Zimbali Coastal Resort, off the M4,
nr Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal 4390
Office
+27 (0)32 538 1041Pro shop
+27 (0)32 538 1260Fax
+27 (0)32 538 1040Website
Visit websiteGolf pro
Matthew Bird (Director of Golf).The Course:
18 holes. Links-style & coastal parkland. Undulating terrain - several slopes to climb (and some long green-to-tee walks).
Surroundings:
Woodland, residential and rural countryside.
Designer:
The first Tom Weiskopf designed course in Africa
-29.546005
31.198387
42 km N of Durban
Take the N2 highway north from Durban, direction Stanger. After approx 50 km take exit 210 (Ballito) and follow direction Ballito. At second roundabout turn right onto the M4 direction Durban. After 1.4 km turn left into Zimbali Country Club.
Zimbali
Zimbali Country Club: You will enjoy many breathtaking views down onto the Indian Ocean from this big, expansive golf course that roams across the spectacular Zimbali Coastal Resort. Created from natural forest and former sugar cane plantations, Tom Weiskopf has laid out an exceptional and always challenging course.
The front-nine is both open and undulating with many excellent golf holes. The Resort's red-roofed real estate flanks some of the holes, but is not overly dense and will not intrude on your shot-making or enjoyment of this immaculately presented course.
Water hazards and wetland areas come into play only occasionally, but watch out when they do. The par-4 2nd and 6th holes, for example, are both tightly wrapped around small lakes, which stretch from tee to green. The downhill par-4 10th is accompanied by a small creek that runs alongside the fairway before crossing in front of the green, while the very good downhill par-3 11th is also dangerously protected by water.
A change of scene awaits at the long, sweeping par-5 12th, as you enter the more wooded part of the course, which also includes the stunning downhill par-4 13th and plunging downhill par-3 14th. On the closing stretch of three holes, open terrain makes a return, and builds to another panoramic view of the Indian Ocean at the 18th green.
If the wind blows, which it frequently does here, you might be well advised to drop the idea of playing to your handicap, and settle instead for soaking up the wonderful views and the overall quality of this fine course.
Stay&Play at Zimbali: luxury onsite accommodation available, see Where2Stay section below.
Resort guests staying at Zimbali can book to play on weekdays and weekends; not open to outside visitors.
Must book in advance. Handicap required
Contact club for full details, packages, etc. [Last updated: 2023].
Non-metal spike facility. Golf carts compulsory. Caddies usually available.
Limited
Zimbali originally was open to outside greenfee payers, but became a private facility in 2020. In addition to member's guests, it is also possible for resort guests staying in the short-term rental properties, Zimbali Lodge or Capital Hotel (formerly the Fairmont), to play the course.
At one time, substantial expansion plans were developed for Zimbali. These included a second golf course, together with a Gary Player Golf Academy. The new course (for which a Gary Player design exists) was to be called Zimbali Lakes, forming part of the Silver Lakes development of the Zimbali Coastal Resort.
South Africa's 19th best course (SA's Top 100 Courses, 2023).
Zimbali Coastal Resort, 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
Zimbali Coastal Resort, Umhlali, KwaZulu Natal.
+27 (0)32 538 5000
Visit websiteThe Capital Zimbali Resort offers 154 well-appointed rooms with wonderful views of the Indian Ocean, oversized verandas, and elegant decor of stone, wood and earth tones inspired by the area’s natural surroundings. The region itself contains thousand-year-old battlefields and renowned eco-parks, providing the opportunity for game-viewing and safari opportunities. Located alongside the hotel is the Zimbali Country Club championship golf course.
Zimbali
Umhlali; Simbithi
Prince's Grant; Mount Edgecombe I & II
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Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available
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