Historic “Home of Golf, Africa” Launch for the Garden Route, South Africa
Today marks a historic milestone for George as the leading golf destination in the Garden Route. The George Tourism initiative, in partnership with the George Joint Marketing Association (GJMA)—a recently registered NPC—has launched its second major brand: Home of Golf, Africa.
For many years, golf businesses in the Garden Route have discussed the need for a unified marketing strategy. Today, that vision becomes a reality with the launch of Home of Golf, Africa. This follows the recent success of the George Trails rebrand—another private-sector-led initiative aimed at increasing regional tourism by combatting seasonality and promoting niche travel experiences.
Charl Marais, Chairman of the George Joint Marketing Association, who has been instrumental in driving this initiative behind the scenes, remarked: “It is a joyous occasion to launch such a brand.”
Leroy Ferreira, Marketing Director at Fancourt, added: “We want to position the Garden Route’s coastal belt—from Mossel Bay to Knysna—as the premier golfing destination in Africa. With George as the central hub, tourists can enjoy 12 golf courses within an hour’s radius, featuring some of the continent’s finest courses.”
Why “Home of Golf”?
The Garden Route’s coastal belt has long been admired for its awe-inspiring landscapes, nestled between majestic mountain ranges and a brilliant blue coastline. This region not only boasts the best golf courses in Africa—possibly even in the Southern Hemisphere—but also offers unmatched natural beauty. From breathtaking mountain vistas and lush valleys to rivers, forests, and unspoiled white sandy beaches, the Garden Route is a haven for eco-tourism, birdwatchers, and nature lovers alike.
Visitors can also experience malaria-free Big Five game viewing and boutique local vineyards—making this compact region a powerhouse of diverse attractions.
While golf remains the anchor, the Home of Golf initiative aims to attract both domestic and international tourists by showcasing the full spectrum of experiences the region has to offer. The goal is to drive visitor numbers and stimulate economic growth across multiple sectors of the tourism industry.
George Municipality’s Tourism Manager, Joan Shaw, concluded: “The launch of Home of Golf, Africa is a milestone that will not only grow visitor numbers, but also boost revenue for all businesses that benefit from the region’s exceptional golf offering.” Participating golf courses include Pinnacle Point, Mossel Bay Golf Club, Oubaai Golf Estate, George Golf Club, Kingswood Golf Estate, and Fancourt’s four renowned courses.
For more information, visit www.homeofgolf.africa or contact Joan Shaw at George Tourism via jshaw@george.gov.za. For additional details on related initiatives, http://www.georgetrails.org.