The past 12 months have seen a flurry of activity at Ernie Els Design. Here we bring you some of the highlights from another standout year for this full service design company that continues to make its mark on the global golfing landscape.
1. The Els Club Desaru Coast Valley Course officially opens
Back in March, the Els Club Desaru Coast, Valley Course celebrated its official opening, marking another milestone for The Els Club Malaysia portfolio. One of the golfing world’s most-anticipated openings, the Valley Course was created in partnership between two golfing comrades and fellow Major Champions, Ernie Els Design and Vijay Singh, and puts a seal to the golf development in Desaru Coast.
The Els Club Desaru Coast first hit the headlines in 2016, with the opening of the Ocean Course, designed by Ernie himself. The South African, however, trusted the vision of his great friend, Vijay Singh, for the Valley Course; a first-ever collaboration and one that raises the prestige and appeal of what is already one of the world’s premier destinations for golf.
“Today’s launch completes the golf development in Desaru Coast; paving the way for the introduction of Malaysia’s most anticipated new tourism developments that will establish this corner of Johor Bahru as one of Asia’s most prominent destinations,” commented Muhammad Zainal Ashikin Muhammad Rejab, Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer of Desaru Development Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (DDC). “We believe that we will continue to see a rise in Malaysia’s golf tourism with the opening of the Valley Course. We look forward to welcome golf aficionados from all around the world to experience a unique and rewarding golfing holiday here in Desaru Coast, while inspiring others to embrace the sport.”
The Valley Course, a par-72, which lies adjacent to the Ocean Course, is an 18-hole Championship layout measuring up to 7,200 yards. It has been crafted around a series of undulations, providing impressive vistas around the Desaru Coast region. Bunkering is a major factor, placing the onus on a well-planned course strategy.
Host to two of the most exciting new golf course designs in South East Asia, The Els Club Desaru Coast is complete with state-of-the-art amenities, including two clubhouses and expansive practice areas.
“We wanted the Valley Course to be distinct, with its own true character that would provide golfers with a memorable challenge,” said Vijay Singh. “We used the undulations to layer-in a series of high impact bunkers that will mean golfers need to think carefully about how best to navigate each hole.”
The Els Club Malaysia brand, managed by the world’s leading golf management company Troon, is set to become an international icon and set the benchmark for service and premium experiences. As the first addition to The Els Club Malaysia portfolio, The Els Club Teluk Datai shot to fame in 2014, scooping several illustrious accolades, including: The World’s Best New Golf Course by the World Golf Awards, and ranking #83 in Golf Digest’s Top 100 Courses in just its first year of operation.
The Els Club Desaru Coast meanwhile, with 45 holes of golf (the 27-hole Ocean Course and 18-hole Valley Course) set out alongside the region’s first Els Performance Golf Academy and the Academy par-3 course, makes this one of the most comprehensive golf destinations in the world.
“Opening the Valley Course is a major step forward in realising the vision of Desaru Coast, and to have The Els Club brand as the first in a long-line of major developments at this special destination is a real privilege,” commented Ernie. “Ever since we embarked on this project, we have maintained our focus on the end product; one with excellence and distinction. All of this would not have been possible without the continued support from all our team and those from DDC.”
Guests will be able to book their tee-times direct on the www.elsclubmalaysia.com or choose from a series of bespoke packages. The Els Club Desaru Coast was developed and is owned by Desaru Development Holdings One Sdn. Bhd. (DH1), a subsidiary of Desaru Development Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (DDC) mandated with the development and operation of Desaru Coast destination resort.
Visit the website: http://www.elsclubs.com/index.php/the-els-club-desaru-coast/
2. Lido Lakes CGI flyover gives taste of what’s to come
Work at Lido Lakes in Indonesia, a course acquired by MNC Group in July 2013 and now subject to an extensive renovation by Ernie Els Design, is progressing well with both Els and his senior design associate Greg Letsche having visited the site. To view a CGI flyover of the property, visit: https://harriskalinka.wistia.com/medias/hdlhxxlpyz.
Els first paid a visit to oversee final shaping on the front nine and approve key design elements for the back nine. “Ever since we first met with the developers I’ve been impressed with their vision and also really excited about what we can achieve here,” comments Els. “This is our first design project in Indonesia and we’re blessed to have a great piece of land. Working with our client, MNC Group, and IMG Golf Services, we’re creating a unique and world-class product for the Indonesian and Asian golf and resort market. It’s going to be a really superb golf experience, one that offers tremendous views over the surrounding mountains and valleys.”
