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World no. 5 Ernie Els has just unveiled The Els Club at Dubai Sports City, the world’s first integrated sports city.
The Els Club is the first sports facility to open in Dubai Sports City and will sit alongside other facilities including the ICC Cricket Stadium & the ICC Global Cricket Academy, The Manchester United Soccer Schools, The David Lloyd Tennis Academy & Next Generation Club & the World Hockey Academy.
The Els Club is Ernie’s first step from golf into hospitality. Els, the former British and US Open Champion, was joined for this official opening in Dubai by England cricket all-rounder i Andrew Flintoff, South Africa’s World Cup winning rugby captain John Smit, tennis legend Martina Navratilova and Manchester United goalkeeping legend, Peter Schmeichel.
Freddie was particularly impressed with both Dubai Sports City and Ernie’s course: He declared: “What a course! I cannot wait to play here on a regular basis! Golf is the second sport for so many sportsmen and to have this on the doorstep of what looks like one of the world’s leading cricket stadiums will be fantastic.”
The prestigious Els Club course stretches 7,538 yards from the back tees. The “desert links” layout combines a traditional classic design with truly immaculate fairways and greens. The Els Club will officially open for play in March 2008 and will set a new benchmark for golf in Dubai.
The Big Easy is looking to create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere at the Els Club with a worldclass service: “The Els Club will combine the best of all the great clubs that I have played and great food will be served in the restaurants….. and I particularly want the 19th to be special!
“I’m really proud of what we have achieved here. When I first saw the site, I could see the potential for a great Desert Links course and we’ve achieved just that. “Whether you are an 18 handicap or a scratch golfer, it will be a great test of golf. Even if you don’t play well, we’ll make sure you have a great time in the clubhouse!”
