Our CEO, Mark Marais, has just finished an incredible Cape Town and Garden Route golf tour that included a safari experience. One of the highlights of his trip was playing the new Links Experience at Fancourt – a dream for every golfer!
Read below for his firsthand account of the entire Fancourt golfing experience.
Mark Chats to Us About The Links Experience at Fancourt
It was a real joy to return to Fancourt, the premier golf resort in Africa. For many years, Fancourt operated with just three courses—Montagu, Outeniqua, and the world-renowned Links. Originally, there were four courses, and now, there’s a new fourth addition: the Links Experience at Fancourt. This is a fresh and exciting nine-hole short course that adds another dimension to the resort’s already incredible offering.
I was fortunate enough to visit recently with my good friend Scott Edkins of Ascot Tours, along with two other close friends. On our first day we played The Links, a course I’ve played many times—and it never disappoints. It’s almost surreal: a world-class links-style course, complete with dramatic bunkering, undulating fairways, and a stunning mountain backdrop. You’d swear you were playing along a rugged coastline, yet you’re miles from the sea—on what was once an airport runway. Gary Player turned this unlikely landscape into an absolute masterpiece!
On a warm, sunny day, The Links feels like you’re having the best day of your life on the Irish coast. On a windy or wet one, it feels like you’ve been transported straight to County Clare. It’s a challenging course, as it should be—but always fair. When conditions are soft and green, as they were for us, it plays beautifully for golfers of my caliber. When it’s dry and firm, it can be a proper test of patience and shot-making!
Beyond the course, Fancourt gets everything right—from the warm welcome and excellent clubhouse facilities to the first-class service. One of the real highlights, as always in South Africa, are the caddies—knowledgeable, encouraging, and just brilliant company. We had a great day out there, full of laughs and competitive spirit. That evening, we did our best to sample as much of the food and wine on offer as possible—not necessarily the wisest idea with another round coming up, but thoroughly enjoyable nonetheless.
The next morning, we headed out to play the new Links Experience, and it truly is just that—an experience. Despite being newly opened, the golf course was in excellent condition. I had my doubts about how mature it would feel so early on, but the greens were smooth and true, if not lightning fast just yet. Give it another year or two, and once they’ve dialed it in fully, it’s going to be a serious test of golf in its own right. The design is clever, the holes are memorable, and the scenery is nothing short of spectacular under those bright blue skies.
All in all, Fancourt remains the undisputed leader in African golf resorts—and with the addition of the Links Experience, they’ve pulled even further ahead. It’s hard to imagine anyone else catching up anytime soon.
If you’re considering a golf holiday in South Africa—especially one that includes staying and playing at Fancourt—I’d love to have a chat with you. Whether you’re dreaming of time in Cape Town, the Winelands, playing Leopard Creek, or experiencing a Kruger safari, there are so many incredible options. I’ve been arranging golf and safari trips to South Africa for over 30 years, and every time I return, I’m reminded just how magical it is.
Now, fresh from this latest trip, I’m more inspired than ever to share what makes this destination so special. So if you’re even thinking about planning something, give me a call. I’d be delighted to talk you through the options and help shape an unforgettable experience.
