IFA Hotels & Resorts, (Master Developers of Zimbali Lakes Resort) announced today that a deal has been concluded with Ernie Els, four-time Major Champion and “World Golf Hall of Famer” to bring a number of his international brands to the renowned Zimbali Lakes development on the KZN North Coast.
While initial discussions with Ernie were centred on having him involved in the golf course design in collaboration with Golf Data, Ernie’s interest in the development grew. He became involved with the design to create an Ernie Els Signature Golf Course, and it was further agreed to extend this relationship to include some of his other well-known brands such as The Big Easy Bar & Grill which will serve fine wines from Ernie’s personal cellar, adding glamour to the Sports Club facilities.
“We are excited to partner with Zimbali Lakes and IFA Hotels & Resorts as we share likeminded ambitions and enjoy creating attractive destinations that adhere to the principles of sustainable development and sound environmental practice”, said Ernie Els.
“Golf Data has in the past collaborated with Ernie Els Design and are well versed in the design principles and construction specifications required by the design company. The brief from the client was to design a course that would give all levels of players the opportunity to enjoy their game and look forward to returning to Zimbali Lakes time after time. It was therefore important to take the topography and natural landscape into consideration when designing the course.
To achieve this;
• we reduced the number of bunkers on the golf course and included a large variety of tee boxes on each hole;
• the fairways are extended by limiting semi-rough and creating more fairway space;
• the green complexes are overall larger than normal with gentle undulating slopes.
This collaboration has delivered on the brief and has added immense value to the end product”, says Robbie Marshall Chairman of Golf Data.
The Els Performance Golf Academy (EPGA) will tie in with the Zimbali Lakes Sports Centre. This agreement sparked another opportunity to create high end student accommodation for the golf academy, and with the high demand for top education and private schools in the area surrounding Zimbali Lakes, we believe that this is great synergy for the academy, education and Zimbali Lakes. It will enable budding local golfers to join a prestigious academy, attract international youth to the programme and hopefully one day produce future World Hall of Famers.
The iconic EPGA Academy apartments, aptly called the “Ernie Els Suites” will be another first for the African continent. This purpose-built development will comprise 60 x 2 bedroom units accommodating over 200 students aimed specifically at trainees/students attending the academy. Apartments will be launched onto the market Q4 2024 and are perfectly positioned to become a big easy hit with both local and international golfers and investors.
“My congratulations go to the whole team on the ground at Zimbali Lakes who are working so hard to make this an outstanding new development such a special place. It is located in one of the finest regions, with tropical weather all year round and panoramic views of lakes, dams, rolling green hills and the warm Indian Ocean. My professional career of 76 international PGA victories is mirrored in the increasingly global reach of our designs and Zimbali Lakes is no exception,” says Ernie.
Werner Burger, CEO of IFA HR, believes this deal marks a turning point for the Golf Tourism industry in South Africa. “We are pleased to announce our partnership with the Ernie Els Group, a leading player in the international golf arena. Ernie and I had discussions regarding Zimbali stretching back more than 15 years, and we have come full circle where he has fallen in love with Ballito and cannot wait to spend some time here and play a round of golf. This collaboration will strengthen our position in the market and enable us to provide enhanced lifestyle solutions and services to our residents, visitors to the region and to South Africa as a whole. By combining our expertise and resources, we will drive innovation, customer satisfaction, and business growth.”
“We are so proud that Ernie has identified Zimbali Lakes as one of the most progressive estates currently being developed in South Africa. He is laying down roots and will be building a home within the Tatali precinct of the estate, ensuring privacy, security and exclusivity for himself and his family when in residence” Burger added.
“Today marks an incredible moment for Zimbali Lakes. This long-term agreement is a true meeting of the minds. We each share a passion for the golfing industry and understand what can be achieved when everyone is playing to their strengths,” says Wayne Krambeck.
“The Ernie Els Group’s core values are perfectly aligned with ours – excellence, innovation, community engagement and a global perspective are all part of the Zimbali Lakes’ vision for this new and vibrant community that we are building. We fully intend to support Ernie’s – Els for Autism upcoming golf days as part of our own CSI programme” he concluded.
Issued on behalf of Zimbali Lakes by Julia Unger, Indelible Inc
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