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South African golfer Ernie Els is one of the most
successful and beloved golfers of all time. Since
turning professional in 1989, The ‘Big Easy’ has
won almost 70 tournaments, including three
Major Championships, two US Opens and an Open
Championship. He also holds a record seven World
Matchplay titles.
The earlY YearS
Born on the 17th October 1969, Els showed a proclivity for sporting
greatness at an early age, excelling in soccer, cricket, rugby and
tennis. He began playing golf with his grandfather, Ernie Vermaak and
brother, Dirk, at Kempton Park Country Club when he was just eight
years old. At 14, he was playing off a scratch handicap and won the
world junior golf championship in San Diego, California, relegating
Phil Mickelson to second place. At 15 he was awarded his Junior
Springbok colours. Shortly after his 17th birthday, Els became the
youngest-ever winner of the South African Amateur Championship,
breaking the record previously held by Gary Player. In 1987 he was
awarded the State President Sports Award and achieved his full
Springbok colours in 1988.
Els turned professional in 1989 and won his first professional
tournament on the Southern Africa Tour (Sunshine Tour) in 1991. The
first tournament which he won outside of South Africa was the Dunlop
Phoenix in Japan in 1993. He took his first major championship at the
US Open in 1994.
Els has received numerous awards for his charitable initiatives,
including the Jefferson Award for an outstanding athlete in service and
the Golf Foundation Spirit of Golf Award for his contribution to golf and
commitment to the upliftment of young people in golf and education.
MakIng a dIfference In The lIveS of ManY
Established in 1999, the Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation has made a
difference in the lives of many young South Africans. The Foundation
identifies and assists talented youngsters, mostly from families with
limited resources and delivers educational assistance and golfing
opportunities which develop their playing ability to its full potential.
The aim of the Foundation is to give these youngsters the tools and
support needed to become successful young leaders.
In 2008, Ernie and his wife Liezl received the diagnosis of autism for
their son Ben, which inspired them to establish the Els for Autism
Foundation. These determined parents aim to change the conversation
about what should be available to those on the autism spectrum.
They are currently raising funds for The Els Center of Excellence which
will be built in Palm Beach County, Florida in the USA. The Center will
include a school for 300 students, medical and professional services,
research facilities, assistance with transition to adulthood and a major
global digital learning programme.
In 2011, the Ernie Els Centre for Autism was established in Braamfontein,
Johannesburg. The aim is to make specialised education for children
on the autism spectrum available to all families in South Africa. The
Learning Centre is the first international Centre linking with the digital
learning programme aspect of the Florida Centre.
SuSTaInaBle developMenT
Els is an astute businessman, not just a superlative golfer. He
established Ernie Els Design - a full service golf course design company
and currently has 11 golf courses open for play and a further seven
exciting new projects in various stages of planning and development.
The team works with the world’s finest developers to create visually Ph
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The Els FactorSouth African golfer Ernie Els is one of the most successful and beloved golfers of all time. Since turning professional in 1989, The ‘Big Easy’ has
won almost 70 tournaments, including four Major Championships, two US Opens and two Open Championships. He also holds a record seven
World Matchplay titles.
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inspiring destinations which focus on sustainable development and
sound environmental practices.
Ernie Els Wines was established in 1999, and has now been producing
excellent wines for thirteen vintages. Situated on the slopes of the
Helderberg Mountain in Stellenbosch, the wine estate has a special
focus on red blends and winemaker, Louis Strydom, has crafted every
vintage to tremendous international and local acclaim. The wine
estate has shown significant growth and now produces eight award
winning wines. It has also been selected as the official wine for the
PGA of South Africa, as well as the licensed producer of wines for the
South African Rugby Union.
His other business interests include The Big Easy restaurant, housed
in a Cape Dutch architectural masterpiece in the historic Dorp Street
in Stellenbosch. To learn more about Ernie Els visit www.ernieels.com
or www.ernieelswines.com
In The fooTSTepS of legendS wITh afrIcan faIrwaYS
In paying homage to this South African legend, African Fairways has
created a luxurious 12 day tour which gives travelers the opportunity
to play on three magnificent Ernie Els designed courses while
experiencing the very best of South Africa and Mauritius.
On arrival in Johannesburg you will be assisted with a complimentary
shuttle transfer to the exquisite five-star Peermont D’oreale Grande
at Emperors Palace. The interiors of the palatial hotel are opulent and
luxurious with marble floors, magnificent stained glass domes and
hand-painted murals and frescos. Enjoy a sublime dining experience
in the Aurelia restaurant, overlooking the beautifully manicured
Gardens of Vespasian, or dine in one of the numerous restaurants in
the Entertainment Emporium at Emperors Palace.
Your day will be at leisure or you have the option of visiting the
Apartheid Museum in Ormonde, Johannesburg. For those travellers
who would prefer to relax and unwind after a long-haul flight, why not
book a blissful spa treatment at the luxurious, world-class Octavia’s
Sensorium Day Spa.
wIde faIrwaYS and SpecTacular waTer hazardS aT elS cluB copperleaf
After a restful night’s sleep you’ll hit the fairway at Els Club Copperleaf.
Named “Best New Golf Club” by Compleat Golfer in 2008, The Els Club
Copperleaf plays out amongst unique grasslands and rocks with views of
the Magaliesberg mountain range. The course is currently ranked 31st on
Golf Digest’s Top 100 courses for 2012. Built in the Tshwane Metropolitan
area on the plot of land where Els’ grandfather Ernie Vermaak grew up,
there is a strong emphasis on nurturing and rehabilitating the natural
wetlands and reserve within the Estate. The course has wide fairways,
spectacular water hazards and challenging bunkers.
geTTIng InTo The SwIng of ThIngS aT ouBaaI
That afternoon you will board a flight to George Airport in the Western
Cape. Here you’ll spend two glorious nights at The Hyatt Regency
Oubaai Golf Resort and Spa. The area is known for its pristine
beaches, indigenous forests and nature reserves. Nestled between
the shimmering Indian Ocean and the majestic Outeniqua Mountains
in Herold’s Bay, the Hyatt Regency Oubaai offers visitors a superb and
entertaining vacation.
