THE COURSE
Nestled in the heart of a picture-book thatch and white wash village, near the rolling waters of the warm Indian ocean, lies a lush links-style course that was for years one of the Eastern Cape's best kept secrets. It is now the playground paradise of golfers both local and jet set.
One of South Africa's prettiest coastal resorts, St Francis Bay is set at the top of the world-renowned Garden Route, just a 90km drive south of Port Elizabeth.
The moderate length of this 18-hole course encourages a pleasurable game for the average golfer while still providing the challenge of "thinking golf" for those wishing to break par 71.
Idyllic St Francis Bay Golf Club is well renowned for its warm hospitality and a great spirit which has been the backbone of the club over the years and continues to grow. Other pleasures of the Bay are just as difficult to resist: gorgeous stretches of soft, sandy beaches and safe swimming waters, waves that beckon playmates on wind surfers, body boards, wave skis and surfboards. Some of the world's most famous surf points are just minutes away. The 125-year old Cape St Francis lighthouse at Seal Point and the surfing at “Seals” are also well worth a visit.
The origins of the St Francis Bay Golf Club date back to 1975 when Leighton Hulett, known to locals as a founding father of this beautiful resort, opened a nine-hole private golf course. Since then, many exciting changes have taken place and today the 18-hole coastal golf course compares favourably with the best courses on offer in the Cape.
