George, South Africa — Gary Player Design, proudly announces the official opening of The Links Experience, an extraordinary new nine-hole golf course crafted by the legendary golfer and world-renowned course architect Gary Player at Fancourt, South Africa’s premier golfing destination. This latest addition to Fancourt’s prestigious golfing portfolio offers a versatile and engaging experience, designed to captivate players of all ages and skill levels.
The vision for The Links Experience took root in 2022, when Fancourt owner Hasso Plattner collaborated with esteemed course architect Johann Jacobs to reimagine the former Bramble golf course. Recognizing the potential for a groundbreaking new design, Fancourt enlisted the expertise of Gary Player, whose iconic designs have long shaped Fancourt’s golfing landscape. Now, two years later, The Links Experience stands as a testament to Player’s enduring design philosophy: blending beauty, challenge, and accessibility.
“The memories I have at Fancourt will stay with me the rest of my life,” said Player. “When I first came out here this was a cattle farm and over the years has transformed into one of the greatest golf destinations on the planet. I was incredibly excited and privileged to design and open the The Links Experience, which will be instrumental in fostering the growth of golf in South Africa. This is a beautiful layout, with lots of soft grasses and coloured bunkers, something very different. I designed this to give people pleasure and it’s very versatile with the fact that you can choose par 3, 4 or 5 or play strictly as a par 3. It’s a thing of beauty that gives everyone a challenge, young and old.”
A Dynamic and Flexible Layout
The Links Experience features an intriguing par 34 layout, comprising:
- 1 Par 5
- 3 Par 3s
- 5 Par 4s
Enhancing its flexibility, the course includes dedicated par 3 tee boxes, allowing golfers to enjoy a full par 3 round if they prefer. This thoughtful design ensures that every round can be tailored to match a player’s preference and skill level.
Distinctive Hole Names Add Character:
- Wamkelekile
- Down the Hill
- It’ll Be a Skoosh
- Devil’s Elbow
- Low Land
- Beag
- Wide
- Mulligan
- Up the Hill
Each hole offers its own unique charm, with names that reflect the course’s character and the diverse experiences awaiting golfers.
Fancourt: A Legacy of Golf Excellence
With the unveiling of The Links Experience, Fancourt further solidifies its reputation as a world-class golf destination. The innovative design, breathtaking scenery, and Gary Player’s unmistakable touch combine to create an unforgettable golfing adventure.
Media Contact:
Bo Wood
Gary Player, Media
Bo@GaryJimPlayer.com
About Gary Player Design
Gary Player Design has been a global leader in golf course design, marketing and real estate planning services. The Gary Player design team combines for more than 200 years in the golf course development industry.
Gary Player and Gary Player Design have executed a portfolio of more than 130 projects in 38 countries on five continents. The success of Gary Player Design is driven by its proven ability to add substantial value to real estate and resort properties. The business’ mission is founded on the principles of the man, Gary Player, who has always maintained that quality and professionalism are not negotiable. As a course designer, Gary Player and Gary Player Design are always steadfast in their ambition to create beauty and harmony and a playable golf course that honours the average member whilst simultaneously respecting a developer’s objectives.
In 2021, Gary Player Design expanded its resources through the launch of a new global strategic alliance with Nicklaus Design, fellow legend Jack Nicklaus’ design business. The partnership between the legends’ design firms allows Gary Player Design to draw upon the additional infrastructure and talents of Nicklaus Design.