The renovation of Lido Lakes, located a two-hour drive from Jakarta and in the shadow of two volcanos, will see the creation of five completely new holes, while at the same time utilising some of the layout’s original hole routings.
Greg Letsche, who previously worked for Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus before joining Ernie Els Design, reports that “everything is right on track” and anticipates an official opening in the second half of 2017 or early 2018. In addition to the 18-hole course, clubhouse and residential component, the MNC Group has plans to build hotels, villas, a theme park and other supporting infrastructure as part of the master development plan at Lido Lakes over the coming years.
Visit the website: http://www.mncland.com/beta/future-4/
3. Wentworth’s West Course basks in sunshine and praise
Ernie Els expressed pride and pleasure in the new-look West Course after the layout received high praise throughout the 2017 BMW PGA Championship. Indeed, for Ernie there is a real sense of professional and personal fulfilment in bringing to a close the renovation of an historic course that has long held a special place in his heart. The latest phase of works was led by Ernie Els Design in collaboration with renowned consultants European Golf Design. The two parties also worked closely with an advisory team, which included Thomas Bjørn, Paul McGinley and David Jones, representing the views of the Tour players, and Wentworth’s Director of Golf Courses & Grounds, Kenny Mackay. The comprehensive changes to the famous West Course focused on the greens, greens’ complexes and bunkering.
“It looks incredible,” said the four-time major champion. “This was our original design intent from the very beginning and we’re so pleased it has finally come to fruition. Big thanks to Jeremy Slessor at European Golf Design, who collaborated with us on this latest phase of works, and also to our partners at the European Tour. We’re extremely happy and proud to see the course looking the way it does here this week and to hear the positive feedback from the players and the Club’s members. That really means a lot to us.”
Ernie went on to say: “Obviously a key focus of the renovation was improving the putting surfaces and the recent significant investment by the Club’s owners, Reignwood Group, has allowed us to create arguably the purest, most consistent putting surfaces in the country. In addition, we undertook a further review of the bunkers on the golf course. As a result, all bunkers have been redesigned and reconstructed, with 29 bunkers removed from play. We believe this helps more closely realign the course with Harry Colt’s original vision and, in fact, many of the bunkers are very much in the Colt style now.”
In summary, the key features of this Ernie Els Design renovation include:
- All 18 greens re-built and re-seeded with 007 creeping bentgrass, which was chosen after trialling 10 blends over a 12-month period at the Club.
- The course is the first in England to benefit from sub-air technology.
- A total of 29 bunkers taken out of play to reintroduce some of the original playing strategies and all the remaining bunkers redesigned.
Additional changes include:
- Greens at the 8th, 11th, 14th and 16th completely remodelled.
- Greens at the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 12th and 15th partially remodelled.
- New tees built on the 3rd, 4th and 18th.
- An upgraded irrigation system installed.
- Additional drainage added on the fairways.
- All pathways resurfaced.
- Landscaping enhanced throughout to give the course a more natural aesthetic.
Ernie Els Design’s senior design associate, Greg Letsche, is one of the most respected golf course architects in the business, having previously worked with Pete Dye and Jack Nicklaus. Greg has been involved from day one on this extensive West Course renovation project and he, too, couldn’t disguise his delight at the finished product. “For Ernie and myself, the intention all along was to make sure the course was a fair and strategically sound test of golf, focused on shot values, where well-executed shots would be rewarded. We believe that is absolutely the case here now.”
Speaking also about the newly constructed greens, Greg added: “The new sub-air system is hugely significant as it allows us to monitor and control the various parameters that give a putting surface the optimum playing characteristics. Everything from the smoothness and pureness of the roll, to the moisture content and bounce levels, can be matched across all 18 greens so you can achieve extremely high levels of quality and consistency.”
Jeremy Slessor, Managing Director of European Golf Design, said: “We’ve worked alongside Wentworth’s team and Ernie Els Design on the development of the West Course and have consulted the leading European Tour players throughout. Through doing so we have ensured that the design reflects the views of some of the world’s best players and provides a truly outstanding Championship golf course.”
