‘Golf Digest’ has just released its biennial “Top 100 South Africa Courses” list, and Gary Player Design achieved an unprecedented result as five of the top six courses belong to the firm’s portfolio. The Links at Fancourt in George maintained the No. 1 spot and was followed by Leopard Creek in Malelane and Gary Player Country Club in the 2nd and 3rd positions. Blair Atholl (No. 4) and Montague at Fancourt (No.6) rounded out the list’s Top 10.
“Having The Links at Fancourt recognized as the best in South Africa is a great honor, and having five courses be ranked in Golf Digest’s Top 10 is absolutely fantastic,” said Gary Player.
“I have been given many opportunities to create designs that reflect the true nature of my beloved country and I am very proud of the courses we have designed here. South Africa offers such diverse natural landscapes; it makes the golf course come alive and has enabled us to create some truly incredible designs. We have 325 truly unique courses and each present their own design challenges, but there is always something special about working at home,” said Player.
A coveted list, the publication’s rankings are based on course evaluations by 120 volunteer panel members throughout South Africa and are qualified based on seven criteria: shot values, playability, resistance to scoring, aesthetics, design variety, memorability and conditioning.
“Gary Player Design is widely considered the finest design firm globally, which as founder makes me very proud indeed, and these rankings from Golf Digest are most rewarding,” said Marc Player, Black Knight International CEO.
Golf Digest South Africa also recognized several other ranking categories, including: “Top 25 Most Difficult Courses,” “Top 25 Most Scenic Courses,” “Top 10 Best 18th Holes,” “Top 10 Best Opening Shots,” “Top 10 Bunkers,” “Best Conditioned Courses” and more. Considering the vast number of high caliber courses in South Africa, Gary Player Design is also proud to have several of its courses included within all of these competitive categories.
“The recognition we are receiving for our work is really gratifying,” said Scott Ferrell, President of Gary Player Design. “We pride ourselves in designing courses that embrace the natural characteristics of the area and to be considered in such high regard by an independent ranking group exemplifies the continued progress of our designs in South Africa and around the world.”
Gary Player Group www.garyplayer.com