North Coast Golf Courses Above Par: Taylormade for Avid Golfers

South Africa has a history of producing brilliant golfers, and KwaZulu-Natal has produced some beautiful courses. Whether you’re a local with experience golfing on the KZN North Coast, or a tourist looking to make the most of your holiday with a scenic round of golf, one of these options will undoubtedly cater to your needs. We’re previewing a selection of some of the finest courses north of the Durban area, from Ballito to Zinkwazi.

Courses:

Simbithi Country Club
– This golf course has beautiful scenery, and great views through valleys and forests, with pristine dams boasting a wild abundance of birdlife.
– Designer Peter Matkovich.
– R420 per person, from standard rate of R840 for two non-members, includes 18 holes and cart rental.
– Par 60.
– 18-hole American-inspired executive golf course.
– This course presents a challenging short game. The sport manager at Simbithi, Elbert du Plessis, says that “Simbithi’s uniqueness lies in the exhilaration of the Course: we have often heard players say the Course ensures you use every club in the bag, because every hole presents a different experience. The pockets of nature you encounter while playing Simbithi are an added benefit.”
– Site:
http://www.simbithi.co.za/golf
https://www.simbithi.co.za/golf/golfgallery

Zimbali Country Club
– Here we are exposed to brilliant contrasting views, as golfers are led over rolling hills with astounding views, before the course continues through lush coastal forest.
– Designed by Tom Weiskopf.
– R850 per person peak season, R735 off-peak, includes 18-holes and cart rental.
– Par 72.
– Coastal forest 18-hole Championship Golf Course.
– More traditional course length, some fairly tricky tee box positions. According to Willem Lindeque, the resident golf manager, “Zimbali country club is truly a unique experience where you have the wonderful surrounds of a modern housing estate accompanied by scenic views that are second to none. The championship golf course that was designed by Tom Weiskopf offers a challenge to even the best of players. With beautiful but visually intimidating tee shots many a golfer has been overwhelmed. Zimbali is truly a course that you have to see and play at least once in your life so I invite you to come and play here at our wonder in nature on the North Coast”.
– Site:
http://www.zimbalicc.co.za/

Maidstone Golf Club
– Traditional and modern elements combined, as well as a close proximity to Ballito, make this course relaxed and convenient.
– Originally created as a Tongaat-Hulett staff course, it has evolved into Maidstone Golf Club.
– 9-hole, par 35.
– For prices and enquiries, call 032 945 0419.
– Fun and challenging for golfers of every level.

Umhlali Country Club
– With great packages offered for all categories of golfer, this traditional course is conveniently situated and expertly maintained.
– Designer Peter Matkovich.
– R334 per person weekdays, R436 weekend and R436 weekday peak season (18 holes).
– Par 71.
– Great conditions for a game all year round.
– Site:
http://umhlaliclub.co.za/golf/

Prince’s Grant Golf Estate
– Designed by Peter Matkovich.
– Prices average at R400 per person for non-members.
– Par 72.
– A luxurious course situated as close to the Indian Ocean as you could hope for, with well-manicured fairways and stunning views.
– Named Best Golf Development In Africain 2011 by the World Property Awards.
– Site:
https://www.princesgrant.co.za/

New Courses Coming to the Par-Tee:

Zimbali Lakes Resort
With a proven track record of providing a magnificent 18-hole Championship golf course, Zimbali is set to wow the public with the launch of a second full course as part of their new development, Zimbali Lakes. Zimbali Lakes Estate development is well underway.
– Site:
http://lakes.zimbali.co.za/

Blythedale Coastal Estate
With a future golf course rolling through and above a pristine North Coast valley, and stunning views of the Indian Ocean and coastal forest, Blythedale Golf is sure to excite golfers everywhere. Across the river and south of Prince’s Grant, the course is set to be part of Blythedale Coastal Estate; the biggest resort and eco-estate of its kind.
– 18-hole Championship Golf Course.
– There has been a first-of-its-kind, exciting collaboration in the design, between professional golfer Ernie Els and serial SA course designer Peter Matkovich.
– Site:
http://www.blythedale.co.za/
https://www.salesmap.co.za/elan/#/
http://www.blythedale.co.za/gallery/

With a multitude of courses on the North Coast already available for the discerning golfer, and more exciting projects on the way, players can expect to be entertained by our selection of courses for years to come. So, if you haven’t already, book a round or come for a drink and enjoy all the pleasures that this glorious corner of KZN has to offer.