I well remember St Francis Links when it opened more than 15 years ago. Then, most golfers viewed playing there with trepidation. Tee times were easily obtainable. Since then this course and estate has experienced a 360 degree turnaround. It is now one of the most desirable local destinations, thanks to brilliant marketing and the gradual realisation among golfers that this is an extremely good value world-class venue in a beautiful environment. The Links was busy when I played on a Friday, firstly with a group of 56 from Richard Gill’s Corporate Cup (who used to never venture outside the Garden Route), then with home owners for the weekly sundowner shotgun. Everyone wants to live on this estate because of its idyllic lifestyle. Houses are multiplying. Even the short cut path for walkers like myself through the bush from first green to second tee has been lost to property development. However, the houses don’t impact the golfing experience. Set well back from the playing corridors, the architectural theme blends into the attractive general aesthetics. It is an estate where development and environment have found harmony together.
