playing surfaces with afternoon thunderstorms possible; early tee times are recommended. The course is playable year-round, with elite conditioning maintained regardless of season.

Riaan's Activity Recommendations in the Area


1

Executive Dining in Melrose Arch

A short transfer away — fine dining in one of Johannesburg’s most polished business-luxury environments, ideal for post-round corporate or private engagements.

2

Private Art Viewing in Johannesburg’s Gallery District

Arrange a private walk through Parkwood or Rosebank’s top galleries — a quiet extension of refined Johannesburg culture for the international guest.

3

Historic Wine or Whisky Tasting Experience

Johannesburg’s private member venues offer invitation-only tasting experiences — tailored perfectly to the club’s own heritage-driven sensibility.

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Last Updated: November 21, 2025 Curated By: Riaan Viljoen