Ernie has confirmed that he will play in the 2018 AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open at the Anahita Four Seasons Golf Club Mauritius, a course that he designed and opened for play in 2008.
It will be Ernie’s debut in this tournament, which this year takes place from 29 November to 2 December and is tri-sanctioned between the European Tour, Sunshine Tour and Asian Tour.
“I’m really looking forward to playing in the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open,” said Els, who is an International Ambassador for the Asian Tour. “It was a privilege to design this golf course (pictured above) and we’re thrilled with how it has matured in the past 10 years. One of its strengths is that we were able to maximise the visual impact of the surrounding scenery, but at the same time preserve the coastline’s natural beauty. The hole routings move in and out of the trees, along the water, and back, giving players great variety and magnificent views of the ocean. It’s going to be a lot of fun playing it in tournament conditions.”
Els’s presence in the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open continues the tournament’s phenomenal growth in its four years as a tri-sanctioned event, and during which it has already featured some of the biggest names in golf such as 2010 Open champion Louis Oosthuizen, 2011 Open champion and former European Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke, and victorious 2018 European Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjørn.
Commenting on the news of Ernie’s confirmation, Director of Golf Dave Usendorff says: “Now in its fourth year, this year’s AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open was already set to be an incredible event, but having our course designer, Ernie Els, take part too is a real honour. It’s the perfect way to celebrate this fantastic tri-sanctioned tournament and the tenth year of operation for our magnificent course.”
Els is preparing for a big year in 2019 where he will captain the International Team in the Presidents Cup in Australia against his American rival Tiger Woods.
“It’s obviously going to be a very busy and exciting 2019,” said Els, “but the Presidents Cup is a little way off yet, so for now I’m very much focused on competing and trying to get the most out of my game. Hopefully a little ‘insider’ knowledge will work in my favour at Anahita! Let’s see. As I said, I’m really looking forward to the week.”
For more information on Anahita, visit the website: https://www.anahitaproperty.com/en
