The Western Cape

Along with its stunning scenery, vineyards and welcoming climate, this region is home to a wealth of fine courses

- Rob Smith

Situated in the extreme south-west of South Africa where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet, the Western Cape covers 50,000 square miles of beautiful mountains and rugged shoreline. Most visitors focus on the southern stretch from Cape Town across to George, a holidaymakers’ dream that is also home to many of the nation’s finest courses. This is a region renowned for its wine making and excellent accommodation. On top of this, the exchange rate means that it is one of the world’s best-value golfing destinations.

Often recognised as the finest course in the country is one of three at the superb Fancourt Estate in the suburbs of George. Surrounding a terrific golf hotel bordered by two rivers, the Montagu and Outeniqua courses are both very good, especially the former, which is also extremely pretty. But it is Gary Player’s amazing Links, host of the 2003 Presidents Cup, that has established itself as a true bucket-list attraction.