All the latest news and stories from the world of golf, Ernie Els Design, Ernie Els Wines, and across Ernie’s philanthropic interests.
1. Ernie’s sponsor SAP leads the way with birdie donation for Els for Autism
April is global Autism Awareness Month, so naturally the team at Els for Autism is fully engaged with various programs to bolster fundraising and spread knowledge and understanding of this condition. Ernie himself plays a big part in these initiatives, supported by fellow players, tournament directors and sponsors.
“Many of you know how important autism acceptance is to me,” says Ernie. “As a father to an autistic son, I am able to experience first hand the value and acceptance of autistic individuals. To further this mission, I’m joining SAP and fellow ambassador Cameron Champ in a #DriveChange campaign throughout Autism Awareness Month by swapping out our SAP branding for the #AutismAtWork hummingbird. SAP have long been wonderful supporters of Els for Autism and it’s inspiring to witness their commitment to creating an autism inclusive workplace.”
In addition, SAP is donating to Els for Autism the sum of $2,500 for every birdie made by Ernie and Cameron on the Fridays of tournaments they’re playing on the Champions Tour and the PGA TOUR through April.SAP is donating to Els for Autism the sum of $2,500 for every birdie made by Ernie and Cameron on the Fridays of tournaments they’re playing on the Champions Tour and the PGA TOUR through April. Cameron has set a high bar, making seven birdies in round two of the Valero Texas Open and another six on the Friday of The Masters. “No pressure, then”, joked Ernie.
As these initiatives have gathered momentum over the years, many players now show their collective support for the cause by wearing the distinctive blue-and-white Els for Autism pin on their caps. Meanwhile, another of Ernie’s sponsors, PUMA, is donating to Els for Autism a portion of sales from its FASTEN8 golf shoes through April. It’s quite the collaborative effort and, of course, all for a worthy cause.
“When April comes around it’s always incredibly humbling to receive this level of support from so many friends, players, sponsors and commercial partners,” comments Ernie. “From Liezl, myself, and the whole team at Els for Autism, we just want to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts.”
For more information on the various fundraising and awareness initiatives being organised by Els for Autism throughout the month of April, please visit the website: https://www.elsforautism.org/.
2. Introducing the new Country Club at The Els Club Dubai
The newly opened, luxurious Country Club at The Els Club Dubai is like no other facility in the Middle East, both in terms of its range of services and also the caliber of the equipment throughout. It is a wonderful addition to the award-winning Ernie Els-designed golf course, which opened for play in 2007. The Country Club features an urban chic gym with indoor and outdoor training spaces with top-of-the-line equipment, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, swim-up bar, relaxation lounges and dining area, and a number of fitness and spin studios. A team of experienced personal instructors is on hand, led by Fitness Operations Manager Abbie Macey, a former Team GB alpine skier.
Abbie and her dedicated team offer a variety of programmes to develop golf performance, among them the new TroonFit Bootcamp, a fast-paced class that incorporates strength training, cardiovascular and muscular endurance, as well as flexibility and balance work. The Country Club also offers a diverse range of group exercise classes including yoga, spin, kickboxing, box-fit and Pilates.
So, whether your goal is exertion or relaxation, the Country Club at The Els Club Dubai is hard to beat. Memberships start from as low as AED 415 per month, with a day pass also available for a limited period.
For further information, call 04 425 1000, email countryclub@elsclubdubai.com or visit the website: www.elsclubdubai.com.
3. Here’s some-Thin new and tasty from Clif Bar
A new addition to Ernie’s golf bag this season is Clif Bar’s new range of ‘Thins’, the anytime snack for everyday adventures. They are made with organic rolled oats and non-GMO and come in three delicious varieties: Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Peanut Brownie, and White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Flavour. Ernie signed with Clif Bar in June 2019 and wears the company logo on his left shirt collar. The family-owned company, founded in 1992 and based in California, is one of the foremost producers of wholly organic energy food, snacks and drinks.
“Clif Bar is such a great company to be involved with,” says Ernie. “I love the way they do business, focusing on organic ingredients and sustainability. It’s great the work they’re doing at the Clif Bar Family Foundation, supporting grassroots initiatives led by inspiring people who care passionately about the environment. And I love the product! You know, food is fuel. You need the right stuff in order to stay the distance, keep your energy levels up, and play your best golf from the 1st tee to the 18th green. Clif Bar does the job, which is why you’ll find their energy bars in my golf bag. I always have a stash in the car as well, for long journeys.”
For more information visit the website: https://www.clifbar.com/.
4. Enjoy this room with a view at Ernie Els Wines
A picture tells a story! It’s easy to see why the restaurant at the Ernie Els Winery is so popular. Savour modern farmhouse cuisine at its finest in a charming open-plan space that extends out onto a terrace with picturesque views of Stellenbosch and the Helderberg mountains. Open for lunch Wednesday to Sunday from 12pm to 3.30pm. Click here for menu or for more information and reservations visit the website: https://ernieelswines.com/.