Stephen Gibson, Chief Executive of Wentworth Club, was full of praise, too: “This is my tenth year at Wentworth and I have never seen the course looking so magnificent,” said Stephen. “The improvements made by Ernie and his team have transformed the course and I’m sure the European Tour players and our members will agree that the West Course is back to where it belongs as one of the world’s great golf courses.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Chanchai Ruayrungruang, Chairman of Reignwood Group, said: “We are determined to make Wentworth the leading venue for Championship golf in Europe and the unveiling of the newly renovated West Course, which we believe to be one of the best golf courses in the world, is integral to this.”
What the players said…
“The greens are rolling nicely…they’ve done a terrific job getting the greens in this great shape.” – Henrik Stenson, 2016 Open Champion
“Here you now have a chance to set-up the course the way you want; if you want high rough or if you want softer greens, harder greens, whatever you want, and I think that’s fantastic in a golf course. I’ve played it three different ways now and I’ve always enjoyed it. What I wanted to do is play better against a better field and better, tougher courses and I view this as a very difficult course against a very tough field. So then this is very close to a Major in my mind.” – Alex Noren, 2017 BMW PGA Champion
“It’s nice to play a course where you have to use your brain. I think it’s hurting golf constantly going to courses that are 7,600 yards, where the caddies just send the players to the tee with a driver and then walk forwards. You don’t have to think about it too much and that’s a shame.” – Lee Westwood, all-time leading money winner on European Tour
“I think the changes have been very well received and the greens are as good a set of greens as I’ve seen for a newly laid surface. They are really rolling well and receiving a shot really well, too.” – Justin Rose, US Open & Olympic Champion
“I think the course is the best it’s even been. It’s in great condition; it’s a lot better aesthetically. It’s just playing really well.” – Ross Fisher, Ryder Cup player & former junior member at Wentworth Club
“The greens are absolutely perfect; every putt is so true.” – Chris Wood, 2016 BMW PGA Champion
Visit the website: http://www.wentworthclub.com
4. New Big Easy Winebar & Grill in Miami celebrates official grand opening
A fourth Big Easy Winebar & Grill by Ernie Els™, located at Miami’s Brickell City Center, celebrated its official grand opening in February 2017. The invite-only soirée, hosted by Grove Bay Hospitality and Miami Magazine, was attended by Ernie and Liezl Els, fellow tour pros Branden Grace and Michelle Wie, alongside local media and distinguished guests. All enjoyed an authentic taste of the Western Cape region with complimentary bites by South African native and Executive Chef of the Big Easy Winebar & Grill Miami, Maryna Frederiksen. Naturally, a selection of award-winning wines from the Ernie Els Wines portfolio was also enjoyed throughout the evening.
“This is a proud moment for me and for everyone involved in this project,” commented Ernie. “Thank you to our partners at Grove Bay, Ernie Els Hospitality and everyone who attended, including my good friends Michelle Wie and Branden Grace. Our existing Big Easy’s – in Stellenbosch, Durban and Dubai – have all established themselves as go-to restaurants with our ‘South African Inspired Steak House’ concept in their respective communities. They’re also attracting a really diverse crowd, which is great to see. It looks like that’s the case in Miami, too. We’ve actually been open for business a few weeks now and already we’ve enjoyed some great reviews and customer feedback.”
This Miami launch represents another exciting chapter for this blossoming global restaurant brand, with existing outlets already thriving in locations in Stellenbosch, Durban and Dubai, the latter of which was voted ‘Best Food & Beverage Outlet’ at the 2016 Middle East Golf Awards. Another is due to open in Malaysia this year.
As with its predecessors, the Big Easy Winebar & Grill Miami offers a casual yet sophisticated steakhouse dining experience. The cuisine, wines, décor and hospitality are all inspired by the lifestyle, spirit and homeland of South Africa, with additional influences from Ernie’s extensive travels around the world.
The mouthwatering menu boasts a strong line-up of succulent prime cut steaks and a selection of outstanding meats including Tenderloin of Beef, Prime Ribeye, Wagyu Flank Steak, Rack of Lamb and South African delicacies such as Springbok Loin and Ostrich Fillet alongside the ever-popular Big Easy Burger. Also from Ernie’s homeland are Bobotie Spring Rolls (sweet ground beef curry with spice chutney), Grilled Boerewors and Sosatie Grilled Mini Skewers of beef, pork, lamb and chicken with tasty dips.
