The 2011 Els for Autism Golf Day at Wentworth
On Wednesday 6 July Ernie Els was back on what must feel like ‘home turf' for the Els for Autism Golf Day sponsored by Stonehage. Wentworth Club, where Ernie won his record breaking seven World Matchplay titles, was the venue. The day gave guests the opportunity to play the magnificent West Course, recently renovated by Ernie Els Design, and also helped raise significant funds for the proposed Els Center of Excellence in Florida.
Ernie took time out from his preparations for the Barclays Scottish Open to play two holes with each of the nine groups of three players who were generously giving their time and money on a bright, breezy Wentworth day. Later a superb lunch in the clubhouse was concluded with a speech by top comedian and satirist Rory Bremner.
Speaking afterwards, Liezl Els said: "I want to thank everyone for coming and supporting this great cause. The Els Center of Excellence will benefit not only those who physically are able to attend the facility, but also have a virtual reach thanks to the revolutionary new digital learning program. This will help children on the autism spectrum all over the world, which is an exciting prospect for all of us."
The Els Center of Excellence for those on the autism spectrum will bring together the vital components of public charter school education for ages 3-21, plus medical and professional treatment, research and transition into adulthood. Best practices from all areas of the center will be disseminated via real time global digital learning to families and other autism programs in the US and around the world. It will help thousands of children on the autism spectrum become productive citizens.
The Els family has already contributed more than $6 million of their own money towards the cause. Additionally through events including the Els for Autism Golf Challenge, the annual Els for Autism Pro Am in Florida and golf days such as these held at Wentworth, the $30 million final target is fast becoming a reality.
For more information on Els for Autism and the Els Center of Excellence, click here.
Photos courtesy of Giles Spencer: www.pickwickpictures.co.uk
