Dream Golf Job: St Francis Links - Hole 9 - Eastern Cape

LINKS by DEFINITION: The Links land was the marginal land lying between the beaches and the arable fields, and only good for grazing of sheep and rabbits and the bleaching of cloth. Open to the elements, wind and rain, the game was played on the links grasses between the dunes and the bush.

St Francis Links land may not have been grazing land for the sheep and rabbits, but a natural course between the beach and arable land it is. Jack Nicklaus has had the pleasure of taking Mother Nature's best piece of links land and signed his name to something unique. St Francis Links will challenge all who play it and reward those who respect it.

Hole 9: Pure

Par 4 (416, 398, 380, 315 Metres, Stroke 1)

The defining word for St Franics Links is Pure and this pure par 4 calls for distance and decision making. Take par and run.

How to Play This Hole

After playing (and surviving) the tee shot on the eighth, you now see the biggest landing area so far and a sign of whats to come. You need the driver here as this is also the longest par 4 on the front nine. The well-bunkered green runs away from you, from left to right. If a long club is required for your approach to the green, rather lay up (and well back, to allow for a shot that you can apply some spin). Go in for three. Mr. Nicklaus has created a wide second landing area for the shorter hitter.

If you want to have a go at the green, take enough club to carry the bunkers that guard the front. This will be the difference between enjoying a cool drink at halfway and requiring something "stronger" to help you forget the past!

More pictures CLICK HERE