Umhlali Golf Estate & Country Club

Compensation Rd, Umhlali,

nr Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal 4390

  • Office

    +27 (0)32 947 1181
  • Fax

    +27 (0)32 947 1913

About the course

  • The Course:

    18 holes. Tree-lined & open parkland. Undulating terrain - a few slopes to climb.

  • Surroundings:

    Rural countryside and residential.

  • Designer:

    Peter Matkovich

Back
tees
Club
tees
Front
tees
Metres
5978
5755
4904
Par
71
71
71
SSS or slope
71
70
70

Location

Latitude:

-29.512469

Longitude:

31.195099

How to get there:

46 km N of Durban

Take the N2 highway north from Durban, direction Stanger. After approx 50 km take exit 210 (Ballito) and follow direction Compensation. After 1 km turn left into Umlahli Golf Club.

Umhlali Golf Estate & Country Club

3-star: Good course – an enjoyable test for your game.

Est. 1979

Umhlali Golf Estate & Country Club: Recent developments at Umhlali have seen the addition of some Mediterranean style villas arranged in the vicinity of the brand new clubhouse. The consequential displacement and loss of the zebra population that used to roam the fairways here is a shame, but Umhlali still retains much of its natural charm.

The gently undulating terrain is home to many fine golf holes, several of them dog-legging through the pleasant mix of tall gum trees, palms, and many other species that line the fairways, though never too densely. Bunkering is mainly concentrated around the greens rather than along the good-width fairways.

Without too much penal rough, there is a relatively easy-going feel to much of the layout, although care will be needed at the very good collection of par-3's, the last of which closes-out the round at the 18th. Maintenance standards have varied here over the years, but are now generally at a level commensurate with the club's growing stature.

With a slightly stronger and more scenic back-nine, Umhlali is one of the earliest courses designed by Peter Matkovich, a portent of the many splendid things that have come from one of South Africa's very best golf course architects.

List of courses: KwaZulu-Natal

Visitors

Who can play and when?

Visitors welcome on weekdays and weekends.

Must book in advance. Handicap required

Green fees

Contact club for green fee details.

Other information

Walking permitted. Golf carts available for hire. Caddies available.

Practice facilities

Limited

Did you know?

Umhlali, pronounced "Um-shla-li", was at the heart of large sugar cane plantations developed by British settlers during the mid 19th century.

Umhlali is named after the Umhlali River, which in turn gets its name from the monkey-orange trees growing on its banks (the fruit of monkey-orange trees is particularly enjoyed by baboons).

Published ranking

South Africa's 67th best course (SA's Top 100 Courses, 2023).

Where2Stay

  • Zimbali Lodge5-star

    PO Box 404, Umhlali 4390, KwaZulu-Natal

    +27 (0)322 538 1007

    Visit website

    Zimabli Lodge is one of South Africa's most exclusive boutique hotels. The Lodge is set within the serene confines of a coastal forest reserve, overlooking the beautiful Indian Ocean. Amongst the wide array of facilities and services, Zimbali offers an excellent 18-hole championship golf course, health and beauty spa, beach, horse riding, nature trails, tennis, mountain biking, conference facilities and fine dining in the Thandi restaurant.

    • Golf at this hotel:

      Zimbali

    • Golf within 10 km:

      Umhlali; Simbithi

    • Golf within 30 km:

      Prince's Grant; Mount Edgecombe I & II

  • The Boat House Guest House4-star

    33 Compensation Beach Road, Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal

    +27 (0)32 946 0300

    Visit website

    The Boat House is located on the beach front in Ballito, 50 km north of Durban at the heart of the Dolphin Coast. Many of the 22 suites have large private balconies to soak up the African sun. The Boat House also boasts a fine dining restaurant, cigar bar, library and offers cocktails at the pool overlooking the Indian Ocean.

    • Golf at this hotel:

      No

    • Golf within 10 km:

      Zimbali; Umhlali; Simbithi

    • Golf within 30 km:

      Prince's Grant; Mount Edgecombe I & II

Find a course

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Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available

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