The Links at Fancourt Hotel & Country Club

The Links at Fancourt represents one of the most ambitious golf course projects in South Africa's history. Designed by Gary Player with Phil Jacobs and backed by SAP co-founder Dr. Hasso Plattner, the course opened in 2000 and was constructed to evoke the character of classic Scottish links golf despite being located several kilometers inland from the Indian Ocean. The design involved moving millions of cubic meters of earth to create dunes, hollows, and rumpled terrain reminiscent of the British Isles, complete with imported fescue grasses and deep pot bunkers.

The routing unfolds across manufactured landforms that create genuine strategic interest and visual drama. Fairways tumble through valleys between constructed dunes, and greens are defended by steep-faced bunkers and collection areas. The course plays firm and fast when conditions allow, rewarding ground game approaches and thoughtful course management. Several holes feature dramatic elevation changes and forced carries that test both length and accuracy.

The Links has hosted significant professional events, most notably the Presidents Cup in 2003, which brought international attention to South African golf and showcased the course on a global stage. It remains part of the Fancourt resort complex, which includes multiple championship courses and extensive practice facilities. The property sits in the Garden Route region near George, an area known for its temperate climate and concentration of quality golf courses. The Links is regarded as one of the premier modern designs in South Africa and attracts golfers seeking a links-style experience in a non-coastal setting.