Destination Golf Media Ltd
destinationgolf@live.com www.destinationgolf.travel ■ PUBLISHEr Dermot Synnott ■ EDItOr Karl Doyle ■ CONtrIBUtOrS Andrew Marshall Paul Marshall Aidan Bradley ■ DIrECtOr Vincent Synnott ■ FINANCIAL CONtrOLLEr Darren Maguire ■ CrEDIt CONtrOLLEr Mallory Courell ■ OFFICE ADMINIStrAtOr Helen Duggan INTERNATIONAL OFFICES/ REPRESENTATION • Albert Ferrer (Spain) • Peter Barnes (UK) • Gene Oberto (Sweden) • Gianni Attanasio (Italy) • David Cooney (China)
Front Cover: Anfi tauro Golf, Gran Canaria
Aidan Bradley joins the team at Destination Golf
D
estination Golf is thrilled to welcome Aidan Bradley to our team of contributors as our Official Golf Course Photographer. Widely recognised as among the best in his trade, Aidan’s golf course images regularly feature in golf magazines and coffee table books around the world. As for us – our ‘Picture Perfect’ section will be converted into an art gallery to display some of Aidan’s stunning photography from around the globe – starting with some amazing images of Hawaii and the State of Virginia.
Originally from Cork in Ireland, Aidan now resides in Santa Barbara, California, from where his work takes him to places that the most passionate golfer dreams of: Saint Andrews in Scotland, Augusta National in Georgia, Ballybunion in Ireland, and the Challenge on the island of Lanai. Whatever the assignment, Aidan’s focus on light and the surrounding natural environment consistently produces images that evoke a mood even non-golfers find attractive and compelling.
Our travelling duo of Andrew and Paul Marshall have recently attended a Press trip to Belgium, but we’ll keep that report for Issue 11. In this edition, the Marshall brothers are reporting about ‘the Magnificent Seven’ in Gran Canaria – voted Golf Destination of the Year 2013 by the International Association of Golf tour Operators (IAGtO).
Our golf club feature for this issue brings us to Fancourt - South Africa’s leading golf resort, located along the Garden route – where Gary Player has made his stamp on some quality golf designs. Porto and the Douro region have long been welcoming tourists to this popular destination, but we focus our attention on Casa Da Calçada, a particularly romantic and charming hotel that’s often regarded as one of the very best luxury hotels in Portugal. Last but not least, we report back from the family-run Esperanza Hotel in Mallorca on the shores of Playa de Muro beach. Enjoy!
Karl Doyle
EDItOr editor@destinationgolf.ie Dermot Synnott
Andrew Marshall
Aidan Bradley
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Editorial Director
Golf Course Photographer
Golf Travel Writer
Paul Marshall
Golf Travel Photographer
Facebook: facebook.com/DestinationGolf twitter: twitter.com/Dest_Golf LinkedIn: ie.linkedin.com/in/dermotsynnott Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/destinationgolf
Contents and reference guide Picture Perfect
AIDANBRADLEY
Golf Course Photography
BRANDERMILL GOLF CLUB Midlothian, Virginia USA www.acumengolf.com Page 4-5
CREIGHTON FARMS GOLF CLUB Aldie, Virginia USA www.creightonfarms.com Page 6-7
BAYVILLE GOLF CLUB Virginia Beach, Virginia USA www.bayvillegolfclub.com Page 8-9
LANSDOWNE GOLF CLUB Leesburg, Virginia USA www.lansdowneresort.com Page 10-11
HERITAGE OAKS GOLF CLUB Harrisonburg, Virginia USA www.harrisonburgva.gov Page 12-13
PIEDMONT GOLF CLUB Haymarket, Virginia USA www.clubcorp.com Page 14-15
KUKI’O GOLF CLUB
KUKUIULA GOLF CLUB
Kailus-Kons, Hawaii www.kukio.com Page 16-17
Poipu, Hawaii www.kukuiula.com Page 18-19
MAKAI GOLF CLUB Princeville, Hawaii Page 20-21
THE PRINCE GOLF CLUB Princeville, Hawaii www.princeresortshawaii.com Page 22-23
HOAKALEI GOLF CLUB Ewa Beach, Hawaii
KAPALUA PLANTATION GOLF CLUB Lahaina, Hawaii
www.hoakaleicountryclub.com
www.golfatkapalua.com
Page 24-25
Page 26-27
www.makaigolf.com
Features THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN
HOTEL PLAYA ESPERANZA
Andrew Marshall reports
Mallorca, Spain www.esperanzahoteles.com Page 34-39
from Gran Canaria Page 28-33 CASA DE CALCADA Amarante, Porto, Portugal
FANCOURT GOLF RESORT Garden Route, South Africa
www.casadacalcada.com
www.fancourt.co.za
Page 40-45
Page 46-51
Brandermill Golf Club
Midlothian, Virginia USA • www.acumengolf.co
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AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography
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Creighton Farms Golf Club
Aldie, Virginia USA • www.creightonfarms.com
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Virginia Beach, V
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Bayville Golf Club
Virginia USA • www.bayvillegolfclub.com AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography
