For many golfers, a December holiday is the chance to play every day. Summer golf on the South Coast is warm, green and lively, but it comes with its own rhythm: early tee times, afternoon storms and busy fairways over the festive weeks. This guide is the practical side of playing San Lameer in the holidays: when the club is open, who gets priority, what it costs, the weekly competitions you can join, and how to beat the heat. For the course itself and stay-and-play ideas, see our golf getaway guide.
At a glance
Open: every day of the year except Christmas Day
Busy times: members have preferential tee times in school holidays
Best time to play: early morning, before the heat and storms
Join in: Wednesday competitions are open to anyone
Carts: valid driver’s licence required; no juniors driving
Book: through the Pro Shop
Open all year, bar one day
San Lameer Country Club is open to anyone who would like to play, every day of the year except Christmas Day. That makes it easy to fit golf around a festive holiday, but it also means the course is in demand from members, homeowners and visitors at the same time. If you know your holiday dates, book your tee times through the golf bookings page or the Pro Shop as early as you can.
Members come first in the holidays
It is worth knowing that during school holidays and long weekends, club members receive preferential tee-off times. December is both, so visitors will find the most popular early-morning slots are the hardest to get. The answer is simply to plan ahead: book early, be flexible about the day, and consider a nine-hole round if a full 18 is not available at your preferred time.
Green fees and extras
At the time of writing, 18-hole green fees at San Lameer were R630 for non-affiliated visitors, R480 for SAGU-affiliated visitors and R420 for estate visitors, with under-25s at R355 and under-18s at R270, and nine-hole rates available too. For 18 holes, golf carts were R450, club hire R390 and caddies R350 (the caddy fee includes halfway), and every round carries a compulsory R20 bunker levy. Green fees do not include carts or halfway meals, and rates are set by the club and can change, so check the bookings page for current prices.
Golf cart rules
Carts are the easiest way round the course in the summer heat, but a few rules apply. You need a valid driver’s licence to drive a golf cart, juniors may not drive carts on the course under any circumstances, and drivers are liable for any damage to San Lameer’s property. Carts cannot be booked in advance, so arrive in good time if you want one. The estate’s separate cart-hire service, for getting around the villas and facilities, is covered in our guide to getting to San Lameer.
Play in a weekly competition
One of the best ways to meet other golfers on holiday is to enter a club competition. At the time of writing, the Wednesday competition has an 11:00 shotgun start and is open to anyone, at R315 per person including green and competition fees, with carts at R450 extra. On the last Wednesday of the month it becomes the Monthly Medal, a medal and individual Stableford, with an optional braai after prize-giving. There is also a Business Day four-ball alliance on the fourth Friday of each month, and a Ladies Day on the first Monday. Bookings are essential, and for the Wednesday competition attendance at prize-giving is compulsory.
Beating the summer heat
December days on the coast are hot and humid, so plan your round around the weather. Book the earliest tee time you can, when it is cooler and the course is at its quietest. Take more water than you think you need, wear a hat and reapply sunscreen at the turn, and use a cart if the heat gets to you. Summer thunderstorms tend to build in the afternoon; if you hear thunder, leave the course and take shelter, and follow the club’s instructions on play.
Dress code
On the course, San Lameer asks for a collared golf shirt, with no jeans, T-shirts, sandals or flip-flops; the Clubhouse is more relaxed. Shirts must be worn at all times, and the club reserves the right to decide whether dress is appropriate, so pack proper golf attire. If you have forgotten something, the Pro Shop stocks clothing and accessories from leading brands.
Summer golf at San Lameer at a glance
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| Opening | Every day except Christmas Day |
| Tee times | Members have preference in school holidays; book early |
| Green fees (18) | From R420 for estate visitors, at the time of writing |
| Competitions | Wednesdays at 11:00, open to anyone |
| Carts | Driver’s licence needed; no juniors driving |
| Weather | Play early; leave the course if there is thunder |
After the round
The Clubhouse Restaurant opens from 06:30 until 16:00, so an early round can finish with breakfast or lunch overlooking the 9th hole, and the Bar Lounge and Terrace opens from 10:00, with extended hours in season. It is the natural place to cool down, compare cards and watch the last groups come in. When the course is fully booked, guests staying on the estate can play the free nine-hole Mashie course, a relaxed alternative for a quick few holes.
Frequently asked questions
Is San Lameer golf course open over Christmas?
The club is open every day of the year except Christmas Day, so you can play on the other festive days, including Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Can visitors play at San Lameer in December?
Yes, the club is open to anyone. Members receive preferential tee times during school holidays, so book as early as you can.
Can visitors enter club competitions?
Yes. The Wednesday competitions are open to anyone, with an 11:00 shotgun start. Bookings are essential.
Do I need a licence to drive a golf cart?
Yes. A valid driver’s licence is required, and juniors may not drive golf carts on the course.
Book your summer golf
Stay on the estate and the first tee is only minutes away. Book a villa through Stay at San Lameer, and reserve your tee times through the Pro Shop as early as you can.