Ernie went on to say, “Our award-winning Executive Chef Maryna Frederiksen, a native from my homeland, is doing an incredible job bringing a taste of South Africa to Miami. Some of my personal favorites are on the menu; if you get the chance to order the Tomahawk Steak, Big Easy Burger or Bunny Chow, trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
“The diverse menu here also has a selection of dishes that celebrate Florida’s sensational seafood and Latin influence. And, as you’d expect, you can sample a selection of great wines, including many award-winning varietals from the Ernie Els Wines portfolio. In fact, one of the wonderful things about all of our Big Easy’s is the opportunity it gives Louis Strydom [head winemaker at Ernie Els Wines] and me to share our passion for wine and to introduce our portfolio of wines, of which we’re extremely proud, to a wider audience.”
The Big Easy Winebar & Grill by Ernie Els serves weekday lunch from 11.30am to 4.00pm; dinner nightly from 4.00pm to 11.00pm; and Sunday brunch from 11.00am to 3.00pm.
For more information and reservations please visit the website: http://bigeasy.miami/
5. Ernie Els Design announces new golf course in beautiful Zanzibar
The Zanzibar Archipelago, a small cluster of islands renowned for their outstanding natural beauty, was the latest exciting destination to be announced on the books of Ernie Els Design in 2017. The deal with Amber Resorts was finalised in January and will form part of East Africa’s first Signature Golf Resort Development.
Ernie Els commented, “As a golf course designer, I feel so fortunate to be working with Amber Resorts. And to be awarded with some of the most beautiful settings in the Indian Ocean is really a wonderful opportunity for us. Our clients and I share the same vision and I am confident our work here will set a new standard, leaving a lasting legacy for Zanzibar and the region’s golfers as a whole.”
The Zanzibar Amber Resort is a luxury tropical community that will deliver a contemporary lifestyle with premium hospitality and world-class facilities. As well as an 18-hole Ernie Els Design Signature Golf Course with extensive practice areas, the resort will also feature several luxury hotels, a deep-water marina, glamorous souk and a tropical aqua park. Sustainably-appointed across 650 hectares, and blessed with 4km of pristine Indian Ocean coastline, the estate has been master-planned to host an array of premium residency options that extend from penthouse condominiums to beach-side villas and private islands. The residences are supported by a 99-year lease, extendable by a further 49 years, and represent the first opportunity for non-citizens to have access to titled property in Zanzibar.
For visitors there is an exclusive portfolio of five international hotel brands to choose from, something of a hospitality ‘dream-team’ without global comparison in a single resort environment. What’s more, Zanzibar Amber Resort is easily accessible being just a short drive from the International Airport, which is serviced by major airlines such as Qatar, Turkish, Condor, Kenya & Ethiopian Airlines, along with many regional connections from major East African hubs.
Brian Thomson, the Managing Director of Amber Resorts adds, “As we began discussions with Ernie, we realized that we share the same vision to build distinctive and superior golfing destination that will further enhance the golfing experience of both professional and leisure golfers. It became clear to us that Els’ highly regarded course designs and international Hall of Fame career were the perfect fit. As the catalyst of integrated lifestyle destinations and luxury tourism products around the world, we have brought together a powerful collection of premier brands such as Ernie Els Design, Anatara, Jumeirah and others that represent the best in the business and these partnerships will create a highly sought-after tourism and leisure offerings within the region.”
About Zanzibar Amber Resort
The resort will cater for the escalating demand for high-end destinations within the expanding East African tourism market and real estate sectors. Zanzibar Amber Resort is wholly owned by Pennyroyal (Gibraltar) Limited, an SPV created specifically to undertake the Zanzibar Amber Resort development with all local operations conducted through Pennyroyal (Gibraltar) Zanzibar Limited, a 100% owned subsidiary. As of September 2016 clearance and pre-construction preparation works have commenced, including the provision of a 20km public road leading up to the resort entrance, other access roadways, site clearance, perimeter walls and entrance preparation.
The plan is to have the marina, golf course and all infrastructure work including roads and services for the whole resort completed within three years. This will coincide with the completion of the first hotels, apartment blocks and villas. Due to the scale and layout of the resort, it is possible to both complete the various segments subsequent phases and minimise disruption due to construction activity in occupied areas.
Visit the website: https://www.zanzibaramberresort.com/golf.php
6. Albany to host PGA TOUR’s Hero World Challenge for a third year
In a few week’s time the Ernie Els-designed Albany in the Bahamas will host the PGA TOUR’s Hero World Challenge for a third consecutive year. The eyes of the golfing world will be on this stunning venue, as Tiger Woods makes his long-awaited return to competitive action. Five golf courses in the company’s design portfolio (Albany, The Els Club Dubai, The Els Club Copperleaf, Anahita Four Seasons Golf Resort Mauritius and Wentworth’s renovated West Course) have now hosted professional Tour events. “It’s an accolade that we’re obviously very proud of,” says Ernie.