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Lansdowne Golf Club
Leesburg, Virginia USA • www.lansdowneresor
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AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography
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Heritage Oaks Golf Club
Harrisonburg, Virginia USA • www.harrisonbu 12
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urgva.gov
AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography
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Piedmont Golf Club
Haymarket, Virginia USA • www.clubcorp.com
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AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography
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Kuki’o Golf Club
Kailus-Kons, Hawaii • www.kukio.com
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Kukuiula Golf Club Poipu, Hawaii • www.kukuiula.com
AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography
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Makai Golf Club
Princeville, Hawaii • www.makaigolf.com
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The Prince Golf Club
Princeville, Hawaii • www.princeresortshawaii.com AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography
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Hoakalei Golf Club
Ewa Beach, Hawaii • www.hoakaleicountryc
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club.com
AIDANBRADLEY Golf Course Photography
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Kapalua Plantation Golf Lahaina, Hawaii • www.golfatkapalua.com
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The Magnifice L
ocated off the northwestern coast of Africa, and with an average annual temperature of around 22 degrees centigrade, a rich history, culture and cuisine all complemented by a range of fine hotels, Gran Canaria has long being a favourite holiday destination for sun-seekers especially as a winter escape from Europe.
Words: Andrew Marshall
Andrew Marshal
the quality of the island’s renowned sandy beaches is now matched with a superb collection of seven main 18hole golf courses, that experts rate as among the best in Spain – with layouts that not only entertain and challenge, but allow you to experience the island’s varied and dramatic scenery in all its glory.
“Even though there has been a golf course here since 1891, it’s only during the last five years or so that golf course development has really taken off,” says Pablo Llinares de Béthencourt, Managing Director of the Gran Canaria Golf Association. Gran Canaria has recently been chosen as the best European Golf Destination 2013 by IAGtO (International Association of Golf tour Operators). Five courses are situated in the south of the island, all Photos: conveniently within a 20-30 minute drive of each other, Paul Marshall (Except where indicated) while the remaining two are in the north closer to the capital Las Palmas and the airport. 7 PLACES TO PLAY Maspalomas Golf. Situated in the in the resort area of Maspalomas in the Gran Canaria’s south (one of the sunniest places in the world), this 1968 Mackenzie ross design has a unique feel, surrounded by a nature reserve of rolling sand dunes, views of the Atlantic Ocean, palm trees and golden sandy beaches. relatively flat with long and wide fairways, the course’s opener is a fairly benign 367m par-4 (stroke index 13), which offers a genuine chance of a solid start. Watch out though, for the 140 metre par-3 10th, where a crisply struck iron is required to carry an expanse of water, and with trees protecting the left and right there is little room for error. As an indication of its quality, Maspalomas has hosted two PGA tour events in 1995 and 1997, won by Jarmo Sandelin and José Maria Olazábal respectively. www.maspalomasgolf.net Lopesan Meloneras Golf. this new kid on the block along the Meloneras Bay begins with a front nine of open and forgiving holes characterized by palms and a mountain backdrop, and then gets progressively more difficult as it enters the back nine along the cliff tops. Each hole is equipped with four tees to suit golfers of all abilities and amenities include golf carts equipped with the latest GPS technology. the course enjoys an ideal location next to a several four and five-star hotels in Meloneras and nearby
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Maspalomas Dunes (Photo: The T
EL E AV R R U T AT
FE
ent Seven
ll’s golfer’s guide to the best of Gran Canaria
Tourist Board – Patronato de Turismo de Gran Canaria)
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The par-3 6th, Anfi Tauro Golf, Gran Canaria (Photo: Gran Canaria Golf)
The Sheraton Salobre Golf Resort & Spa, with two courses (Norte & Sur) is the only 36 holes on Gran Canaria and the Canaries.
