Garden Route Courses
The entire Plettenberg Golf course is a proclaimed
nature reserve set in the stunning Piesang valley. It is a very relaxing
course with just the sounds of nature to disturb you. The clubhouse overlooks
the valley, and the opening holes take you downhill, but beware because
the finishing holes do the opposite. You’ll need to watch the accuracy
of your drives as the Piesang River meanders through the course.
At the heart of the Garden Route you’ll find Fancourt, which
has established itself as one of South Africa's premier golf destinations.
It offers four excellent courses at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains.
Outeniqua is the native for "land of milk
and honey", and is a perfect description for this world-class course,
which includes mountains, water and wildlife. The 3rd hole is a downhill
par 4 which calls for an accurate tee shot as the fairway and green are
guarded by bunkers on both sides. This course is only open to members and
resort guests so if you want to play you’ll have to stay at Fancourt.
The first hole of the Montagu golf course offers
intimidation from the start! The fairway is narrow with out of bounds on
either side and the shot to the hole is downhill to a wide, shallow and
well-protected green. Making par on this hole is a triumph! The 17th hole
is similar to the 12th at Augusta where you have to play over water to a
wide shallow green.
The Links course at Fancourt is similar to Scottish
coastal courses such as Turnberry, Carnoustie and St Andrews. With holes
named as 'Lang Drap', 'Sheer Murrder' and 'Near the Dram', the Scottish
influence is very evident. We found this one an exciting but tough challenge.
The fourth course at Fancourt is Bramble Hill
which is a public pay and play course. It is a parkland course with links
features and blends the characteristics of Fancourt’s other three
courses. It is designed to give golfers of all abilities the chance to enjoy
the Fancourt experience.
The beautiful George Golf Course, which remains
green throughout the year, is one of the finest in the Cape. The course
is densely wooded but the fairways are quite generous. It offers a memorable
layout and is rated as one of the top 10 golf courses in South Africa by
Golf Digest. Definitely one of our favourites!
The Sparrebosch course offers breathtaking views
over the forest, the Knysna Lagoon and the Indian Ocean, with holes such
as the 14th built right on the edge of the cliffs, giving spectacular views.
The edge of the green is an enormous bunker and the backdrop is the clear
blue waters of the Indian Ocean. This can be a tough course if the wind
decides to blow.