Zimbali is again open to visitors, after a period of being closed to outside play, reserved for members and guests. With Zimbali Lakes opening next door, there should be greater demand to play this outstanding layout, one of the best experiences in KZN in terms of golf and clubhouse. Plans are afoot to improve the practice facilities this year. Zimbali has matured into one of SA’s most beautiful estates, stunning aesthetics reflecting the natural environment of its coastal forest setting. Wild grasses in out-of-play areas and wetlands are a feature on numerous holes. Zimbali ranks alongside Durban CC as KZN’s premier championship layout, and it would be interesting to see a DP World tournament played here at 6467 metres. A variety of tees make it playable for a broad category of club golfers in windy weather. Four tees to choose from, with 400 to 600 metres variance between them, a perfect band. The course ramps up its challenge slowly on the front nine, then begins baring its teeth on the tighter back nine, culminating in the longest par 4 (415 white) at 18, which plays the same distance as the par-5 17th. Tees and fairways are like carpets, greens rolling true and at good pace.