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The par-4 14th, Salobre Golf Norte, Gran Canaria.
Bandam putt awa with spe (Photo c
ma Golf Hotel (on the right) is only a short ay from Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas ectacular views of the Caldera de Bandama credit: Promotur, Turismo de Canarias)
From previous page Maspalomas. www.meloneras-golf.com Salobre Golf Sur. taking full advantage of Gran Canaria’s amazing geology, and situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty with ravines, volcanic rock and mountain and sea views, the 36-hole golf complex of the Sheraton Salobre Golf resort & Spa is a stunning place to tee it up and not to be missed. Designed by roland Fauvré, in close collaboration with robert trent Jones, the parklandstyle Salobre Golf Sur is the more forgiving of the two courses and offers a variety of holes. the well-manicured fairways and greens ramble through terraced valleys lined with palms, and contrast with the surrounding desert terrain, to create a spectacular oasis for a memorable round. www.salobregolfresort.com Salobre Golf Norte. Heading deeper into the desert landscape, Salobre’s second course is a more demanding test of golf routed through rocky canyons and deep gullies dotted with cacti. It’s the kind of environment where you half expect to see the original ‘Magnificent Seven’ cowboys come riding over the horizon on horseback as you tee off. After completing your round, head for the clubhouse terrace for a frosty 19th hole beer and keep an eye out for Sergio Garcia lookalike Fernando Martinez from Guest services, who is told several times a day he looks like the Spanish golf star. www.salobregolfresort.com Anfi Tauro Golf. Designed by robert Von Hagge, Anfi tauro is an impeccably maintained desert-style PGA Championship course located among rocky canyons and gorges, native vegetation, teeming waterfalls and glistening lakes and offers a perfect contrast to the surrounding volcanic mountains. Anfi tauro is one of those rare courses that generate a genuine sense of awe from one hole to the next for an unforgettable round. the course is a dream for the golf photographer and even the most inexperienced snapper can’t fail to capture a good image here. One of the most photogenic holes is the classic 209-metre par-3, 6th framed on either side with swaying palms and a pyramid-shaped rock as a backdrop.www.anfi.com Real Club de Golf de Las Palmas. Situated in the island’s north is Spain’s oldest golf club founded by a group of Brits in 1891, although the present site dates from 1957. this strategic parkland-style Mackenzie ross design has been cleverly fitted into an area of just 375,000 sq metres, spectacularly positioned on the edge of an extinct volcanic crater. rising Spanish golf star rafael Cabrera Bello and winner of the 2012 Omega Dubai Desert Classic is a member here and trains whenever he returns home. Although primarily a members club, morning tee times are available for visitors from Monday to Friday. www.realclubdegolfdelaspalmas.com El Cortijo Club de Campo. the final course of the ‘magnificent seven’ is an interesting design and one of the longest in Spain. Integrated into a fantastic plantation of hundred-year old palms, the course follows three valleys filled with indigenous flora and features six lakes, fast greens and sea views. El Cortijo Club de Campo played host to the 2002 Spanish Open won by Sergio Garcia and is
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The old town, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria.
Maspalomas Golf, Gran Canaria. (Photo credit: Gran Canaria Golf)
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Surfing at Las Palmas, Gran Canaria.
