Simbithi Eco-Estate’s new golf manager, Elbert du Plessis, is seriously passionate about golf and just as passionate about the KwaZulu Natal North Coast. Naturally at home with a golf club in his hands, his love for the North Coast was cultivated in the early 90s when his parents bought a beach cottage in Ballito. “We used to spend at least one weekend a month down here, it is like home away from home for me,” says the 25 year old who hails from Johannesburg. Elbert studied golf course management with the Professional Golfers Association of South Africa.
After spending some time in the States at the Julian Krinsky School of Golf in Philadelphia, he returned to do his apprenticeship under golfing veteran Phil Simmons at Mount Edgecombe Country Club. “Mount Edgecombe is an extremely busy course and gave me an excellent grounding for my career,” he said. Elbert has big plans for the golf course which recently unveiled its brand new clubhouse. “This is a dream position for me as the golf course is well established but still slightly on the new side.
I am looking forward to growing the membership and getting to know the vibrant Simbithi community,” he said. Elbert plans to hold ongoing Saturday competitions as well as junior and ladies’ clinics and golf days during the week. The Saturday competitions will entail breaking the tee boxes into two fields for an early and mid morning start. “This means golfers will be finished in time for the rugby which usually starts at three,” said Elbert. On Simbithi Elbert says, “The golf course is super with an outstanding layout where every club in your bag can be used. I also love the natural scenery and sea views. With all the community centres and play facilities, the estate is a natural paradise.” Simbithi Eco-Estate is situated on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast in between Ballito and Salt Rock.
