COPPERLEAF ESTATE HOSTS ERNIE ELS
Defending SA Open champion Ernie Els opens the first Els Club in South Africa at Copperleaf
Just two days before the South African Open teed off, Ernie Els officially opened South Africa's first Els Club at the Copperleaf Estate with homeowners, media and guests invited to be a part of the event at the picturesque Estate in Gauteng. Copperleaf, built on land once owned by his grandfather, hosts an award winning Ernie Els designed course (pictured above) as well as the first Els Club in South Africa and the second in the world.
"This fantastic estate encapsulates in one destination everything I love about family living, from home and leisure to the great outdoors," says Ernie. "Set in a country club environment, it has a spectacular course that represents a fair and enjoyable test for golfers of all standards and ages."
Ernie then added, "I've been involved in the design and development of numerous courses across the globe but this project has been very close to my heart right from the start. Once Investec Property came on board we knew that with the right partners we could create something unique and that it would be the best place to open the first Els Club in South Africa. I also wanted to provide a challenging course for all golfers that embraces all the facilities and high standards that I've experienced over the years. I'm extremely proud of the Els Club at Copperleaf and judging by the response we've had today, I have good reason to believe that this venue will be extremely popular and highly sought after."
And a test it certainly proved to be for the homeowners and invited guests who took to the course with Ernie playing alongside them. The ‘Big Easy' was in superb form as he prepared to defend his SA Open title at the Serengeti Golf and Wildlife Estate from November 24-27. After his round, Ernie socialised with the guests and participated in a media Q&A session. Ernie discussed various golf issues, including the previous week's President's Cup in Australia.
"Much to my delight, the golfers enjoyed themselves on the course today and found it to be a strong but fair test of golf," said Ernie. "That's how we designed it, to be enjoyable for golfers of all standards. The new clubhouse and facilities here are second to none, the homeowners at the estate are living out their dreams and that tells me that this is country club living at its finest."
Els Club members have a range of benefits available to them, most notably the reciprocity with a host of other Els designed courses worldwide - all designed by the Big Easy himself.
About Copperleaf
Copperleaf is an existing residential development in Gauteng. It offers incomparable country living in close proximity to the urban centres of Pretoria, Johannesburg and Centurion. The residential estate boasts numerous facilities including indoor and outdoor pools, a gym, tennis courts, mini cricket oval and pavilion, acres of walking and biking routes, a clubhouse, café, spa and supervised children's centre.
Copperleaf is the second Els Club to be established globally. The course was designed by Els and is an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all standards. Set among unique grasslands and rocks, the course has its share of clear fairways, demanding bunkers and spectacular water hazards. A golf performance centre also offers the expertise and modern technology to assist players of all levels and ages with their skills. With a total of 1129 stands on Copperleaf, there are currently 497 that remain available for purchase.
About The Els Clubs
The Els Club is a premier collection of golf courses hand selected by Ernie Els. Each is a supreme golfing and leisure experience reflecting Ernie's own personal tastes and inspired by some of the greatest destinations he has visited around the world. This is country club living at its finest - an opportunity for the whole family to relax and unwind, while enjoying world-class activities and personal service.
More information
Visit the website: www.copper-leaf.co.za
