South Africa layout is part of a huge development located next to the Indian Ocean
By Alex Smith |
The Ernie Els Design golf course at Zimbali Lakes on the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, north of Durban, South Africa, has completed its first full season.
The golf course is the centrepiece of a huge development, led by IFA Hotels & Resorts and estimated to cost US$500 million, which includes residential property, a resort, a 20-hectare lake, retail facilities and leisure amenities.
“The original site consisted largely of rolling coastal terrain with natural vegetation and areas that had previously been used for agriculture,” said Thinus Rosslee, director of golf at Zimbali Lakes. “Rather than heavily reshaping the land, the philosophy was to work with the natural contours to create a course that feels authentic to the landscape of the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast. The transformation focused on enhancing the natural undulation, incorporating existing water features, and introducing strategic bunkering and shaping to create visual appeal and playability. The result is a golf course that feels open and inviting yet still provides strategic challenges for golfers of all levels. The natural movement of the land helps create interesting shot values and variety from hole to hole, making the experience both enjoyable and memorable.
The new Zimbali Lakes golf course has already held some competitions, including the BCX Golf Cup (Photo: Zimbali Lakes)
Golf Data, a South African-based golf course and landscape company, consulted with Ernie Els and his design partner Greg Letsche on the routing. “Routing a golf course within a large mixed-use development requires careful planning to ensure the golf experience remains central while still integrating with the broader resort vision,” said Rosslee. “With Golf Data and Ernie Els Design, the focus was on creating a balanced routing that flows naturally through the property. The wider Zimbali Lakes development certainly influenced the routing, particularly in how certain holes frame views toward the lakes, clubhouse and surrounding landscape.”
The club’s director of golf highlights the eighteenth for its visual impact and strategic design. “It encourages golfers to make a decision off the tee... whether to play conservatively for position or take on a more aggressive line to set up a shorter approach,” said Rosslee. “The green complex has been designed with subtle contouring to reward precise approach shots.
“Across the course, the aim was to provide options so that golfers can choose their strategy rather than being forced into one particular style of play.”
The Zimbali Lakes course officially opened for play in 2025 (Photo: Zimbali Lakes)
In addition to consulting Ernie Els Design on the routing, Golf Data also provided shapers, agronomists, contractors and real estate developers.
Bentgrass was selected for greens at Zimbali. “From an agronomic perspective, warm-season turf varieties suited to the coastal climate were selected to ensure strong year-round playing conditions,” said Rosslee. “These grasses provide excellent durability and recovery, which is important for a course expecting consistent play.”
A Rain Bird irrigation system, using recycled grey water from utility company Siza Water, ensures efficient water management. Additional water rights to the Tongati River allow the club to adopt an eco-conscious approach to course maintenance, with no potable water used for irrigation.
Zimbali officially opened for play in April 2025 and Rosslee says the early signs are good. “The course has received very positive feedback,” he said. “Players have particularly enjoyed the layout, the conditioning and the variety of holes.”
Zimbali Lakes Resort is located next to the Indian Ocean on KwaZulu-Natal's North Coast (Photo: Zimbali Lakes)
“The main clientele includes real estate residents, tourists as well as golfers from nearby areas like Ballito and Durban. The KwaZulu-Natal North Coast has seen tremendous growth in recent years, and the golf course has quickly become one of the region’s key attractions. The number of rounds has steadily increased, and the course is already establishing itself as a must-play destination for golfers visiting the North Coast.”