conveniently situated close to the airport for that final round before flying home. www.elcortijo.es 7 PLACES TO STAY H10 Playa Meloneras Palace. An excellent 5-star hotel offering all possible comforts, nestled in a peaceful beauty spot facing the sea at Meloneras Beach in the south of Gran Canaria. the hotel is in a great location for accessing the five southern courses, especially Lopesan Meloneras Golf which is only a few hundred metres away. www.h10hotels.com
Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia. Situated in a beautiful palm forest setting in Maspalomas, is one of “the Leading Small Hotels of the World.’ Luxury and meticulous detail merge throughout the hotel, from the 94 welcoming, colonial-style rooms with wide wooden verandas boasting teak furniture to the large opulent terrace overlooking the extensive pool area. www.grand-hotel-residencia.com
Seaside Hotel Palm Beach. With a newly created retro 70s style, this 5-star hotel is the only member of ‘Design Hotels’ in the Canaries. Situated a stone’s throw from the Maspalomas golf course, guest facilities include heated saltwater pools, 3 saunas with different health benefits, a new children’s play area and tennis. the cuisine here is also well respected including the famous Seaside barbecue buffet. www.hotel-palm-beach.com Lopesan Villa del Conde. Located right on the coast between two beaches and only a well-struck drive away from the new Lopesan Meloneras golf course, the 5-star Lopesan Villa del Conde is the most emblematic of the island’s hotels, reproducing several Canary Islands architectural details. www.lopesanhotels.com Lopesan Baobab Resort. 5-star meets African-inspired design with this Meloneras based hotel. After checking in at
From previous page
reception, guests pass through an amazing aquatic and tropical landscape composed of several waterfalls, rivers, sandy beaches, pools and African huts. www.lopesanhotels.com
Sheraton Salobre Golf Resort & Spa. the modern and exquisite design of this exclusive hotel has made it one of the benchmark 5-star accommodations in Gran Canaria. With unbeatable sea and golf course views, you can take a buggy directly from the hotel to play golf, make the most of the golf school services or relax in the clubhouse. www.sheraton.com/grancanaria Bandama Golf Hotel. Located 400 metres above sea level on the edge of a spectacular extinct volcanic crater (Caldera de Bandama), and only a long putt from the first tee of real Club de Golf de Las Palmas, awaits this comfortable and convenient 4-star base for the two northern courses. www.bandamagolfhotel.com
WHERE TO PLAY
• WHEN TO GO With its attractive climate the Canaries can be visited year round. High season is during the UK winter and places usually get busy from midDecember to February. It can be an advantage to visit the Canaries during the European summer months when accommodation, flights and green fees can be cheaper and more easily available.
• GETTING THERE: From the UK: Monarch operates year-round flights to Gran Canaria from Birmingham, London Gatwick and Manchester airports with fares, including taxes, starting from £62.99 one way (£124.99 return). For further information or to book Monarch flights, Monarch Holidays or Monarch Hotels, please visit: www.monarch.co.uk
GRAN CANARIA GOLF PASS Guests who book rooms at hotels including H10 Playa Meloneras Palace, VIK Hotel Bandama Golf and others (check website below), a 4 x green fees pass (for any of the island’s golf courses) is available. Cost is around €160 (available from hotel receptions). Visit www.grancanariagolf.info or email: info@canariasgolf.org
Further Information from
Seaside Hotel Palm Beach
www.grancanaria.com www.grancanariagolf.info Volume 1 • Issue 10
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Ho
Mallorca,
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, Spain • www.esperanzahoteles.com
EL T RE O U H AT FE
tel Playa Esperanza
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Hotel Playa Esperanza 36 Destination Golf TRAVEL
Mallorca’s dream escape O
ften regarded as 'the California of Europe',
Mallorca has so much to offer those seeking
a dream escape to one of Spain’s most popular
islands. Boasting over 300 days of sunshine
every year, it’s no surprise that tourists flock to
Mallorca 12-months of the year.
the seasons starts at the end of January,
when almond trees begin blossom, turning the
island into a sea of rose and white - which is
quickly followed by warm months for sunbathers
lounge by the sea; or when outdoor enthusiasts
enjoy activities such as hiking, sailing or cycling or
golfing.
Located on Mallorca’s north side is Playa de
Muro beach, an oasis of peace and quiet in a
privileged spot on the Mediterranean coast. It is
here that you will find Hotel Playa Esperanza –
the flagship hotel of Esperanca Hoteles Group,
which is a family-run hotel chain with
longstanding experience and high standards to
achieve guests’ satisfaction.
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Hotel Playa Esperanza
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From previous page
the flagship hotel is surrounded by 60.000 sqm. of gardens, separated from the beach just by sand dunnes, with a stunning beach front location with great sea views. Hotel Playa Esperanza is has 332 rooms in all including 28 single rooms 275 twin rooms and 28 junior suites. the Wellness & Spa Playa Esperanza, with a 700 sqm. surface invites you to a world of pleasure. It consists of the thermal & wellness area with hydromassage whirlpool, Jacuzzi, sauna steam bath thermal bath pediluvium and biothermal shower, also a wide variety of new relaxing & beauty therapies, good for the Body, Mind & Soul. In addition to a wide range of facilities, are 4 pools, one of them indoor pool, two restaurants SnackBar, Lounge bar with terrace and nightlife, mini-club and nursery, playground, tennis court, paddle tennis court, two beach volleyball courts, sailing school and bicycle shed. For golfers, there are twenty golf courses available less than one hour drive and guests can enjoy up to 20% discount in green fees reservations.
