St Francis Links - South Africa's Best Golf Course 2025 | World Golf Awards Winner

# St Francis Links: World Golf Awards Winner & Championship Links Experience
*Voted **South Africa's Best Golf Course for 2025** by the World Golf Awards, St Francis Links stands as a testament to Jack Nicklaus's design genius and the raw beauty of the Eastern Cape coast. This true links course, carved from coastal dunes in St Francis Bay, offers an authentic links experience that rivals Scotland and Ireland – complete with firm fairways, pot bunkers, coastal winds, and ocean views that will take your breath away.*
When Jack Nicklaus was commissioned to design St Francis Links in the mid-2000s, he was given a dream canvas: pristine coastal dunes overlooking the Indian Ocean in the charming village of St Francis Bay. The result, opened in 2006, is widely considered one of his finest works – a **genuine links course** that captures the essence of traditional seaside golf while showcasing the unique beauty of South Africa's Eastern Cape.
St Francis Links has earned numerous accolades since opening, including being named **South Africa's Best Golf Course** by the World Golf Awards in 2025. The course regularly appears in global top 100 rankings and has hosted multiple professional tournaments. But beyond the awards and rankings, St Francis Links offers something increasingly rare in modern golf: an **authentic, pure links experience** where the wind, the dunes, and the firm turf dictate strategy more than yardage.
Located in St Francis Bay, approximately 90km west of Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), the course sits in one of South Africa's most charming coastal villages. The combination of championship golf, stunning coastal scenery, relaxed village atmosphere, and excellent value makes St Francis Links a must-play for any golfer visiting the Eastern Cape or Garden Route.
## Course Overview: Nicklaus Links Masterpiece
St Francis Links represents Jack Nicklaus's tribute to the great links courses of Scotland and Ireland, adapted to the South African coastal landscape. This isn't a links-style course – it's a **true links**, built on coastal dunes with all the characteristics that define traditional seaside golf.
**Design Philosophy:**Nicklaus routed the course to maximize the natural dune landscape and ocean views while creating a strategic test that rewards thinking players. The course features firm, fast-running fairways, deep pot bunkers, large undulating greens, and minimal tree interference – all hallmarks of authentic links golf. The wind is a constant factor, changing the character of the course daily and demanding adaptability.
**What Makes St Francis Links Special:**-**World Golf Awards Winner:** Named SA's Best Golf Course 2025-**True Links Characteristics:** Firm fairways, pot bunkers, coastal winds, minimal trees-**Ocean Views:** Multiple holes offer spectacular Indian Ocean vistas-**Natural Dunes:** The course flows naturally through coastal dune landscape-**Strategic Design:** Multiple routes to most greens; rewards course management-**Excellent Value:** Top-5 course at more accessible pricing than competitors-**Authentic Links Experience:** The closest thing to Scottish golf without leaving SA
**Course Statistics:**-**Championship Tees (Black):** 7,500 yards, Par 72, Slope 146, Rating 76.2-**Back Tees (Gold):** 6,900 yards, Par 72, Slope 140, Rating 73.5-**Middle Tees (Blue):** 6,300 yards, Par 72, Slope 134, Rating 70.8-**Forward Tees (White):** 5,700 yards, Par 72, Slope 128, Rating 68.2-**Ladies Tees (Red):** 5,100 yards, Par 72, Slope 122, Rating 69.5
The slope rating of 146 from the championship tees reflects the course's difficulty, especially when the wind blows. However, the multiple tee options ensure golfers of all abilities can enjoy the links experience.
**Signature Features:**-**Coastal Dunes:** Natural dune landscape frames every hole-**Pot Bunkers:** Deep, Scottish-style bunkers punish wayward shots-**Firm Fairways:** Links-style turf that encourages the ground game-**Large Greens:** Undulating greens with subtle breaks-**Wind:** Constant coastal wind adds challenge and variety-**Ocean Views:** Spectacular vistas of the Indian Ocean
**Links Golf Characteristics:**-**Ground Game:** Firm fairways reward bump-and-run shots-**Wind Strategy:** Club selection changes daily based on wind direction and strength-**Minimal Water:** Unlike many modern courses, water is rarely in play-**Natural Hazards:** Dunes, rough, and bunkers are the primary defenses-**Fast Greens:** Links-style greens that run fast and true
## Signature Holes & Coastal Beauty
St Francis Links features numerous outstanding holes, with several offering world-class links golf:
### Hole 7 - Par 3, 220 Yards: "The Ocean Hole"A spectacular par 3 that plays from an elevated tee toward a green perched on the edge of the dunes with the Indian Ocean as a backdrop. The wind often swirls here, making club selection tricky. The green is large but slopes toward the ocean, and deep bunkers protect the front and sides.
