Royal Johannesburg East Golf Course

Royal JHB isn’t just a golf club—it’s a symbol of status, tradition, and excellence

Born 2 Golf

Royal Johannesburg East Golf Course: A Crown Jewel in South African Golf

There are golf clubs—and then there is Royal Johannesburg. Steeped in heritage, sculpted with precision, and elevated by a legacy that stretches back to 1891, Royal Johannesburg has long stood as a pillar of excellence in South African golf. Today, it continues to flourish as both a historic institution and a modern marvel, offering one of the most prestigious and rewarding golfing experiences anywhere in the southern hemisphere.

Located just 20 minutes outside of the Johannesburg city center, this extraordinary 36-hole facility captures the soul of championship golf while embracing the serene rhythm of a parkland retreat. From the moment you pass through the gates, Royal exudes an air of exclusivity—timeless and quietly luxurious—with its stately clubhouse, manicured walkways, and a proud history engraved underfoot on the club’s impressive Walkway of Fame.

Championship-Caliber Design

At the heart of Royal Johannesburg’s acclaim are its two meticulously maintained courses, East and West, with the East Course taking center stage as one of Africa’s premier championship layouts. Designed by Robert Grimsdell in 1933 and thoughtfully reimagined in 1999 and again in 2017, the East is a masterclass in classic golf architecture balanced with modern refinements. Subtle undulations, beautifully sculpted bunkers, and bent grass greens ensure both a strategic challenge and a visual delight.

While the front nine offers a welcoming start—featuring three scoreable par 5s—the back nine quickly asserts itself as a formidable test. Nowhere is this more apparent than at the iconic 11th hole: a dogleg-right par 4 stretching over 500 yards, renowned as one of the toughest in the country. Yet, despite its challenge, the course never loses its sense of playability and fun, inviting golfers of all skill levels to enjoy its thoughtful risk-and-reward design.

Legacy Etched in Time

Royal Johannesburg isn’t just a golf course—it’s a monument to the sport’s history in South Africa. The club has hosted seven South African Opens, multiple SA Amateur Championships, the Sanlam Women’s Amateur, and the 5 Nations Commonwealth Tournament. From 2007, it also became the proud home of the Joburg Open, Africa’s largest annual professional golf event, and a key fixture on the European Tour calendar for over a decade.

With an unmatched ability to host events of global standing, Royal was a strong contender to host the 2024 Presidents Cup, a bid that ultimately fell short not due to quality or ambition, but due to broader economic constraints. The club remains firmly entrenched as a stage worthy of the game’s greatest players.

A Sanctuary for Generations

Beyond trophies and titles, Royal Johannesburg has emerged as a leader in environmental stewardship. In 2005, it became the first golf course in South Africa to achieve Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary status—an accolade it still holds uniquely today. This dedication to sustainability speaks volumes of a club that honors tradition while embracing the future.

Awards & Recognition

Royal Johannesburg’s excellence has not gone unnoticed. The East Course is currently ranked No. 6 by Compleat Golfer and No. 10 by Golf Digest, while the West Course continues to be a beloved favorite among members. The club itself has been honored multiple times with the Compleat Golfer 5 Star Golfing Experience Award, a testament to its outstanding facilities, staff, and service.

Membership: Where Prestige Becomes Personal

To be a member at Royal Johannesburg is to belong to something truly rare and revered. This is not merely a golf club—it is a symbol of status, a community of distinction, and a lifestyle rooted in tradition, elegance, and excellence. Membership at Royal is among the most sought-after in Africa, offering access to world-class amenities, two exceptional golf courses, and a culture that embraces refinement, camaraderie, and an unwavering passion for the game.

Members are welcomed into a world of uncompromising personalized service, where every detail—from locker room experience to post-round dining—is crafted to reflect the club’s high standards. The club fosters a sense of belonging that goes beyond the fairways, creating lifelong connections among families, friends, and fellow golf enthusiasts.

What sets Royal apart is not just its elite facilities or tournament pedigree, but the caliber of its membership—a collective of individuals who value legacy, excellence, and the opportunity to be part of something enduring. To hold a Royal Johannesburg membership is to hold a place in the history and future of South African golf.

Royal Johannesburg isn’t just one of the best golf clubs in South Africa—it’s one of the finest on the continent. With a storied past, a vibrant present, and a clear vision for the future, it continues to uphold the royal standard in every fairway mown, every green rolled, and every guest welcomed.

  • Hosted 7 South African Opens, 32 national championships, and 11 Joburg Opens
  • Home to the biggest annual professional golf event in Africa
  • First and only South African course to earn Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary status
  • Just 20 minutes from Johannesburg, yet a world apart in luxury
  • Compleat Golfer ranks the East Course No. 6 in SA
  • A membership defined by prestige, tradition, and a lifestyle of distinction