As the golfing world continues to grow across Africa and beyond, few destinations hold the legacy, prestige, and unique charm quite like Sun City. With two exceptional courses—the Gary Player Country Club and the Lost City Golf Course—this iconic resort has earned its place on every golfer’s bucket list. From hosting the Nedbank Golf Challenge, often dubbed Africa’s Major, to offering a full resort experience backed by the Pilanesberg Game Reserve, Sun City is a blend of challenge, luxury, and adventure.
We sat down with Ken Payet, a key figure in Sun City’s golf operations, for an exclusive look into what makes this destination a standout for world-class tournaments and unforgettable amateur experiences alike.
1. Being the home of Africa’s Major, the Nedbank Golf Challenge, what would you say makes the Sun City courses stand out from the rest?
Sun City Resort has 2 phenomenal golf courses – the Gary Player Golf Course which is an 18-hole , par-72, world class Championship course and host to the Nedbank Golf Challenge and is a walking only course with caddies. We also have the Lost City Golf Course which is a unique, 72-par, 18-hole desert-style golf course.
Moreover, Sun City is a resort and offers a variety of hotels, restaurants, activities and the iconic Valley of Waves waterpark. It caters for the entire family.
2. Being the home of Africa’s Major, the Nedbank Golf Challenge, what would you say makes the Sun City courses stand out from the rest?
The different variations of the golf courses make each one unique. The fact that when playing at the Gary Player Golf Course you know you are playing at the championship golf course exudes an elevated feeling of winning on its own.
The Lost City Golf Course is also a championship golf course however, is slightly easier for your average handicap golfer. Its desert-style layout which adds a different experience to the player.
You also have the backdrop of the Pilanesberg Game Reserve whilst you are playing. At times having the opportunity to see some wildlife as you play. The iconic resort with its unique features and beautifully crafted buildings and landscape also adds to the experience of playing at Sun City. We are also very fortunate to have very good weather over the Nedbank Golf Challenge. The weather plays a huge part in making the golfing experience uniquely different.
3. The wildlife on and around the course is something truly unique to Sun City. What kind of encounters can players expect, and how does it add to the overall experience?
All our guests have the opportunity to see some wildlife whilst at Sun City- whether they are playing golf, walking or driving. Having the Pilanesberg Game Reserve as our backdrop enhances the golfer experience. They can encounter a few wildlife such as the Kudu or Impala. We also have our resident fish eagle which is to the left of the 16th Tee Box, and if you are lucky 5 or 6 holes on either course are on the boundary of the game reserve. These enable golfers to see more wildlife such as buffalo, giraffe, zebra, elephants, wild dogs…
So, there’s definitely an opportunity to see some wildlife when playing golf. We recommend that you don’t just keep your head down and play golf, but also look up towards the Pilanesberg where you’ll stand a better chance to have some wildlife sighting.
4. For many amateur golfers, this will be a bucket-list experience. What advice do you have for players looking to make the most of their time at Sun City?
Although playing golf at Sun City is very competitive, as the Gary Player Golf Course is a lot tougher than most courses in the country, I would encourage the amateur golfer to enjoy the course(s) as well as what Sun City has on offer. There is so much that can be done at Sun City with a variety of leisure activities including the iconic Valley of Waves, the various dining options, activities as well as the warm weather.
5. If you had to give one top tip for playing a good round of golf at each course—Gary Player Country Club and Lost City—what would it be?
When playing the Gary Player Golf Course, you have to keep the ball on fairway…Not to hit your driver all the time, unless you’re a really good driver on the ball, so rather focus on making sure that you always try and keep the ball in play and keep it on the fairway.
The Lost City is a little bit more forgiving as the fairways are a lot wider. Even though there is a bit of elevation, I wouldn’t use the driver off every tee.
So, it would be more about target golfing, know your yardages and don’t always hit driver of the tee.
6. If you had to pick one signature hole at both Gary Player Country Club and Lost City, which ones stand out the most and why?
For the Gary Player Golf Course is hole 9, it has the best par five in my view in the country. It also has a phenomenal island green.
What’s nice about hole 9 is that it’s a reachable par five in two if you hit a really, really good drive, but those who don’t hit the ball too long, you can lay up, and it’s all a very intimidating third shot onto the Island green.
There is also the Cascades Hotel in the background with the cascading water’s coming down. That’s a phenomenal hole and for me it’s the best par 5 in the country.
The signature hole at the Lost City, is without a doubt, the 13th hole, which was a crocodile hole.
The very elevated tee to a green that is in the shape of the African continent. We have about six or seven crocodiles in a crocodile pit just to the left of the hole.
So for us, that is our signature hole at Lost City.
7. As we have players and visitors coming from across the world what would you say is the must do’s while at Sun City or in South Africa?
It’s definitely to experience the Wildlife, into Pilanesberg Game Reserve. You would need to do both game drives – in the morning because the animals are waking up and they’re a little bit more energetic and then in the evening, you see what the wild animals come alive at night. We also have the iconic Valley of Waves which is a water park that has a massive wave pool that generates 2-meter-high waves simulating an ocean experience in the heart of the resort. We have thrilling water rides which cater for the entire family as well. There are sporting, adrenaline, bush activities and more which can be enjoyed at leisure.
8. Having overseen the Nedbank Golf Challenge, one of Africa’s premier tournaments, what was one of your most memorable moments that you could share with us?
I would say witnessing first-hand the play off between Tiger Woods and Nick Price.
And I had the privilege of driving Nick Price back from the 17th hole, back to the 18th Greenway and where we handed over the winning trophy.
So definitely that would be my highlight is witnessing first-hand the playoff between Tiger Woods and Nick Price in 1998.
Ken Payet’s insights have shone a spotlight on why Sun City isn’t just a golf venue—it’s a complete experience. From walking the iconic fairways of the Gary Player Golf Course to spotting wildlife at the edge of the Pilanesberg, every moment here tells a story.
Whether you’re an amateur chasing a lifelong dream or a seasoned player looking for your next challenge, Sun City offers the perfect stage. With its blend of natural beauty, rich heritage, and championship-level golf, it’s clear why this destination continues to captivate golfers from around the globe.
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Bring your A-game, your adventurous spirit, and your appreciation for the finer things. At Sun City, every swing is a step into a world of wonder.