Albany, the luxury resort community in the Bahamas jointly owned by Joe Lewis of the Tavistock Group, Tiger Woods and Ernie Els, is nestled within 600 oceanfront acres on the southwestern end of New Providence island and is fast becoming known as the ‘Monaco of the Caribbean’. When the event was brought to Albany for the first time in 2015, it was the culmination of lengthy discussions with Joe Lewis and his team.
“Mr Lewis is a man for whom I have such a lot of respect and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to work side by side with him,” said Ernie. “Right from the start you could see that Albany was going to be a very special place and in the initial site visits with our head of design, Greg Letsche, we quickly developed a vision of a links-style layout. We felt those types of playing conditions and shot values would suit its proximity to the ocean, where the wind would make the course play different from one day to the next. It’s worked out really beautifully.”
Ernie travelled from his home in Florida to spend a day at Albany in the build-up to this year’s tournament. Speaking later he commented, “Having played here quite a bit myself, it was interesting to observe the players’ strategies and how they cope with the ever-present and often changeable off-shore breezes. And obviously having the spotlight on Albany is great news for us, as it means we got to showcase to a global audience a golf course and development that we’re all extremely proud of. I thought the conditioning of the course was superb, as it is all year round, so hats off to the whole team on that front, especially as Hurricane Matthew blew through here little over a month ago.”
Ernie has also spoken previously about the positive reactions he’s received since the golf course opened in 2010. “We’ve had some wonderful feedback in recent years from people who have played the course; members of places like Shinnecock and Pine Valley – serious golfing connoisseurs – who just want to keep playing the course over and again,” said Ernie. “They’re very impressed. So too are a lot of my fellow tour professionals who have been to Albany – guys like Tiger, Justin Rose, Ian Poulter and Adam Scott. Some of them have bought homes and here and play the course and use the incredible short game facility as preparation for The Masters at Augusta National. Albany is that good!”
Visit the website: http://albanybahamas.com
7. First Els Performance Golf Academy official opens its doors
To celebrate the official opening earlier this year of the first Els Performance Golf Academy, located on the outskirts of Hanoi, Vietnam, Ernie Els discusses the inspiration behind this exciting project and what sets it a class apart from other golf facilities in the region.
1. How did this project first take seed?
“Well, initially we were approached by Chairman Ha, the inspiration behind Ecopark, as he saw us [Ernie Els Design] as the perfect partner. He’s a brilliant man, a visionary, and I believe we share the same ideas about what we want to achieve with The Els Performance Golf Academy. Honestly, this feels like one of those ‘head and heart’ projects and I think that we’re creating something really meaningful and beneficial for the community here in Hanoi, which fits with the legacy ethos of the Ecopark development project. That’s important to us.”
2. How much time have you spent in Vietnam and what do you think of the country?
“Early in the process we met with Chairman Ha, his son Nghia Ha, and the rest of the team at Ecopark. That was actually my first ever trip to Vietnam. We inspected the site and also got out and about in Hanoi to experience the local culture, the wonderful food, and we received an incredibly warm welcome from everyone we met. It was a lot of fun. You can see the passion and enthusiasm that Chairman Ha really has for The Els Performance Golf Academy. That’s pretty infectious. It’s so exciting now that the doors are officially open and people can start enjoying what we’ve created here.”
3. Will there be more Els Performance Academies to come elsewhere in the world?
“Absolutely. Work is already well advanced on a second Els Performance Golf Academy at The Els Club Malaysia, which should open soon. To me, this is a really exciting concept and it’s going to have a lot of appeal to the average player who typically struggles to find decent practice facilities. What we’re offering here is the best of the best; a ‘Tour Pro for the Day’ type of experience where golfers can come and get great coaching and have access to some Tour standard swing technology and facilities, and also have some fun.”
4. What would be a satisfying outcome or achievement for you to see from the Hanoi EPGA in the long term?
“Already we’re experiencing exciting times here. The Vietnam National Golf Team has declared the EPGA its official home (see story below) which is great news. Our staff, led by Wayne Johnson, will be providing training and support for the Vietnam National Golf Team. We’ll also be engaged in developing the instructional skill-set for potential Vietnamese golf trainers, so it’s a win-win for golf in this region.
