St. Francis Links, Eastern Cape conveniently situated between the ever-popular Garden Route and the malaria-free safari reserves east of Port Elizabeth, this scenic course has become one of the most respected links-style layouts in South Africa. A Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, the ‘Golden Bear’
has certainly put his stamp on the layout here, with endless bunkers waiting to trap the unwary. While the fairways offer more landing space than expected, wayward shots caught in the ever-present coastal winds are likely to end up in the dense shrub and indigenous milkwood trees that cover the surrounding sand dunes. While the bush is wild the course itself is anything but; always superbly conditioned with manicured fairways and neatly clipped greens. Players enjoy superb views of the Indian Ocean from much of the course, but a further highlight is the trio of holes that hug the shores of a wetland bird sanctuary. The clubhouse offers the well-regarded Lighthouse
Restaurant, and a number of self-catering luxury houses are available for rent on the secure gated estate. Green fees £43 per 18 holes. www.stfrancislinks.com
