Fancourt (Outeniqua)

The fantastic Fancourt golf complex was constructed back in 1990 when an initial 27 holes were laid out, followed seven years later by an additional 9 holes which then became the Montagu and Outeniqua courses, with the Links following in 2000 and the Bramble Hill course a year later, which has subsequently closed.

Situated between the Outeniqua Mountains to the north and the Indian Ocean to the south, all three of Fancourt’s fabulous courses can be played by Hotel residents and Country Club members and their guests.

The 18-hole Outeniqua (meaning “land of milk and honey”) parkland layout is maintained to a very high standard, with a number of fairways bounded by white-walled, thatched roof villas, adding character and colour to the surroundings.

The course starts with two old holes then moves to nine new ones before returning at the 12th to the original layout. A number of holes contend for the title of signature hole. Some claim it to be the beautiful 4th, others the cleverly designed 5th, the downhill par three 7th or the testing par five 11th. Regardless of which is the best, most golfers are united in the belief that the walk from the 11th hole to the par three 12th tee is the defining view of the course that remains etched in the memory.

The Links may have become the number one course at Fancourt but the Outeniqua course still features very high on any “must play” South African golf course list – a golfing excursion to the Western Cape must surely include a couple of days’ stay at the Fancourt Hotel in order to play all three courses here.