Ernie, Ajay Piramal may develop golf courses in India

NEW DELHI: Well-known South African golfer — currently ranked World’s No. 5 — Ernie Els is exploring opportunities to design and develop golf courses in India in association with the Ajay Piramal group. Ernie Els was in India this week to launch his signature wine brand in association with the Oberoi group.

“Indian interest in golf is growing and I think there could be opportunities for developing special golf courses in the country,” said Mr Ernie Els while announcing the launch of his Ernie Els brand of wines in the country along with the Oberoi group.

Mr Els said with better golfing infrastructure in the country, this will help more people to take to this sport. There has been some initial talks for developing designer golf courses in the country with the Ajay Piramal group.

The group has been supporting the sport by organising golf tournaments in the country. Nicholas Piramal India director (corporate affairs) Harinder S Sikka told ET that talks with Mr Els in this regard are at the exploratory stages.

The Oberoi Group chairman PRS Oberoi also showed his inclination in promoting golf tourism in the country. “I would be keen on anything that helps bring in more tourists to India,” he told ET.

Ernie Els Design is an internationally renowned golf course design company with 18 projects around the world, including those in the US, Dubai, Mauritius, Hawaii, China, South Africa, Ireland, Bahamas, Australia and Bahrain.

Ernie Els has also been involved in developing luxury residencies in golf courses. His Ernie Els Collection of designer clothing and golf accessories — all bearing the E logo — were recently launched in the UK.

Ernie Els has been one of the most successful golfers internationally, having own around 60 professional tournaments over the last 15 years, including two US Opens and a record six World Matchplay titles.