Gary Player Pulls Out of South Africa's Zimbali Golf Course


Gary Player and Gary Player Design have withdrawn as the designer of the new Zimbali Lakes Golf Course near Durban, South Africa. Developer IFA Hotels and Resorts and Black Knight International announced they would be going their separate ways, after over 10 years of various environmental and other challenges that delayed construction of the course.

"We wish IFA and Zimbali Lakes the best as they continue to pursue approvals to build this golf course. We have many active projects around the world, and have taken the view that our resources and attention should be prioritized elsewhere," said Scott Ferrell, president of Gary Player Design.

Black Knight International CEO Marc Player added, "We have worked hard for 10 years through challenging conditions, but we felt that continued delays were not in our best interest. IFA and Zimbali understandably could not make the commitments we sought, so we have mutually agreed to part company. I do hope that Zimbali will build on past successes, as it will be good for the Durban economy and South Africa in general."

"The decision to part ways was arrived at jointly and, while we are disappointed to lose our association with Gary Player Design, we do understand their decision and wish them well," added Werner Burger, IFA CEO.