St Francis Links Golf Course: If the Eastern Cape needed another big-dimension "trophy course" to lure visitors away from the Western Cape's Garden Route, then it has surely arrived in the shape of the Jack Nicklaus designed St Francis Links. Certainly not for the faint-hearted, this is pure links golf, in the great Scottish tradition. Sensational bunkering is used to define many of the holes. These ever-present hazards are a throw back to days of old, when the sand scrapes of the earliest links courses were lined with thick, shaggy grass, as thick as that found if you stray too far beyond the rolling, tumbling fairways. If you do miss the fairways and modest amount of first-cut rough, then the rugged terrain and dense vegetation will probably require you to "re-load" and hit the next one a bit straighter. Mixed into this fabulous but occasionally daunting layout are some testingly tight short par-4's, snaking par-5's, water protected par-3's and as many accuracy demanding approach shots as you dare to imagine. Added to the unique features of this handsomely rugged and demanding design, there are many views to enjoy across the stunning duneland, out onto the Indian Ocean and inland to faraway mountains. Mid and low handicappers will love it here, especially once some "local knowledge" has been acquired after a round or two. For higher handicappers, and all golfers if the wind is blowing hard, ensure there are a few spare balls in your bag and not a little humility in your soul, as you take on this wonderful new course.

At this Stay & Play venue, the on-site accommodation is located close to the golf facilities.