At Ascot Tours, we’ve always known that Africa is one of the most extraordinary destinations – not only for its iconic wildlife and landscapes, but also for its world-class golf courses, luxury lodges, and unforgettable people. For nearly 30 years, we’ve been putting together exceptional golf and safari itineraries for travellers who want more than just a vacation – they want stories to tell for the rest of their lives.
Recently (April 2025), we had the unique opportunity to host The Consummate Pro on an Educational Tour, a game-changing familiarisation trip to South Africa. Led by owner Tom Cotter, they stepped outside their home turf of Scotland and Ireland to explore South Africa’s potential as a top-tier golf destination. From lush winelands to championship links, Big Five safaris to boutique hotels, the trip was designed to showcase the full breadth of experiences that Ascot Tours can seamlessly deliver.
Agent Reactions
The feedback from the agents was immediate and overwhelming. Tom and Cormac could not have spoken more highly of the product, sharing glowing posts throughout the trip on their social media platforms. Their online followers quickly picked up on the excitement, validating what we at Ascot Tours already know – the market is hungry for something new, luxurious, and authentically different.
Golf Highlights
The golf itinerary was carefully selected to impress even the most travelled players. One personal highlight for me was playing the Links Experience at Fancourt. It is their latest offering, and an exhilarating challenge even for experienced golfers.
But the real star of the show was St Francis Links. It had been a while since I’d played there myself, and the experience did not disappoint. We had the honour of playing on a glorious day with none other than Jeff Clause, the CEO of the course and an unforgettable personality. As he walked us through the course, telling some of his legendary stories, it became clear to our guests why this course consistently ranks among South Africa’s best.
Beyond the Greens
While the golf was spectacular, the non-golf elements of the tour are what truly brought the magic of Africa to life. At Lalibela Game Reserve, we met owner Carolien Heinz, who shared her incredible journey into conservation and hospitality. Her story of passion, purpose, and vision for the future of the lodge deeply resonated with the agents.
During our stay at Kichaka Lodge, an afternoon game drive delivered one of those “pinch-me” safari moments – encountering a herd of over 250 buffalo, including young bulls play-fighting just meters from the vehicle.
There was also the impromptu Story Slam at St Francis Brewery. What was meant to be a quiet evening of local craft beer turned into a comedy of cultural translation as Cormac, with his thick Irish accent, tried to decipher the equally thick African-English of a storytelling barman. We were all doubled over with laughter, an unscripted and human moment that none of us will forget.
A Five-Star Verdict
Of all the incredible places we stayed, one property left a particularly deep impression – the Lanzerac Hotel in Stellenbosch. Having travelled the world and stayed in countless five-star hotels, Tom Cotter didn’t mince words. He repeatedly told both us and the Lanzerac team that it was “in the top three hotels” he has ever experienced worldwide.
Lasting Partnership
The Consummate Pro on an Educational Tour reminded us of something essential – no two markets are the same. Hosting top agents allowed us to refine our product further, adapting itineraries to suit the preferences of clients who demand the best. The feedback we received – both direct and through their clients’ responses – has already helped us fine-tune future offerings.
Perhaps most importantly, the trip marked a turning point in our relationship with Consummate Pro. Tom and I have known each other for over ten years, but until now, there was never a compelling reason to work together. That changed the moment Tom saw what Africa had to offer. We’re now planning to work closely on developing bespoke golf and safari itineraries for his clientele, bringing together the best of both our worlds.