Ranked in South Africa’s top five for 2025, St Francis Links combines Jack Nicklaus design, natural beauty and a newly refurbished clubhouse that positions it as a leading golfing and lifestyle destination.
CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF ON THE COAST
St Francis Links captures the essence of true links golf, with undulating terrain and its proximity to the coast. The Jack Nicklaus signature layout runs across fynbos-covered dunes with the ocean as a constant backdrop and the ever-shifting wind, means no two rounds are alike.
Nicklaus designed the course to echo the origins of the game in Scotland, where the topography dictates the layout. Here, fairways are shaped by the dunes rather than bulldozers and a sound strategy in your approach to the round can outweigh brute force. Golfers are encouraged to think about trajectory, shot selection and to consider the options that are available on each hole.
Standout holes define the round. The par-3 fourth calls for precision across a valley, where club choice is complicated by the breeze and which green is in use on the day. The par-5 sixth offers the temptation of reaching the green in two but punishes the wayward with deep bunkering and unforgiving fynbos. The closing trio, sixteen through eighteen, are as demanding as they are memorable — each capable of turning a good score into a humbling finish.
This balance of risk, reward and natural defence is what keeps the Links at the top of the rankings and firmly on the bucket list of serious golfers both locally and internationally.
SETTING THE STANDARD
Behind its continued success is Jeff Clause, CEO of St Francis Links and a PGA of South Africa Master Professional. Clause has been part of the course since the beginning and his leadership has guided it into the upper echelons of South African golf.
His approach goes beyond conditioning and tournaments. It is about shaping an environment where golfers, visitors and the community feel they are part of something special. Clause explains it simply:
“Golfers arrive here expecting a test and leave with an appreciation for how the game fits into the landscape. Our responsibility is to respect the traditions of golf while creating a destination that keeps people coming back.”
That clarity of vision is reflected in how the course is maintained, in the attention to detail of the clubhouse and in the way guests are welcomed. Clause has built a culture of excellence that makes St Francis Links not only a must-play course but also a benchmark for others to follow.
BEAUTY BEYOND THE FAIRWAYS
The scenery at St Francis Links is part of its identity. Indigenous fynbos frames every hole, the wide horizon opens to views of the Indian Ocean and the natural light changes the landscape from morning to evening. Antelope move quietly across fairways, birdcalls fill the air and the coastal breeze ensures that the environment is as alive as the golf itself.
For the golfer, the natural setting is part of the challenge. Playing here requires adapting to the firm surfaces and thinking through how the ball will react. For the traveller, it is equally about the walk — a chance to experience one of the Eastern Cape’s most striking coastal ecosystems while immersed in the rhythm of the game.
MORE THAN A ROUND OF GOLF
The newly refurbished clubhouse has added another dimension to the Links. Modernised and expanded, it now stands as a world-class venue for weddings, conferences and private celebrations. With sweeping views over the course and coastline, it provides a backdrop that rivals the best in the country.
What sets it apart is that the clubhouse is not an exclusive retreat but a welcoming space for all. Travellers can enjoy a meal, attend an event or relax on the terrace just as members do. That openness reflects the philosophy of the estate: world-class, yet approachable.
Dining is led by Chef Pieter Germishuys, whose reputation continues to grow. His menus showcase fresh local produce with a focus on quality and consistency. From refined dinners and functions to casual lunches, the food experience has become a drawcard. For many visitors, it is the dining that completes the memory of a day at the Links.
THE BENCHMARK
Recognition among South Africa’s top five courses is the result of a clear and consistent vision. St Francis Links challenges the golfer, rewards strategic play and provides facilities that match its ranking. It is a destination where the game remains central, but the broader experience ensures that golfers and non-golfers alike leave with lasting memories.
Article Link: A COURSE THAT REWARDS IMAGINATION