HA NOI— former World No.1 golfer- Ernie Els arrived in Ha Noi on October 20 to launch the project and work with Vietnamese partners for development of Els Performance Golf Academy in Ecopark community in Ha Noi.
The Els Performance Golf Academy [EPGA] is Ernie’s effort in sharing that success story across the globe; the EPGA is committed to the development of youth in the game of golf. The Academy is designed to allow the junior and adult golfer the opportunity to learn, practice, play and enjoy the game of golf. The Ernie’s first academy is under construction in the beautiful Ecopark community in Hanoi, this golf academy is also the first comprehensive golf training academy in Viet Nam.
“Vietnam is one of golf’s most vibrant markets right now and we are proud to have forged a new partnership here. We take great pride in our business partnerships and this is no exception. I can see Ecopark quickly establishing itself as a major force in Vietnam’s golf landscape. I really hope from this academy, many young Vietnamese golfers will be able to compete at professional golf tournaments in future.” Ernie said.
“It’s about giving children a learning experience in an inspiring environment with access to the very best facilities and great coaching, somewhere they can improve their golf and also have a lot of fun with friends and family so they want to play golf the rest of their lives” he said.
This world-class training academy introduces state-of-the-art technologies and teaching methods in an expansive and beautifully-designed 12ha campus in the heart of the Ecopark Township where is just a few kilometres from the city centre of Ha Noi. The community comprises a residential component, strategic commercial districts and an educational hub from primary level all the way to international higher-education standard.
The facility will provide an expansive grass and synthetic practice tee areas, short game practice holes, a large contoured putting green and a strategically-designed par-3 academy course. 30 bay shaded practice tee with premium quality Titleist practice balls, academy terrace cafe, and business lounge and conference room. On site there’s a dedicated team of PGA qualified professionals to help golfers develop their skill set and take their game to the next level.
The academy is being constructed at an estimated cost of around VND100 billion (US$4.4 million) and is scheduled for opening in second quarter 2016, and will be followed by a second such facility at the Els Club Desaru Coast in Malaysia.
About Ernest Els
Theodore Ernest “Ernie” Els is a South African professional golfer. A former World No. 1, he is known as “The Big Easy” due to his imposing physical stature. Among his 67 career victories are four major championships. He is one of six golfers to twice win both the U.S. Open and The Open Championship. Ernest was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2010, on his first time on the ballot, and was inducted in May 2011.