Golf

The Links, Outeniqua, and Montagu golf courses (all at Fancourt near George) regularly make the list of South Africa's top 20 courses. There are some other notable courses in the area, including the public George Golf Club.

Fancourt Hotel and Country Club Estate. Fancourt's three golf courses are all regularly featured among South Africa's top 20 golf courses. To play at the Gary Player–designed championship courses, Montagu and Outeniqua, you have to stay at the Fancourt Hotel and Country Club Estate. The Links, a private club exclusively for members and Fancourt hotel guests, is particularly challenging and was the venue of the 2003 Presidents Cup. It is currently ranked number 1 in South Africa and 34th in the world by Golf Digest USA. There is a golf academy on-site. Montagu St., George, Western Cape, 6530. 044/804–0000; www.fancourt.com. R795 for Outeniqua and Montagu; R1,500 for The Links.

George Golf Club. This 108-year-old, picturesque public course is a longtime favorite. It kicks off with a tricky first hole, with water to the left and trees to the right and a well-placed bunker that makes the approach to the green difficult. The course highlight is the 17th hole, which has been described as one of the best par-3s in the world (and certainly the best in South Africa), leaving no room for error. Golf-cart rental is R220, and caddies are R145. You can rent clubs (R150–R300 for 18 holes) and pull carts (R30) from the George Golf Shop at the course. George Golf Club, Langehoven Rd., George, Western Cape, 6530. 044/873–6116; 044/874–7597; www.georgegolfclub.co.za. R380.