**Playing Tip:** When the wind is up, don't be afraid to take two or three extra clubs. The view is spectacular, but don't let it distract you from the shot at hand. Aim for the middle of the green and let the contours bring the ball to the pin.
### Hole 13 - Par 4, 478 Yards: "The Dune Hole"A dramatic par 4 that plays through towering dunes. The tee shot must navigate between dunes on both sides, and the approach is to an elevated green surrounded by deep bunkers. It's a hole that demands precision and rewards strategic play.
**Playing Tip:** The fairway is more generous than it appears from the tee. Find the short grass and you'll have a reasonable approach. The green is elevated and firm – take an extra club and trust the bounce.
### Hole 15 - Par 5, 610 Yards: "The Risk-Reward"A classic risk-reward par 5 that offers multiple strategic options. The tee shot is generous, but the second shot presents a choice: lay up safely or challenge the green with a long carry over bunkers. The green is large and receptive for those who can reach it.
**Playing Tip:** For most golfers, this is a three-shot par 5. Lay up to your favorite wedge distance and you'll have a great birdie opportunity. Only challenge the green in two if you're confident you can carry the bunkers.
### Hole 18 - Par 4, 465 Yards: "The Finish"A spectacular finishing hole that epitomizes St Francis Links. From an elevated tee with ocean views, you drive toward a fairway that doglegs gently right. The approach is to a large green with the clubhouse as a backdrop. It's a hole that demands a strong finish and provides a memorable conclusion to your round.
**Playing Tip:** The tee shot is crucial – find the fairway and you'll have a manageable approach. Miss the fairway and the thick rough makes reaching the green difficult. Don't be greedy with your approach; the middle of the green is always a good target.
### Hole 4 - Par 4, 445 Yards: "The Bunker Hole"A strategic par 4 featuring numerous pot bunkers that must be avoided. The tee shot requires precision to find the fairway between bunkers, and the approach is to a green protected by more deep bunkers.
**Playing Tip:** This hole is all about avoiding the bunkers. They're deep and penal – getting up and down is difficult. Play conservatively and you'll make par; get greedy and you'll make double.
## Playing Conditions & Best Time to Visit
St Francis Links benefits from the Eastern Cape's moderate coastal climate:
**Summer (December - February):**-**Pros:** Warm weather (22-28°C); long daylight hours; firm, fast conditions-**Cons:** Peak holiday season; higher green fees; occasional strong winds-**Course Condition:** Excellent – fairways are firm and greens are fast-**Wind:** Can be strong, especially afternoons; adds significant challenge
**Autumn (March - May):**-**Pros:** Perfect golfing weather (18-25°C); less crowded; beautiful autumn light-**Cons:** Occasional rain-**Course Condition:** Outstanding – many consider this the best time to play-**Wind:** Generally moderate; ideal links conditions
**Winter (June - August):**-**Pros:** Mild temperatures (15-20°C); lowest green fees; quieter course; excellent visibility-**Cons:** Occasional cold fronts with rain; shorter days-**Course Condition:** Still excellent; course plays firm and fast-**Wind:** Variable; can be calm or gusty
**Spring (September - November):**-**Pros:** Warming weather; wildflowers in bloom; excellent playing conditions-**Cons:** Increasing demand as peak season approaches; occasional windy days-**Course Condition:** Superb as the course transitions to summer-**Wind:** Variable; part of the links experience
**Recommended Time:****Autumn (March-May)** and **Spring (September-November)** offer the best combination of weather, course condition, and value. The wind is generally moderate, temperatures are ideal, and the course is in superb condition.
**Wind Considerations:**The wind is a **constant factor** at St Francis Links – it's part of the links experience. Morning rounds often offer calmer conditions, though true links golf embraces the wind. The course plays completely differently depending on wind direction and strength, which is part of its charm.
**Time of Day:**-**Early Morning:** Calmest conditions; best for low scores-**Mid-Morning:** Ideal playing conditions; wind picking up-**Afternoon:** Windiest; most challenging; often discounted rates
## Difficulty & Player Suitability
St Francis Links is a **championship links course** that challenges all skill levels:
**Low Handicappers (0-9):**This is your dream course. St Francis Links rewards strategic thinking, shot-making ability, and adaptability to wind. From the championship tees, expect to shoot close to your handicap – breaking 80 here, especially when the wind blows, is a genuine achievement. The course demands creativity and the ability to shape shots.
**Mid Handicappers (10-18):**Play from the blue or white tees and you'll have an excellent links experience. The course is challenging but fair – generous fairways reward good drives, and the greens are large. The key is **course management** and **wind awareness**. Don't fight the wind; work with it. Expect to shoot 5-10 strokes over your handicap.
**High Handicappers (19+):**From the forward tees, St Francis Links is challenging but playable. The firm fairways can actually help high handicappers – the ball rolls further. Focus on keeping the ball in play and avoiding the deep bunkers. The links experience is worth it, even if you post a higher score than usual.
