Dubai, Jan. 28th, 2008 (WAM) - Golf legend Ernie Els - the world's current number five ranked golfer and former British and US Open champion - today officially inaugurated the world's first The Els Club at Dubai Sports City alongside a host of VIP attendees and leading figures from the world of sport.
While Els has designed courses in North America, Asia, and Africa, only a select number of developments worldwide will bear The Els Club name, the hallmark of facilities which will benefit substantially from direct and ongoing personal input from Els and his team. And, significantly, only The Els Club at Dubai Sports City will serve as the global base for the golf legend's international design business operation. Els has made a further personal commitment to the project as he will have a home and base for his international business at Dubai Sports City. Ernie Els said: "Today's launch of The Els Club here in Dubai - the first of its kind anywhere in the world - is truly a special moment for all of us who have been involved on this magnificent project since its inception. The Els Club at Dubai Sports City will be a truly timeless, world-class golf experience for players at all levels."With a range of thoughtfully-placed tee boxes, fairway pot bunkers and green complexes, coupled with carefully-developed undulation, The Els Club's 18-hole, championship golf course offers a unique addition to the Middle East's growing range of world-class golf facilities. "The Els Club is the first completed venue in Dubai Sports City, and it has been constructed and presented to exceed world-class standards. We thank Ernie Els and his team for the excellent work they have done here over the last few years, and we welcome the Els family and the Els Design team to our rapidly growing community," said Khalid Abdulrahim Al Zarooni, President of Dubai Sports City.After a development process involving years of exceptional planning and attention to detail, the successful launch of The Els Club is a massive leap forward for Dubai Sports City, a cornerstone development within DUBAILAND.
DUBAILAND's CEO Mohammed Alhabbai said: "I would like to extend my congratulations to Dubai Sports City on the achievements accomplished. We are proud to witness the launch of yet another world class attraction, The Els Club, at Dubai Sports City which will become an integral part of the DUBAILAND's Destination offerings."In addition to the 7,538 yard links style golf course, The Els Club will boast a 60,000 square foot Mediterranean-style clubhouse currently under construction, where Members and guests will have access to a private lounge, state-of-the-art meeting and conference facilities, and varied choice of dining outlets. General Manager of The Els Club, Thomas Rubi said: "The Els Club at Dubai Sports City will be distinguished by its design standard, the levels of hospitality service shown to members and guests, and the year-round excellent golf course conditioning."The Els Club will be managed by Troon Golf - the world's leader in upscale golf course management, development, and marketing - and is accepting applications for membership, with play scheduled from March 2008.Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2008.
