handicaps have an array of forward tees to choose from. “The tee shots will gen- erally be stress-free,” said Els, “and it’s the approach shots into greens which will be more challenging.” One hole, the par-3 fourth, has been completed as a “show hole” for potential property buyers to view or even play. It’s set in a beautiful valley, 150 metres from an elevated tee over coastal forest and stream to the green. It looks inviting to play because of the way in which the large green is framed by closely mown grass in front and on the sides. It will be a demanding tee shot into the wind, yet with room to re- cover. The greens complexes are overall larger than normal with gentle undulat- ing slopes. The bent grass on this green is in fabulous condition, evidence that it can be grown successfully at a coastal KZN course. The same strain of bent has been used at Durban CC. What a contrasting putting experience com- pared to other KZN courses relying on paspalum grass. Els himself loves the previous hole, a long par 5 which skirts the vast lakes on the lower level of the property which will be a feature and host recreational watersports, although nothing mo- torised. The opening hole flows down to the lakes, and No 2 and 3 border it before some lengthy climbs to the top of the hills. It is a continuous 18 rather than two loops of nine, and there will be one starting tee. Unlike neighbour- ing Zimbali Country Club, which is for members and hotel guests only, Zim- bali Lakes will prioritise day visitors. It’s a cart course, due to long hauls over different levels of elevation. Wide paths are already in place for a smooth ride. The walk from the fourth tee to the fourth green would dissuade any- one from thinking they can walk here and there. Ernie is likely to be a regular visi- tor at Zimbali Lakes in coming years. He likes the Ballito area – “my dad brought us here as kids for holidays” – and is launching an Els Performance Golf Academy to tie in with the Zimbali Lakes sports centre – attached will be 60 Academy apartments – and even contemplating a home of his own here. Plus, there will be The Big Easy Bar & Grill at the sports club. That may provoke an anxious reac- tion at Fancourt where he has been part of the scenery for the past 30 years.
the beginning of every year,” said Els, who was visiting Zimbali Lakes for the first time. “It’s going to be windy here at certain times, just like it is in Hawaii, but we’ve made the course as playable for everyone as we possibly can. “I’ve followed this project from many years back when it was first being dis- cussed. It’s good to be working with Robbie Marshall (Golf Data chairman) and his team again. We’re old friends, as they built my first course for me at Oubaai. And Wayne Krambeck (Zim- bali senior vice-president, operations) started out at Fancourt when we were both much younger.” “Ernie has brought immense value to the end product,” said Marshall. All 18 holes are laid out, awaiting the planting of 17 greens with Super 7 bent grass which will happen in June during the cooler winter months. Els played three holes, and demonstrated how friendly the course can be thanks to its emphasis on playability. The fair- way on the par-4 fifth is wide enough to land a passenger jet, extended by limit- ing semi-rough and shaped so that golf balls will roll away from the sides into the middle. And, unlike Ernie’s other local de- signs at Els Club Copperleaf, Oubaai and Highland Gate, golfers will be pleased to know there are a minimal amount of bunkers. However, there are forced carries over deep ravines and wetlands due to the nature of the topography. This will delight the better golfer, while high-
Els with Wayne Krambeck (right) and Dave McGregor of Zimbali Lakes team.
GOLF DIGEST SOUTH AFRICA 11
MAY 2024
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