**Links Golf Skills:**-**Wind Play:** Learn to flight the ball low in the wind-**Bump and Run:** Use the firm fairways to run the ball onto greens-**Bunker Play:** The pot bunkers are deep; focus on getting out rather than getting close-**Green Reading:** Links greens have subtle breaks; trust the overall slope-**Adaptability:** The course plays differently every day based on wind; be flexible
## Facilities & Amenities
St Francis Links offers excellent facilities in a relaxed coastal setting:
**Golf Facilities:**-**Clubhouse:** Modern clubhouse with pro shop, locker rooms, and dining-**Pro Shop:** Well-stocked with equipment and St Francis Links merchandise-**Practice Range:** Driving range with quality range balls-**Short Game Area:** Chipping green and practice bunkers-**Putting Green:** Large practice putting green
**Caddies:**Caddies are available and recommended for first-time visitors. They provide valuable advice on wind, club selection, and green reading. Caddie fee is approximately R300-350 plus tip.
**Dining:**-**Clubhouse Restaurant:** Casual dining with ocean views-**Terrace:** Outdoor seating overlooking the course-**Menu:** Fresh seafood and South African cuisine
## Green Fees & Booking
**2025 Green Fees:**-**Weekday:** R2,200 - R2,800-**Weekend:** R2,800 - R3,400-**Twilight:** 25-30% discount after 2pm
**Booking:**-**Phone:** +27 42 200 0040-**Email:** info@stfrancislinks.com-**Website:** stfrancislinks.com-**Advance Booking:** 1-2 weeks recommended for weekends
**Value:** Excellent value for a top-5 SA course and World Golf Awards winner.
## Getting There
**Location:** St Francis Bay, Eastern Cape
**From Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha (90km, ~1 hour):**Take the N2 west toward Cape Town. Exit at Humansdorp and follow signs to St Francis Bay.
**From Cape Town (750km, ~8 hours):**Take the N2 east along the Garden Route. St Francis Bay is between Plettenberg Bay and Port Elizabeth.
**By Air:**-**Port Elizabeth Airport:** 90km away, daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town-**George Airport:** 200km away, alternative option
## Where to Stay
**St Francis Bay Accommodation:**-**St Francis Links Lodge:** On-site accommodation (from R2,500/night)-**Numerous guesthouses and self-catering:** R800-2,500/night-**Airbnb options:** R600-2,000/night
**Nearby:**-**Jeffreys Bay (20 minutes):** Surf town with more accommodation options-**Cape St Francis:** Charming village with guesthouses
## Local Attractions
-**Jeffreys Bay:** World-famous surf spot-**Cape St Francis:** Beautiful beaches and lighthouse-**Seal Point Lighthouse:** Historic lighthouse-**Canals:** St Francis Bay's famous canal system-**Tsitsikamma National Park:** 90 minutes away, stunning coastal park
## Frequently Asked Questions
**Q: Why did St Francis Links win the World Golf Awards?****A:** The combination of authentic links golf, spectacular coastal setting, excellent conditioning, and strategic design makes it stand out. It offers a genuine links experience that's rare in South Africa.
**Q: How does it compare to The Links at Fancourt?****A:** Both are true links courses, but St Francis Links is more coastal with ocean views and stronger winds. Fancourt is more inland with mountain views. Both are excellent; St Francis offers better value.
**Q: Is it suitable for beginners?****A:** From the forward tees, yes. The firm fairways actually help beginners as the ball rolls further. The links experience is accessible to all skill levels.
**Q: When is the wind calmest?****A:** Early mornings generally offer the calmest conditions, though wind is part of the links experience year-round.
## Conclusion: World-Class Links Golf
St Francis Links is more than just a golf course – it's a **world-class links experience** that rivals the finest seaside courses anywhere. The 2025 World Golf Awards recognition confirms what golfers have known since it opened: this is special.
**Why St Francis Links is Unmissable:**- Play the 2025 World Golf Awards winner for SA's Best Golf Course- Experience authentic links golf without leaving South Africa- Enjoy spectacular coastal scenery and ocean views- Test your skills on a Jack Nicklaus championship design- Excellent value for a top-5 course
**Ready to Play?**Book your tee time today and experience why St Francis Links won South Africa's Best Golf Course for 2025. Call +27 42 200 0040 or visit stfrancislinks.com.
*Play well, embrace the wind, and enjoy the links.*
---
**Related Courses:**- [The Links at Fancourt](/courses/western-cape/links-at-fancourt) - Another world-class links- [Humewood Golf Club](/courses/eastern-cape/humewood-golf-club) - Classic Eastern Cape links- [Pinnacle Point](/courses/western-cape/pinnacle-point-estate) - Dramatic coastal golf