The words ‘Fancourt Links’ are to South African golf what Anthony Hopkins is to the world of movies; timelessly brilliant.
We all categorise various occurrences in our life by how they make us feel, what impact they have on us. For any golfer, a day on the Links is one of those occurrences that doesn't just happen, it shapes our perception and defines for us what it means to be exceptional.
The Fancourt Links experience
The experts in the field will tell you that a truly memorable golfing experience starts well before the first swing of the club. We quickly forget that experiences are shaped as much by those who make it happen as where it happens. The first impression when getting out of your vehicle is immediately enhanced by Fancourt's exceptional team who come to you to say hello instead of you going to them.
This attitude to service is what immediately sets the Links experience apart from the majority of other golfing excursions in South Africa. It is almost as if they are welcoming you into their home. From here the element of personalisation is initiated to show Links guests that we are dealing with individuals. The word ‘sir’ or ‘madam’ does not seem adequate in this place, instead the most obvious characteristic that defines you from another, your name.
"Good morning Mr Rob. I am glad to welcome you to the Links at Fancourt" says the meet and greet staff at the front steps to the clubhouse. The process of getting your bags from the vehicle to where they need to be has not yet been considered when one notices two well groomed staff entering the clubhouse with your effects. This presence of mind emanates not just from the meet and greet staff but the team as a whole.
World Class staff
If there is one aspect that will irritate any golfer, regardless of his ability, it is presentation of staff. The unfortunate reality is that many clubs in South Africa do not place a sufficient degree of emphasis on the simple but very important aspect of staff attire and grooming. Untidy staff sends the public one very clear message, no discipline from management.
Every staff member on show at the Links presents themselves with a level of self-worth that sends a message of "we care" to the guest. Whether we were in the pro shop or on the 3rd green being assisted by Tyler the trusty caddie, there was something about the staff that assertively stated, "mediocrity not served here". This level of consistency is achieved through a clear message from management and adopted by the service team with no exceptions.
Fancourt Links special touches
One of my favourite attributes of the Links is undoubtedly the attention to detail. I would bet my Scotty Cameron that the edges of the tee boxes are cut using a setsquare. Standing on that first tee truly makes one feel like you've arrived somewhere worth being and more importantly, worth remembering. The fact that guest's halfway orders are taken on the first tee allows one to play the 9 without any distraction and ensure a smooth transition at the stop.
The white caddie overalls immediately remind one of the grandeur synonymous with Augusta and the Masters. The manner in which the drinks cart attendant greets you on the course and the cold towel offered at halfway are just some of the little add-ons that collectively shift this experience to another level. The saying holds true that guests really do remember the little things and tend to base their impression of the experience by how much their expectations were exceeded rather than just met.
After your round
There are few things more satisfying than something ice cold after 5 hours in the hot sun. The Links waiters realise and understand the importance of satisfying their guests’ needs in this regard as quickly as possible.
They also seem able to provide guests with an understanding of what is available on the menu without having one in front of them. The snacks placed on the table as a matter of course have the variety one would expect from South Africa's premier golfing experience. Without being required to look around or do a rendition of the flight-deck staff on Top Gun, there is a waiter present to refill your glass or take another order. These small actions are what make or break a golfing experience.
The final touch, which really tops it all off is the farewell provided on departure from the clubhouse. At which other course in South Africa does the staff put the same amount of emphasis on the farewell as they do the welcome?
It must obviously be understood that the Links is in a fortunate position when it comes to service as they do serve, on average, far fewer golfers than some of the more club oriented courses in the country. However, what this team does for their guests cannot be downplayed. Without being flashy or in your face, the Links service team ensures that every guest leaves Fancourt taking something incredibly special home with him or her. A feeling that for one day at least, "There was no more important person on a golf course than me."
