Elizabeth Mistry catches up with the King of Swing at Tee Time on San Vincente, Cape Verde
13 April 2007
World champion golfer Ernie Els has won a brace of titles including the US Open (twice), the South African Open and the British Open in 2002. He also runs a thriving golf course design company and has just announced a deal to design a series of desert courses on the beautiful Cape Verde islands. Elizabeth Mistry catches up with the king of swing on San Vicente.
TM: Ernie, you travel all over the world looking for sites. What is it that attracted you to Cape Verde?
EE: You know, when I first came here to look around it was 2 o’clock in the morning and I couldn’t see much. I wasn’t very impressed. But then when the sun came up and there was this incredible scenery – that’s what swung it for me.
TM: What is it about Cape Verde you like most?
EE: The islands have so much to offer. The beaches on the island of Sal are incredible and here on San Vicente, well, if you’ve been to Cape Town you’ll agree that parts are quite similar. It is totally different to Sal with spectacular mountain views, unbelievable landscapes – perfect for playing over water - and friendly people. It’s like a mix of Cape Town and Durban. The weather is perfect and the water is warm all year round. Best of all it is only 6 hours away from the UK.
This place is perfect for anyone wanting to escape the European winter; I just want to jump in the ocean right now. I really believe in this place and I hope we can create something new and different.
TM: Tell us about your travel schedule.
EE: Well, I’ve been on the road a lot recently. I’m getting my fitness back and I’ve played 28 tournaments as well as travelling to look at sites like this. It’s been pretty hectic but fortunately a lot of it has coincided with my daughter’s school year which is pretty lucky.
TM: With all that travelling you must have a favourite place?
EE: Well I love South Africa of course, but when I’m away I really like the Four Seasons – any of their hotels will do – and I also like The One and Only in the Bahamas.
TM: Have you ever sent you caddy a postcard?EE: Ha! That’s a good one. I’ve sent him a couple of cheques in my time but no, I don’t think I’ve ever sent him a card.
TM : Where are you going next?
EE: After Christmas with my family in South Africa I’ll be back on the road playing and checking out how the plans for our other courses around the world are going. We are planning links in Ireland, in County Cork and Wexford as well. And do you know? I’ve never played desert golf, so next time I’m back in Cape Verde, hopefully in the Spring, I’ll get a game. There’s a young guy here who has the makings of a great player and he knows the course so he’ll probably beat me!
FACT BOXGolf by Ernie Els at Bahia das Gatas and Calheta Bay, Cape Verde will be available from 2009. Cape Verde Developments are offering new one, two and three-bed apartments and villas with overlooking the links. Prices and further information from Cape Verde Development +353 21 432 0955 or www.capeverdedevelopment.com.