Compensation Rd, Umhlali,
nr Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal 4390
The Course:
18 holes. Tree-lined & open parkland. Undulating terrain - a few slopes to climb.
Surroundings:
Rural countryside and residential.
Designer:
Peter Matkovich
-29.512469
31.195099
46 km N of Durban
Take the N2 highway north from Durban, direction Stanger. After approx 50 km take exit 210 (Ballito) and follow direction Compensation. After 1 km turn left into Umlahli Golf Club.
Umhlali
Umhlali Golf Estate & Country Club: Recent developments at Umhlali have seen the addition of some Mediterranean style villas arranged in the vicinity of the brand new clubhouse. The consequential displacement and loss of the zebra population that used to roam the fairways here is a shame, but Umhlali still retains much of its natural charm.
The gently undulating terrain is home to many fine golf holes, several of them dog-legging through the pleasant mix of tall gum trees, palms, and many other species that line the fairways, though never too densely. Bunkering is mainly concentrated around the greens rather than along the good-width fairways.
Without too much penal rough, there is a relatively easy-going feel to much of the layout, although care will be needed at the very good collection of par-3's, the last of which closes-out the round at the 18th. Maintenance standards have varied here over the years, but are now generally at a level commensurate with the club's growing stature.
With a slightly stronger and more scenic back-nine, Umhlali is one of the earliest courses designed by Peter Matkovich, a portent of the many splendid things that have come from one of South Africa's very best golf course architects.
Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends.
Must book in advance. Handicap required
Walking permitted. Golf carts available for hire. Caddies available.
Limited
Umhlali, pronounced "Um-shla-li", was at the heart of large sugar cane plantations developed by British settlers during the mid 19th century.
Umhlali is named after the Umhlali River, which in turn gets its name from the monkey-orange trees growing on its banks (the fruit of monkey-orange trees is particularly enjoyed by baboons).
South Africa's 67th best course (SA's Top 100 Courses, 2023).
PO Box 404, Umhlali 4390, KwaZulu-Natal
+27 (0)322 538 1007
Visit websiteZimabli Lodge is one of South Africa's most exclusive boutique hotels. The Lodge is set within the serene confines of a coastal forest reserve, overlooking the beautiful Indian Ocean. Amongst the wide array of facilities and services, Zimbali offers an excellent 18-hole championship golf course, health and beauty spa, beach, horse riding, nature trails, tennis, mountain biking, conference facilities and fine dining in the Thandi restaurant.
Zimbali
Umhlali; Simbithi
Prince's Grant; Mount Edgecombe I & II
33 Compensation Beach Road, Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal
+27 (0)32 946 0300
Visit websiteThe Boat House is located on the beach front in Ballito, 50 km north of Durban at the heart of the Dolphin Coast. Many of the 22 suites have large private balconies to soak up the African sun. The Boat House also boasts a fine dining restaurant, cigar bar, library and offers cocktails at the pool overlooking the Indian Ocean.
No
Zimbali; Umhlali; Simbithi
Prince's Grant; Mount Edgecombe I & II
The Sentry: known for many years as the Tournament of Champions, the PGA Tour’s 2025 season-opener gets underway on Kapalua’s Plantation course (Jan 2-5). Chris Kirk defends.
Tournament of Champions: the LPGA Tour’s 2025 season is launched at Lake Nona with the their Tournament of Champions (Jan 30-Feb 2). The 2024 edition gave Lydia Ko her 20th LPGA Tour title.
Attahya Thitikul: also known as “Jeeno”, the Thai golfer won the LPGA Tour’s 2024 CME Group Tour Championship … and an eye-watering $4 million, the richest first-prize in women’s golf.
Rory McIlroy: scooped the 2024 European (DP World) Tour season-long Order of Merit title, joining Seve Ballesteros as a six-time winner of this prestigious award.
Marco Simone Golf & Country Club: With a clubhouse that might befit a Roman Emperor, and a golf course to match, you can be sure of a memorable outing at Rome's most talked about golf facility.
Jim Fazio's original layout was much changed to create a modern Ryder Cup course ... now one of the Eternal City's (and Italy's) most revered.
Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.
Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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