Zimbali Country Club
The #1 golf course in KwaZulu-Natal.
– South Africa Top 100 Golf Courses
Tucked deep in the natural coastal forest, Zimbali Country Club is built around the remains of a ruined farmhouse, enveloped by the roots of a beautiful ageing wild fig tree. The luxury contemporary clubhouse is the gathering place for golfers and families of Zimbali Estate to unwind and reconnect at the many social events held here. Sitting on the outdoor deck, members can soak up golf course vistas through the dappled evening forest light, after a great (or gruelling!) game of golf. It is the perfect spot for all Zimbali Country Club members and their families to spend time cooling down or catching up.
The interiors have been designed with wellbeing and touches of luxury in mind. Modern techniques blend seamlessly with classic finish, evident in the carefully-selected décor and fittings in the cloakrooms, through to the colour palette, furnishings and layout of the restaurant areas – both of which offer wonderful service and a variety of appealing menu options. The well-appointed Pro Shop conveniently situated at the clubhouse caters to every golfer’s needs. Zimbali Country Club is an entertaining and vibrant leisure and dining destination that echoes almost 25 years of tradition, while sparking joy through celebrations and human connections.
Proud hosts of the Absa SuperSport Shootout
Course Overview
Being an eco-conscious golf course and estate, Zimbali’s tee boxes are often situated in slightly tricky positions to avoid environmental disturbances. The first eleven holes take you over rolling hills, which present ideal vantage points from which to enjoy the magnificent views. Thereafter, holes twelve to eighteen explore the Zimbali indigenous forest.
The designer of our course is former South African PGA and British open champion Tom Weiskopf.
The course was founded on 7 November 1998 and is a hybrid category being both a Links and Coastal Forest 18 Hole Course
Championship Course Rating:
Championship: 73
Club: 71
Forward: 71
Ladies: 70
Course Length (m):
Championship: 6524
Club: 6052
Forward: 5569
Ladies: 4858
Meet The Team
Contact Us
Restaurant Bookings and Enquires – extension 1
Weddings and Private Events – extension 2
Golf Bookings and Golf Director – extension 3
Membership and Club Account – extension 4
Procurement – extension 5
Club Secretary – extension 6
Click here to view our Rates
Click here to view our Local Rules, Scorecard & Course Policy
Zimbali Country Club Special Events
The Zimbali Country Club is the perfect tranquil setting for a special event of any kind. Bathed in natural light with magnificent views of the golf course and wooded forest, the venue options at Zimbali Country Club suit large, traditional weddings, small and intimate family celebrations, as well as business functions and social gatherings.
Whether you’re looking for an elegant wedding ceremony set in the forest, an intimate business boardroom function, or a grand social event, both indoor and outdoor event locations are available to members, and so are a variety of food and banqueting options. And the attentive clubhouse staff are always there to ensure that guests are cared for with a personal touch, to ensure that your corporate or personal special day is a wonderful success.
To find out more or make a booking, click here.
Gallery
Hole-by-Hole
Hole 1
This starting hole is a gentle introduction to the course despite its elevated position. The scenic view and abundant wind make for a delightful yet tricky experience. Golfers should take care to stay right off the tee, as the approach to the green favours the right-hand side.
Hole 2
Considering the pin position, it’s advisable to aim for the center-right of the fairway with the tee shot. The opening to the green is spacious, allowing for a favourable run-up shot. Even when the pin is challenging, targeting the centre of the green tends to be the optimal approach.
Hole 3
Reaching this hole in two shots is possible. Yet, when playing against the wind, caution is needed to avoid the wetlands to the right of the lay-up area. Utilise the bunker as a visual aid to avoid of trouble. Taking an aggressive approach is advised, as there are no hazards behind the green.
Hole 4
Despite a successful tee shot over the wetlands, a challenging approach to the green awaits. For a safer, albeit longer route, players have the option to play left off the tee, bypassing the long carry. This strategic choice reduces risk while providing a more secure pathway towards the green.
Hole 5
Although the first par three on this nine-hole course may seem long, its true distance is shorter due to the steep downhill. However, be cautious of the left side of the green, as most hazards are located there, with water surrounding its back.
Hole 6
To maximise your chances on this hole, it is crucial to aim left with the tee shot and then favour the left side of the green with the next shot. The green itself boasts subtle slopes, and the presence of bunkers surrounding it adds to the challenge.
Hole 7
One of the toughest par fours, particularly if played into the wind. The tee shot is played into the wind. The tee shot should favour the left hand side of the fairway. The approach shot must also be played to the left, regardless of pin position, as the green slopes severely from left to right.
Hole 8
Depending on the wind this may not be a driving hole. The bunker on the right side of the fairway is a directional aid. The approach to the large relatively flat green is straight forward although the pin position can influence club selection by as much as three irons.
Hole 9
This classic, lengthy par three situated on exposed, elevated terrain is often played with a crosswind. Higher handicappers will enjoy the forgiving fairway leading up to the green, allowing for a more comfortable approach. To optimise your approach, it is advisable to aim for the centre of the green.
Hole 10
This hole presents bunkers on the left side and water hazards on the right. Opting for a long iron off the tee sets up a shorter iron shot for the approach. Playing for the middle of the green might be the safest strategy, minimising the chances of getting caught in the hazards.
Hole 11
To ensure a safe approach on this hole, avoid the water hazards on the left and short side of the green. The safest line is towards the right side of the green. However, the elevated nature of the hole adds complexity to club selection, requiring careful consideration.
Hole 12
Here the character of the course completely changes. With the fairway sloping from the right and a thick stand of gums on the left, the right side of the fairway is essential. This opens up the second shot, with the third uphill to a well guarded green.
Hole 13
A spectacular view from the tee. Although the forest seems to be waiting for any errant shot there is plenty of margin for error. Players should favour the left side of the fairway and beware a green that is particularly difficult to hold.
Hole 14
Over club and a tough shot from the bunkers awaits. Despite the stream at the front, there is plenty of room for a shot coming up short. Although the tee is protected from the wind, the green is not, so check the flag before playing.
Hole 15
The drive into the stroke one should favour the left of centre, yet playing downwind increases the risk of overshooting the fairway. A long second shot into a green sloping left to right, offers little room for error.
Hole 16
Featuring delicate bunkering and a dogleg left, this hole’s elevated green is most effectively approached from the right side. A well-executed tee shot sets up a favourable position for a short iron approach into the green.
Hole 17
The shortest par 5 on the course. Drive to the left of the bunker, due to a second one beyond it, hidden from the tee. Favour the right for the second shot whether going for the green or laying up.
Hole 18
Thick bush and a string of bunkers down the left side. Drive as far left as your length allows, although the right side is safer, if longer. The approach should also favour the right side of the green.