The Links Golf Course
Overview
The Links Golf Course at Fancourt is a stunning place to play golf, located in the Garden Route of South Africa. Designed by Gary Player in 2000, this course offers a unique golfing experience. It feels like playing on a classic links course from the British Isles, with rolling dunes, windy areas, and tricky features. It challenges golfers to think carefully and play smart. Whether you’re an expert or just starting out, The Links provides a memorable game for everyone.
Layout of The Links Golf Course at Fancourt
The course has 18 holes and a par of 73, stretching out to 6,930 meters from the black tees. It was built on a former airport site and offers unique and exciting holes, next to grassy fields and wetlands, making it feel like a wildlife reserve without big animals. The fairways have natural bumps and dips and are lined with deep bunkers and greens of different shapes. There’s a 10-kilometre cart path for easy access, but walking is encouraged so you can truly enjoy the course’s beauty. This design earns the best course in South Africa by Golf Digest, combining environmental care with top-quality golf.
Challenges at The Links
Playing The Links offers tough challenges that can test even the best golfers. The fairways are closely trimmed, so you need to hit the ball well. The rough presents a tough challenge, and the greens are well-guarded, so you need to approach them with precision and a well-rounded game. The course features challenging hills, tricky pot bunkers, and is influenced by the wind. This makes it harder, especially on the last four holes. The 18th hole is a difficult uphill par-5 that requires accurate drives. The small greens on holes like the sixth and 14th also need precise shots, which makes this course great for players with a handicap of 12 or lower.
Signature Holes
Several holes define the course’s iconic status. The par-3 second, known as “Lang Drop,” features a long downhill shot to a large sloping green. Hole 10, “Kilimanjaro,” is a par-4 with an elevated green atop dunes, offering stunning views. The short par-4 sixth (“Five Penny Piece,” 312 meters) and 14th (“Wee Wrecker,” 330 meters) tempt risk-reward play with bunker-littered fairways and diminutive greens. Hole 16, a par-5, navigates through dunes to a rumpled green, while the par-3 17th (“Prayer”) is a favourite for its sheer challenge. Hole 15, “Roon the Bend,” adds to the memorable lineup.
Facilities at Fancourt
The Links is part of the luxurious Fancourt resort! Here, you’ll find everything you need for a great golfing experience. The amenities include a clubhouse, a full-length driving range, and areas to practice chipping and bunkers. For a fun twist, they also have a special five-hole short course for casual play.
Golfers of all skill levels can improve their game at the Golf Academy, where PGA professionals offer lessons using the latest technology. Caddies are required, and your golf cart comes included with the green fees. Just remember to book in advance!
When you’re not on the course, enjoy the resort’s many facilities. They offer guest rooms and suites, four restaurants, a relaxing spa, a gym, and four swimming pools. You can also play tennis or explore the trails for cycling, hiking, and jogging.
Hosted Tournaments
The Links has cemented its prestige by hosting elite events. The 2003 Presidents Cup ended in a historic tie between international and U.S. teams, captained by Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus. In 2005, Retief Goosen won the SA Open after a duel with Ernie Els. The 2012 Volvo Golf Champions saw Branden Grace triumph in a playoff, and Japan claimed the inaugural 2005 Women’s World Cup. These tournaments underscore its status as a venue for global golf excellence.
Book Now
The Links Golf Course at Fancourt offers an amazing golfing experience in South Africa’s Garden Route. It has tough holes that challenge players, along with resort facilities to relax in. Whether you’re trying to master its famous holes or enjoy the luxurious amenities, The Links promises a memorable time for every golfer.
