Golf the sport of choice for country’s wealthiest

How do SA’s uber-wealthy unwind? By playing 18 holes on an award-winning golf course, naturally.

Golf hobby has for emerged as the top SA’s high net-worth individuals – those who have net assets of about R13.6m or more.

AfrAsia Bank and New World Wealth recently reviewed the favourite leisure pursuits of the wealthy, among them directors, CEOs, chairs and CFOs.

Art collecting, mountain biking, cycling and horses also featured high on their list.

According to the review, SA is home to some of the best golf courses in the world, including Fancourt Links, the Gary Player course at Sun City and Leopard Creek.

“Golf has always been a popular sport for SA’s wealthy, especially those who are retired,” New World Wealth head of research Andrew Amoils said.

The review also found that collectables – such as classic cars, fine wine and art – was a growing segment in SA. “Collectables include any luxury item that holds its value reasonably well over time,” the review stated.

Other popular hobbies are yachting, skiing (mainly overseas), sports betting, flyfishing and hunting.

Review also found that collectables was a growing segment