New golf course takes shape at Zimbali Lakes
Although most greens are yet to be grown in, one can already see the shape of fairways and tee boxes when driving through the development.
The North Coast will soon have another 18-hole golf course at Zimbali Lakes, with play expected at the end of 2024.
Designed by Golf Data, Zimbali Lakes is the only new golf course currently under development in South Africa and will augment an already strong golf offering north of Durban.
A classic design with 10 par 4s and four apiece of par 3s and 5s, the course winds its way through the development offering views of the ocean, Tongaat River and towards the rolling hills inland.
“We are excited with the progress of the course and expect it to be ready in September 2024, with final touches to get it in prime condition for the public in December,” said Zimbali Lakes senior vice-president of operations, Wayne Krambeck.
Although most greens are yet to be grown in, one can already see the shape of fairways and tee boxes when driving through the development.
There will be very little rough in the traditional sense, with most fairways extending all the way until drop offs into the natural bush which surrounds the course.
“We want the course to be playable and enjoyable for all golfing levels. An exciting addition is that we will implement Bentgrass greens, which should offer better rolling and more consistent putting,” he said.
To show off the course and promote the development at large, Zimbali Lakes hosted an ‘Only One’ event last week which saw golfers compete for a chance to win a plot worth R3-million.
The signature 4th hole, a beautiful par 3 set in a valley and surrounded by natural bush, was completed for the event.
Throughout the week, invited guests in 11 groups had a chance to hit five shots at the green, with the top two from each group making it through to the final on Sunday morning.
If any of the 22 golfers made a hole-in-one in one attempt on Sunday, they would have claimed the plot, but unfortunately none of the group were able to do so.
Mark Baptie was closest on the day, with four out of the 22 players hitting the green under pressure.
An additional prize – a one ounce
Kruger Rand valued at around R40 000, sponsored by IBV International Vaults – went to the best shot of the week and was won by Neerajh Ramnarain, who hit his ball to within 53cm of the pin.
A host of further prizes sponsored by Callaway were also claimed throughout the week.
“Our hope is to grow this event going forward and perhaps even make it televised in the future,” said Krambeck.
Follow The North Coast Courier on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube for breaking news
Telegram Broadcast Service: https://t.me/joinchat/yJULuN8NaCs5OGM0
