Ernie Els Golf Course - Interview by 'Cape Verde Magazine'
Ernie Els is known as "The Big Easy" because of his golf swing, but the moniker fits perfectly in many other ways as well. Els is perhaps one of the most approachable, amiable stars of world sport- he plays with a seemingly effortless ease on the world's toughest courses and in top competitions. Yet, for all his composure, he's continuously pushing himself to the limit in everything he does - and it's anything but "easy."
Els is one of the most successful golfers in the history of the game. Having won almost sixty professional tournaments in the last 15 years, including two U.S. Opens, an Open Championship, and a record six World Match play titles, he is already recognized as among the great golfer of his time.
Born in South Africa on October 17, 1969, Els was a sporting all-rounder from a young age, excelling at soccer, cricket, rugby and tennis. At the age of 13 he won a significant regional tennis event, the Eastern Transvaal Junior Championships. A year later, playing off a scratch handicap, Els announced his precocious golf talent on the world stage when he won the World Junior Golf Championship in San Diego, California, beating Phil Mickelson into second place. Els was just 16 years old when he first formally competed against professional golfers, He was awarded his Junior Springbok colours in 1984, the State President Sports Award in 1987, and in 1988 earned his full Springbok colours. Unsurprisingly from such auspicious beginnings, Ernie's record since turning pro has been nothing short of sensational. In• the period from the mid-1990s, when he was for a while ranked number 1 in the world, to the present day; his hall of trophies is second only to Tiger Woods.
However, it is not only records and achievements for which Els is revered. His classic, powerful golf swing is universally admired, and his easy-going nature and engaging on-course personality have helped make him one of the most popular golfers in the game today.
Here, Cape Verde Magazine gets an insight into Els himself, all golfing and trophies aside. Els discusses his plans for his personally designed Cape Verde golf courses and how they will turn the islands into one of the top golfing destinations in the world.
Cape Verde Investment
Why is Cape Verde a destination for a major golf course development?
It is a beautiful place, which is the main thing. It is amazing how it has remained largely undiscovered by tourism for as long as it has. I think an exciting region with incredible growth opportunities. Not often do you get a chance to participate in a project that is going to help build a new era for a country, so to speak, but that is what we have done here in Cape Verde.
What were your first impressions of the sites for the courses?
Like I said, it is just beautiful here. My first impressions were, "WOW, this could really be something;" I was excited. We all were.
How good do you believe these courses can be?
They will be as good as we can make them, you can be sure of that. We have a commitment to quality at Ernie Els Design and all the guys are passionate about what they do. I would not want to be involved if it was any other way.
Did you have much knowledge of Cape Verde prior to your visit there?
No, I must admit, I did not know much about it at all.
Will the courses be tailored for top or average golfers?
One of my design philosophies is that a golf course should be playable and enjoyable for golfers of all standards. There are things you can do in terms of the design which make that possible-obviously length-wise; you can have a range of different teeing areas so players can choose how long they want the golf course to be. With your hazard placement you can achieve certain things; like I said, good design allows a golf Course to be challenging for the best players and at the same time, not impossible for beginners.
Anything particular that you expect will distinguish both Sal & Sao Vicente courses from others?
All of our golf courses are special in their own way and I know Sal and Sao Vicente will be too. One of the things we always strive to do is take advantage of the unique features of each location. Obviously, these islands are beautiful and quite distinctive, so the courses are designed to take advantage of the unique features of each location. Each course will have views of the ocean, dramatic hills and varied landscapes. These golf courses will really put Cape Verde on the map as a desirable international golf destination.
Do you believe there will be a major tournament held on these courses in ten years down the road and. if so, what type of tournament?
You never know. They will be good enough. I mean, that is what we do. We only get involved in projects if it is something we know we will be proud of.