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.

86 I South AfricA Deluxe I Motor & SportS gol f I 87

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 res@africanfairways.com

Lindsay Grubb

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www.fabiani.co.za

STYLE SINCE 1978

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