The most striking features of the Hyatt Regency Oubaai are the
enormous picturesque windows with uninterrupted views all the way
to the ocean. Hyatt Regency Oubaai was built to complement and
enhance its’ natural environment. Earth tones, simplicity, fynbos and
the awe inspiring natural beauty of the Garden Route are reflected in
the design of this elegant hotel.
For non-golfers, the resort’s Freesia Spa is an exquisite retreat, where
harmony and balance are restored through a combination of traditional
African remedies and unique European treatments each containing
natural ingredients to encourage positive health and everlasting youth.
On the third day of your journey you’ll get into the swing of things at the
Oubaai Golf Club and will then spend the rest of your day at leisure. The
course is reputed to be one of Ernie Els’ favourites and rolls out against
the backdrop of the majestic Outeniqua Mountains and winds its way
along the Indian Ocean coastline. This traditional links course is ranked
28th on the top 100 by Golf Digest in 2012.
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The BIg eaSY
Spend a leisurely morning soaking up the sun before catching your
afternoon flight to Cape Town. There you’ll be assisted with a private
transfer to the heart of the beautiful Winelands where you will spend
three nights at the stylish Majeka House in Stellenbosch.
Extensively renovated in 2011, Majeka House is a picture of
contemporary elegance and quiet luxury. The sprawling five-star
boutique hotel seamlessly combines old-world style with a fashionable
contemporary twist.
With a focus on relaxation, Majeka House offers a number of leisure
facilities including a heated indoor swimming pool with retracting roof,
outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, gym and library.
During your stay you will have the opportunity to visit the historical
towns of Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek famous for their
beautiful scenery, fine cuisine and art galleries.
On the fifth day of your holiday, you’ll learn more about the culture
and history of the Cape on a half-day city and Table Mountain tour.
In the afternoon you’ll have the opportunity to sample some of the
Winelands finest offerings culminating in a visit to Ernie Els’ wine farm.
That evening you’ll experience a dinner conjured from the freshest
ingredients paired with a stunning selection of wines at The Big Easy
Winebar and Grill, located on South Africa’s second oldest road, Dorp
Street – once the wagon road to the Cape. The restaurant is housed in
La Gratitude, a beautiful 16th century Cape Dutch building.
Time moves slowly in the fairest Cape. You have three magnificent
days to watch the beautiful people on the gorgeous white-sand
beaches at Clifton or Camps Bay or explore more of the world-class
vineyards and gourmet restaurants in the Winelands. Re-visit history
at the famous Robben Island and many local museums and historical
areas. You also have the option to play one of the many amazing
courses in this region including Arabella, Clovelly, Devonvale, De Zalze,
Erinvale, Royal Cape, Steenberg and Pearl Valley.
In the late afternoon of the seventh day, you will catch a late afternoon
flight to Johannesburg where you’ll overnight at Emperor’s Palace
Peermont D’Oreale Grande before boarding a flight to magical Mauritius.
IdYllIc anahITa
It’s time for the sparkling sunshine and white-sand beaches! Your
eighth day sees you boarding a flight to Mauritius where you will spend
four glorious nights at The Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita.
Mauritius is a feast of endless expanses of sparkling, crystal blue waters,
white-sand beaches and luscious rolling green mountainsides. This
idyllic destination is home to Ernie Els’ magnificent Four Seasons Golf
Club Mauritius at Anahita and The Four Seasons Resort Mauritius is ideal
for luxury family vacations. Ph
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This sprawling five-star boutique hotel seamlessly
combines old-world style with a fashionable
contemporary twist.
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The spacious villas and residence villas are designed to inspire
connection with the natural surroundings. Life flows beautifully here as
large windows and doors encourage indoor-outdoor living and rooms
boast superlative views of quiet lagoons against the Bambou Mountains.
Natural woods, volcanic stone and other indigenous materials bring
the flavour of Mauritius indoors. Thatched-roof architecture is filled
with surprising design touches, modern artwork and Four Seasons
space and comforts.
While non-golfers spend their days at leisure soaking up the sun, relaxing
in the overwater Spa or enjoying the choice of watersports on this idyllic
island paradise why not test your mettle with a round or two at the Four
Seasons Golf Course at Anahita.
There is nothing quite as breathtaking as playing a round of golf
against the idyllic backdrop of the natural splendour that is the island
of Mauritius. From the turquoise Indian Ocean to the lush, tropical
vegetation it is easy to see why you’re in paradise.
Ernie Els took great care when he designed the Four Seasons Golf Club
Mauritius at Anahita which opened in 2008. The par 72 championship
golf course has large fairways featuring five sets of tees. Holes 16, 17
and 18 are ocean-front holes providing heart-stopping vistas of the
spectacular Mauritian coastline. You certainly won’t want to rush your
final shots, as the 18th hole is one of the most beautiful you’ll ever
have the privilege of teeing-off upon.
For the most comprehensive collection of luxury
accommodation and superlative golf courses in
South Africa please visit:
www.africanfairways.com
To book a luxury golfing vacation or to learn more
about African Fairways offerings please contact
Malcolm Fourie +27 11 469 3701 or email your
request to [email protected]
Lindsay Grubb
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www.fabiani.co.za
STYLE SINCE 1978
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