Fancourt (The Links)

The Links course at Fancourt opened for play in November 2000 and it represents a unique and very tough South African golfing experience. The course was designed by Gary Player but only after the Black Knight’s team had studied in great detail the characteristics of classic Scottish links courses. The Links at Fancourt does indeed resemble a traditional seaside links course but so far they have failed to recreate the changeable British weather.

It’s hard to believe that the host venue for the 2003 Presidents Cup, which resulted in an historic tie between Tiger Woods and Ernie Els, was once an airfield. The earth certainly moved at Fancourt and the result is a jaunty ramble through gigantic dunes with the majestic Outeniqua Mountains providing a stunning backdrop. Surely this is South Africa’s most unusual and remarkable golf course?

Gary Player commented in the book, Top Golf Courses of the World, as follows:

“I feel this is one of the very best golf courses in the world, even though it may have been built on the worst piece of ground – clay as flat as an airport. I’m proud to have worked as the course designer and could not be happier with how it turned out. It has been designed to make golfers feel as though they were at Ballybunion, Dornoch, or St Andrews with rolling fairways, pot bunkers, big greens, high rough, and a seascape appearance.”

The Links at Fancourt is a private club but a few tee times are available to guests staying at the Fancourt Hotel. So if you can’t befriend a member but fancy a real treat we recommend an overnight stay.