With the game of golf originating in the British Isles and Kzn being referred to as the last outpost, it is only reasonable to expect that golf is very popular in Kzn, some of the finest courses in the country are found here  However, that is where the resemblance to that small windy and wet island ends. 

In Kzn our weather is usually the opposite, admittedly we do get rain but it is almost never cold and miserable.

We are often asked by our customers, which are the best golf courses to play on the Dolphin Coast? The answer is easy as there isn’t a single place on the country with more excellent courses this close together.

Use Zimbali as your Golfing base!

With Zimbali sporting one of the best courses in the country , 5 restaurants, pristine nature and an absolute ton of stuff to do for golfers and non-golfers it just makes perfect sense to use Zimbali as a base for your golfing holiday.  Herewith a list with some of the excellent golf courses within easy reach when staying over at Zimbali Rental Suites.

Zimbali Country Club

With stunning ocean and coastal forest vistas, water and wetland features and an abundance of bird and animal life this Tom Weiskopf designed course must take precedence over the other courses on this list.

Zimbali is amongst the top 10 courses in South Africa to receive the Complete Golfer’s Five-star Golf Experience Award; based on service excellence, top-class clubhouse facilities, golf course conditioning and last but not least the overall lingering experience.

Designed with conservation in mind, this cart-only golf course – with its dramatic elevation changes, varying eco-systems and substantial residential areas – can best be described as an enthralling journey through 18 holes.

The course features a mix of open links-like holes on the front nine and tree-lined holes with tranquil water features and beautiful wetland areas on the back nine. Ideal for all levels of golfer, Zimbali offers a variety of tees from which to choose. The estate has hosted the Gary Player Invitational, the Volvo World Amateur Finals, and has staged the MTN SuperSport Shootout for three consecutive years.

The modern yet colonial-style clubhouse is the perfect place to unwind after a challenging day on the course. Designed around an ageing fig tree and framed by the remains of a ruined farmhouse, the country club is fully integrated with the surrounding natural forest. Golf carts, a well-stocked pro shop, a halfway house, putting greens, a driving range, bar and lounge facilities, and impeccable service

Umhlali Country Club

Umhlali Golf Course is an ideal holiday course located a mere 12km minutes from Zimbali. This little jewel of a course was voted the most improved golf course in KwaZulu-Natal by Compleat Golfer magazine in 2008.  This 18 Hole Peter Matkovich designed course blends into the the surroundings with indigenous vegetation

The course is one of the oldest and most picturesque on the North Coast and although not a long course, it provides many testing challenges. The water hazards on seven of the holes combined with the exotic palm trees will provide a fair test of your golfing skills. 

The back tees are designed to test the skills of the more accomplished golfers and the front markers will make it easier for the long handicappers. The sweeping fairways, lush indigenous vegetation and the varied holes will make for a very pleasurable golfing experience on the Dolphin Coast.

Prince’s Grant

Prince’s Grant is a short drive on the N2 north from Zimbali.  Since opening in 1994, the Prince’s Grant golf course has earned a reputation for excellence.

It is a regular recipient of the Compleat Golfer 5-Star Golf Experience Award and has been named the Best Golf Development In South Africa by the World Property Awards. 

The golf course has a links/parkland layout, designed and constructed by Peter Matkovich, and is laid out over four ridge lines overlooking the Indian Ocean. Sweeping, majestic views over the ocean, with spectacular coastal forest makes this one of the most scenic and visually stunning golf courses in South Africa.

But it is the quality of the golf course design and the lovingly groomed condition of greens and fairways that make Prince’s Grant a bucket list golf course for golfers of all ability levels.

Simbithi Country Club

Almost next door to Zimbali Simbithi Eco estate is a no brainer course to play while staying at Zimbali.

Simbithi Country Club is a Peter Matkovich designed golf course and is the first South African course specifically designed along the lines of the popular Executive courses in the US – fewer par-5s, more par 3s – with busy, time-challenged working people in mind.

At Simbithi, you can play a full – and testing – 18 holes using every club in your bag.

The condition of the course is excellent with well paced true greens that hold a well struck approach shot, pristine fairways and a layout that will test your course management at every hole. Simbithi Country Club is the first executive golf course to be built in South Africa. With a par of 60, made up of thirteen par 3’s, four par 4’s and one par 5, you might be forgiven for anticipating this golf course as a lesser challenge, but that will be at your peril!

Every Golfer’s Dream Destination!

If you are a keen golfer and wondering where to go on your next golfing holiday then come to the Dolphin Coast!  And if you are in need of accommodation base yourself at Zimbali.  

Complete Golfer Course of the Month – Published on January 25, 2016 (View original article here)

The par-72 championship golf course at Zimbali was designed by internationally-renowned golf course designer and former South African PGA and British Open champion Tom Weiskopf, and makes masterful use of the natural terrain. It has matured into a challenging course that has firmly established itself as a golfer’s dream destination.

Designed with conservation in mind, this cart-only golf course – with its dramatic elevation changes, varying eco-systems and substantial residential areas – can best be described as an enthralling journey through 18 holes.

Boasting spectacular sea views, the course features a mix of open links-like holes on the front nine and tree-lined holes with tranquil water features and beautiful wetland areas on the back nine. Ideal for all levels of golfer, Zimbali offers a variety of tees from which to choose.

The estate has hosted the Gary Player Invitational, the Volvo World Amateur Finals, and has staged the MTN SuperSport Shootout for three consecutive years.  The modern yet colonial-style clubhouse is the perfect place to unwind after a challenging day on the course. Designed around an ageing fig tree and framed by the remains of a ruined farmhouse, the country club is fully integrated with the surrounding natural forest. Golf carts, a well-stocked pro shop, a halfway house, putting greens, a driving range, bar and lounge facilities, and impeccable service, along with excellent catering from the on-site Crowned Eagle and Fig Tree restaurants, add to the world-class experience.

Residents and guests can enjoy five-star recreational facilities, including the Valley of the Pools, with panoramic views of the warm Indian Ocean, tranquil lakes and flowing waterfalls. Other facilities include the secluded Zimbali beach, the Bushbuck Pools with waterslides, the Bushbuck Club with a range of children’s amenities, as well as tennis courts, squash courts and kick-about fields.

Situated only 20km north of Durban’s King Shaka International Airport, Zimbali Coastal Resort is perfectly positioned to offer residents and guests the very best of the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast. These include some of South Africa’s finest big-five game park experiences, the Drakensberg, the Moses Mabhida Stadium and the International Convention Centre in Durban, world heritage sites, numerous fine golf courses and the largest shopping complex in the southern hemisphere.