14 The Ernie Els Design golf course at Zimbali Lakes on the KwaZuluNatal 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.” Golf Data, a South African-based golf course and landscape company, consulted with Ernie Els and his design partner Greg Letsche on the routing. “The focus was on creating a balanced routing that flows naturally through the property,” said Roslee. “The wider Zimbali Lakes development certainly influenced the routing, particularly in how certain holes frame views toward the lakes, clubhouse and surrounding landscape.” Roslee 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,” he said. “The green complex has been designed with subtle contouring to reward precise approach shots.” A Rain Bird irrigation system, using recycled grey water from utility company Siza Water, ensures efficient Els design at Zimbali Lakes ‘authentic to the landscape’ TEE BOX
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=