“And overall, as I said, the plan is to give golfers of all standards everything they need under one roof and also for The Els Performance Golf Academy to generate a wider enthusiasm for the game and greater participation, not just in Vietnam but ultimately right across Asia. Ecopark stands for investment in the future, and we want to mirror that philosophy with our own activities. If we can get golf into schools and encourage youngsters to take up the game, that’s the ultimate. Golf teaches excellent personal qualities such as discipline, sportsmanship, integrity and camaraderie, and we want the next generation to have these qualities in abundance. We want people here, we want them enjoying what Chairman Ha and the Ernie Els Design team have envisaged.”
5. Does this facility set new standards in the region and what specifically takes it to the next level?
“100 per cent. There’s nothing else like it in the region. As I said, The Els Performance Golf Academy is giving golfers an opportunity to work on their games in an inspiring environment, somewhere they can improve their golf and also have a bit of fun with friends and family. Here at Ecopark we have a great team of PGA qualified Professionals, led by PGA member Wayne Johnson. It’s great to have Wayne on board; I’ve known him for many years and he brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to The Els Performance Golf Academy.”
6. What does Troon bring to the package with its contribution on the management side?
“You can’t under-estimate their contribution. We’ve partnered with Troon many times on other projects within the Ernie Els Design portfolio; they very clearly understand our brand and our goals and what exactly is required in order to achieve those goals. I know a lot of the guys personally and have complete faith in everything they do, so obviously we’re delighted to have them on board again here in Hanoi.”
7. How does the quality of this facility compare to the practice facilities you had access to when you were a young player in South Africa?
“I was actually pretty fortunate in that department, but still, it’s nothing compared to what we’re offering now at The Els Performance Golf Academy. But you have to say part of that is simply down to the way the game has moved on technology-wise in the last 10-15 years. Our philosophy with the whole Els Performance Golf Academy program is to make the most of what’s available to us and utilise the very latest, cutting-edge systems to help people understand their games and get better. It’s all about delivering the best possible experience for all of our visitors.”
Soon after opening, it was announced that the Els Performance Golf Academy would also become the official ‘Home of the Vietnam National Golf Team’. This new agreement with the Vietnam Golf Association (VGA) allows the EPGA to:
- Be the official partner chosen by VGA to contribute into the development of Vietnam golf industry.
- Be officially chosen by VGA and the General Department of Sports & Physical Activities as the first academy to develop Vietnam junior golfers.
- Be called ‘Home of Vietnam National Golf Team’.
- Be the first facility in Vietnam cooperating with VGA to establish a ‘Train the Trainer’ program, creating favorable conditions with internationally standardized training programs for future golf instructors.
On that final point, the EPGA will be actively involved with the golf education and training of local golf teachers to refine and hone their skills. Wayne Johnson, Senior Director of Operations at the EPGA, said: “I’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunity to teach many elite players and collegiate golf athletes. Also, working alongside the world’s foremost golf coach Butch Harmon allowed me to be inside the ropes with many of the games finest players. The key to coaching a Tour professional or amateur golfer is to develop their belief in your guidance, knowledge and to maximise their ability to perform at the highest level. They need to trust that the coach is guiding them, following the right direction to develop the very best from their ability, improving their skills in golf”.
The EPGA will also bring opportunities and access for younger players to experience golf with the most modern training facilities in Vietnam, including an extensive grassed practice tee and practice fairway, nine-hole academy course, swing studios with video analysis, putting lab, dedicated short game practice areas, large contoured putting green, gymnasium and sports massage treatment room. These ‘tour standard’ facilities will offer golfers of all abilities the ingredients needed to improve and play better golf. In addition, the EPGA will collaborate with the VGA to develop golf programs that will help introduce youngsters to the game of golf through local schools.
“We recognise the great effort that the EPGA has put into growing the game of golf in Vietnam, especially helping new junior golfers through their SNAG (Starting New At Golf) programs and developing higher golf education for the elite players,” commented Vu Nguyen of the VGA. “We know that Wayne Johnson and his team are doing an excellent job at the EPGA to create one of the best golfing facilities in the Southeast Asia region. They are bringing to Vietnam the newest technologies of the golf industry and providing the best golfing programs for our golfers.”
For more information on The Els Performance Golf Academy, please contact the Ernie Els Design offices in Florida +1 561-625-8676 or visit the official website: http://elsperformancegolfacademy.com.
