Glendower Golf Club
Glendower is one of Johannesburg's true championship parkland courses, designed by the celebrated English architect Charles Hugh Alison and opened in 1937. A par 72 of about 6,963 yards laced with water and framed by mature trees, it has hosted the South African Open eight times and rewards accurate, patient golf.
Photo: Glendower Golf Club via Google.
The verdict
In 1935 ten businessmen bought the farm Glendower and engaged Charles Hugh Alison, the English architect whose work spans three continents, to design a course. Built by A.F. Tomsett, it opened on 7 March 1937 and has matured into a tree lined parkland test of real pedigree, with lovely kikuyu fairways, 64 bunkers and water in play on eleven of the eighteen holes.
Glendower has been the home of the South African Open eight times, and after a sixteen year gap the championship returned in 2013 and stayed at the club through 2018. It is a course that demands precision off the tee and a careful approach to well defended greens, an Alison classic that has tested the best players in the country for the better part of a century.
Glendower Golf Club at a glance
- Opened
- 1937
- Designer
- Charles Hugh Alison
- Type
- Parkland
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- About 6,963 yds
- Green fee
- On application
Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026 from the club, Wikipedia and leading course databases. Glendower was designed by Charles Hugh Alison and opened on 7 March 1937, a par 72 of about 6,963 yards with 64 bunkers and water on eleven holes. Glendower welcomes visitors; green fees vary by season and are confirmed on booking, so always confirm directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
Glendower asks for discipline from the first tee. The fairways are framed by mature trees and lined with kikuyu, and with 64 bunkers and water threatening eleven of the holes, the premium is on driving the ball straight and leaving the right angle into the green.
The greens are quick and true, and the back nine in particular brings water into the decision on several approaches, so distance control matters as much as direction. The course rewards the patient player who takes par and waits for the scoring chances rather than forcing the issue.
It is a championship layout in the classic Alison mold, a fair but exacting test that has crowned eight South African Open champions. For the visiting golfer it offers the chance to play a piece of South African golf history on a course that remains in superb condition.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Members club that welcomes visitors; book through the golf shop or a tour operator, with weekday tee times easiest to secure |
| Green fee | Visitor rates are confirmed on booking and vary by season; check current pricing with the club (indicative, 2026) |
| Booking | Reserve through the pro shop or your South Africa golf specialist; it is a popular course, so book ahead |
| On the day | Carts are available and caddies can be arranged; standard golf attire with a collared shirt is expected |
| Getting there | Edenvale, east of Johannesburg, about 15 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport |
| Best months | The dry Highveld winter from April to September offers clear, mild golfing days, with cold early mornings |
Access and fee details verified June 2026 from the club and recent listings; visitor pricing changes by season, so always confirm current rates and availability directly before booking.
Where to stay nearby
Glendower's location in Edenvale puts it closer to OR Tambo International Airport than almost any other championship course in the country, which makes the airport hotels and the eastern suburbs a practical and comfortable base. It is an easy course to play on the first or last day of a trip.
For a fuller golf week, the eastern and northern suburbs of Johannesburg offer plenty of hotels within reach of Glendower and the other Gauteng classics. The city is a natural hub for a multi course itinerary, with safari and the wider Highveld a short hop away.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near Glendower Golf Club.
Build a Johannesburg golf trip
We line up the tee times at Glendower Golf Club where access allows, pair them with the best of the region and book the lodging around them. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
Glendower Golf Club questions
Who designed Glendower Golf Club and when did it open?
Glendower was designed by the English architect Charles Hugh Alison, built by A.F. Tomsett, and opened on 7 March 1937.
What is the par and length of Glendower Golf Club?
Glendower is a par 72 measuring about 6,963 yards, with 64 bunkers, kikuyu fairways and water in play on eleven of the eighteen holes.
How many times has Glendower hosted the South African Open?
Glendower has hosted the South African Open eight times. After a sixteen year gap the championship returned in 2013 and remained at the club through 2018.
Can visitors play Glendower Golf Club?
Yes. Glendower is a members club that welcomes visitors. Book through the golf shop or a tour operator and confirm the current seasonal green fee when you reserve.
Related
The Tee Sheet
Tee time windows, course access changes and the trips worth taking. Every other week.
Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.