Get in touch! Facebook.com /Hotel-Playa-Esperanza twitter: @EsperanzaHotels For more information see
www.esperanzahoteles.com Volume 1 • Issue 10
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Amarante, Po
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ortugal • www.casadacalcada.com
EL T RE O U H AT FE
Casa da Calcada
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Casa da Calcada
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Love is in the air in Amarante
C
asa da Calcada relais & Chateaux is a romantic hotel situated in Porto – a romantic and idyllic setting that inspires discovery for those that visit. A short 38km drive outside Porto city is the fairy-tale village of Amarante, located halfway from Oporto and near the luxurious landscapes of the Douro valley, on the bank of the rio tamega. tourists have been coming to Amarante for many years, wanting to take advantage of the region’s natural beauty and majestic scenery, and ancient creations such as the roman Bridge over the river tamega. One of the most visited hotels in the region is the charming Casa da Calcada, a 16th century palace that was wonderfully restored and converted into a hotel in 2001. the romantic and charismatic hotel is a leading rendezvous spot for political and intellectual figures, and widely regarded by the Portuguese Government as a building of high architectural, historical and cultural relevance, often regarded as one of the most emblematic and representative of Portuguese hospitality. Casa da Calcada is one of the relais & Chateaux properties, which radiates luxury and splendour. Its high quality standards, unequalled amenities and warm courteous staff provide a consistently hospitable environment and atmosphere.
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Casa da Calcada
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From previous page the spacious and comfortable bedrooms and
suites feature stunning views out over the river and town square, all with modern furnishings. By night, the award-winning Michelin star restaurant is the perfect place to go on a culinary journey of
discovery.
For golfers, fantastic packages such as the
“Gourmet and Golf Package” always prove popular,
with golf being provided on the hotel’s sister course,
Amarante Golf, and the five 18-hole courses that
surround this exciting region.
Get in touch! www.facebook.com/casadacalcada www.youtube.com/casadacalcada For more information see
www.casadacalcada.com Volume 1 • Issue 10
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F
Garden ro
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oute, South Africa • www.fancourt.co.za
B LU C RE LF U O AT G FE
Fancourt Golf Resort
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Fancourt Golf Resort
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King of the South
F
ancourt is situated in the heart of the Garden Route, one of the most picturesque areas in the world.
the suitably named 200km-long stretch along the Southern Coast of South Africa offers beautiful and diverse flora and fauna, coupled with a mild Mediterranean-like climate. Along with being the golfing Mecca of South Africa, the area offers a wide variety of things to do – from exploring meandering hiking trails to swimming, boating, and fishing in the surrounding ocean, lakes and rivers.
Positioned on 613 hectares just outside George, Fancourt is South Africa’s premier lifestyle estate with mountains, indigenous forests and the warm Indian Ocean in close proximity. 133 luxury rooms and suites, fantastic family facilities, three Gary Player designed golf courses, a Spa, a Kids Club and a variety of restaurants guarantee enjoyment. the Fancourt hair salon, ladies boutique, jewellery store, two Golf Pro Shops, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, fishing dams and walking trails provide guests with luxurious and exciting entertainment. Glorious swimming beaches are easily accessible and mountain biking, horse riding, picnics and hikes can be arranged on request. Sightseeing excursions in the picturesque coastal towns of Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Mossel Bay are also available.
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Fancourt Golf Resort
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From previous page
Fancourt is South Africa’s premier golf resort, offering three originally designed Gary Player golf courses - with all three of its golf courses ranked in the top 20 in South Africa. It’s world renowned “Links” course is ranked No. 1, Montagu ranked 7, and Outeniqua ranked 18. the Links at Fancourt was added in 2000, an aweinspiring example of magnificent design and golf-course construction, about which designer Gary Player says: “I feel a genuine affinity for Fancourt having been involved from day one as a designer of the original golf courses, I experienced one of the greatest thrills of my golf career here when captaining the International Presidents Cup team against Jack Nicklaus’ American team, and it is the home of perhaps my greatest achievement as a golf course designer, the Links.” Fancourt’s reputation is internationally esteemed after hosting the Presidents Cup in 2003, Nelson Mandela’s 46664 concert in 2005 and Japan’s football team for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Get in touch! www.facebook.com/Fancourt.SA @FANCOUrtSA For more information see
www.fancourt.co.za Volume 1 • Issue 10
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