The Garden Route is rightly considered to be one of the ultimate travel destinations in South Africa, with a breathtaking range of options for family fun or individual pursuits. From the beaches of Plettenberg Bay to the holiday feeling of picturesque Knysna to the natural wonders of the wilderness and much more, you could romp around for weeks.
But there are also some of us who go to the Garden Route for one reason and largely forget about the rest of the Western Cape’s menu.
For some of us, this part of the world is actually known as the golf route because it is littered with fantastic playable courses that are rich in history and charm.
From established regulars like the George Country Club and what Plettenberg Bay has to offer, to the coastal Instagram vistas from Pinnacle Point to the elevated Pezula and Simola, the region is simply overflowing with options for the avid golfer.
Fancourt Montagu Golf Course. Image: Lungani Zama
The dazzling jewel in this sizeable golf crown, however, is Fancourt. Put simply, it is Africa’s ultimate golf destination and a place that many call home. Fancourt, 7 km from George Airport, is set in 613 acres of unspoilt countryside, sheltered by the Outeniqua Mountains.
It’s more than a golf estate. It is a community, a large family of people united by the appreciation of the most beautiful things in life. Fancourt is a very special place, even in the midst of the natural abundance of the Garden Route.
Fancourt Montagu Golf Course. Image: Lungani Zama
As soon as you drive into the property, a feeling of occasion arises. The clubhouse, which serves the Outeniqua and Montagu courses, is cave-like, with plenty of corners to sit and chat with the family or a golf four-ball.
In addition to the club lounge, there are three dining facilities that cater to both casual and impeccably stylish guests who want to turn things into an occasion. The clubhouse is a hub of activity, with the soundtrack of kids feeling comfortable around them.
The choice of accommodation is also diverse, with 115 rooms and suites spread across Montagu Square, as well as houses that can be rented by families and golf groups.
For the wealthy, the Manor House with butler service is a truly majestic experience. The former home of British engineer Henry Fancourt White from the 1850s, the Cotswold villa style residence is a bespoke offer where nothing is impossible.
Fancourt Montagu Golf Course. Image: Lungani Zama
The general service and attention to detail elevate Fancourt to its world-class billing as a hotel, not to mention the golfing opportunities.
This persistence has been recognized with a variety of hospitality awards over the years, including a recent award from Golf Digest as one of the best golf resorts in Africa and Asia.
For the pampering of tired limbs, the hotel’s wellness area is easily accessible from the clubhouse, and there are hiking trails for guests who want a break from golf – or who simply want to earn their therapeutic reputation in the well-equipped spa facilities.
Fancourt Montagu Golf Course. Image: Lungani Zama
All the amenities of a modern, family-friendly property are available and the staff is particularly friendly at all levels. It prides itself on being a Fancourt employee who is part of a rich legacy of understated luxury.
There are three championship courses in Fancourt, all of which require your full attention. Outeniqua is an excellent park-land track that leads to the fascinating mountains from which it takes its name.
Though some dare to call it the easiest of the property’s three golf courses, Outeniqua shows its teeth with subtle bumps, a deceptive wind sweeping the mountain, and massive putting surfaces that value accuracy.
The Montagu Course demands respect from everyone who enters it. There is more than a touch of Augusta National in its parkland.
The grass looks even Masters blazer green, and the golf skill test is just as straightforward. Montagu is long and uncompromising, with the sweeping fairways often requiring medium or long iron access to the greens that are on the fast side.
Fancourt Montagu Golf Course. Image: Lungani Zama
You have to take your A-game on a track that even professional golfers consider to be one of the toughest tests in South Africa. The 16th hole was designed with a view of Augusta’s 12th hole, with water, carefully placed bunkers and a seemingly small target.
If you are a guest at the Fancourt Hotel, you might be lucky enough to get one of the limited slots for The Links, South Africa’s top ranked golf course, hosting an unforgettable President’s Cup duel that ended in a famous tie with Jack Nicklaus’ American team and that international team of Gary Player, led by Tiger Woods and Ernie Els, The Links at Fancourt is an absolute must for the avid golfer.
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Words cannot adequately describe how impressive The Links is at first sight. Everything is different and the experience developed by Gary Player will be remembered for a long time.
The smallest detail is emphasized and the attention and silence that surrounds you during your round will make you feel like a professional golfer for just one day.
There are limited tee times for hotel guests because The Links is something special. It works according to its own schedule, in which time stands still and nature speaks.
Golfing itself is overwhelming and requires the most challenging strokes in your arsenal. A local caddy is gold in Fancourt, but even more so at The Links.
The design fools the uninitiated eye with subtle changes in height. In addition, you never seem to lie flat on the fairways, so concentration is required.
Fancourt Montagu Golf Course. Image: Lungani Zama
Of the club tees, the course may appear on the short side, but defense relies heavily on the slopes on the greens and some diabolical pin positions.
In this modern world of constant noise and news, The Links is a temporary pause button. It’s an escape from Fancourt and a step into golf nirvana. Sitting in the simple brick halfway house in the middle of nowhere reminds you how special the place is.
The brutal way back to the clubhouse leads to a bunker brutally referred to as The Coffin as it can obliterate any momentum.
Fittingly, the final par-5 hole climbs up to the clubhouse on a ridge. From the back tees, it’s an almighty crossing across the gorge before a final tap-in and welcome drink are served by expert links staff like Sipho Kalawe, eager to share your stories of suffering and glory from the sacred fairways hear.
Experience has shown that the entire Fancourt property is unforgettable. Golfing is demanding, even demanding. The hospitality is luxurious and the attentive staff make sure you can’t wait to come back.