This Tom Weiskopf layout is a severe test in windy conditions. It has significant slopes and plays on the sides of rolling terrain with good aesthetics and design variety. The downhill second is a risk-reward 4 where the longer hitter will be tempted to drive the green. Danger lurks with water left and bunkers right. The 5s are not long by modern standards, yet three of them (6-12-17) play into the prevailing wind and the club golfer will be hitting three long shots to get on in regulation, particularly No 6 around the edge of a large water hazard. Three of the 3s involve elevation changes. No 5 plays steeply down towards the Indian Ocean and an eye-opener for Gauteng golfers to see tee shots deviate by 40 metres against the gusts. The greens complex on 5 is superb and allows for a variety of pins. Conditioning has improved remarkably the past few years, and tee box and replanting projects are underway. Greens are among the best you will play in SA, not just KZN, and the roll is world class. Zimbali is an ambitious club, and the membership is looking for the course to improve and move forward. The 19th is beautifully situated in the forest with excellent service.
