Ernie's first signature course in SA
20 November 2003
The first Ernie Els signature golf course in South Africa is being developed at Herold's Bay, near the golf star's home near George. And it will be so much more than simply an 18-hole course.
With backing from one of South Africa's leading banks, Absa, and the Kuwait-based Kharafi Group, the Oubaai Golf Estate will be a R480-million development comprising an 18-hole championship golf course, a golf academy, a luxury hotel, a village shopping centre, and 450 residential units made up of 322 freehold sites and 128 apartment-style units.
Els is not only one of South Africa's most popular sports stars, but a fan favourite throughout the world. With his laid back demeanour and his superb game, the man often referred to as "the Big Easy" has been one of the world's top golfers for some years now.
His record includes three major victories and 13 titles in the past two years, including victories in North America, Asia, Europe, Africa and
Australia in the past 12 months. To say that his name is a drawcard is something of an understatement.
Oubaai has attracted plenty of buyers, with the majority of the residential units already sold.
Absa says lifestyle estates have enjoyed a huge surge in popularity, and it is capitalising on that trend, even though such ventures are traditionally regarded as high risk.
Managing executive of Absa's business banking services, Robert Emslie, said Absa had developed expertise in this area to meet growing consumer demand. Among Absa's other golf estate ventures are Blue Valley – featuring a Gary Player designed course – Mossel Bay Golf Club and Country Estate, and Sparrebosch.
The Oubaai Estate golf course has been built around the natural landscape between the Gwaing River Valley and the Indian Ocean, with an eye on preserving the natural beauty of the Western Cape environment. An environmental impact study was carried out, as well as a feasibility study, before
construction began.
The village concept of Oubaai features a central core that provides amenities and facilities, with residential clusters radiating out from there. Oubaai's special features include restaurants, coffee shops, a shopping complex, golf academy, bikeways and hiking trails.
Development began in December 2002. The golf course is due for completion in late 2004, while the village is set to follow in 2005.
SouthAfrica.info reporter
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