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Johannesburg - Ernie Els believes that South African golf is in a "healthy" state, with the right systems in place to ensure a constant stream of talent.
Els is in Johannesburg currently where he is taking part in the SA Open, but on Friday morning he dealt with another business matter when he announced that he would be designing a course in Zanzibar at the Zanzibar Amber Resort.
The course is expected to be completed in 2022.
The current player-host of the SA Open, Els is excited about the current crop of players flying the South African flag on the international circuit.
"It’s very healthy. You’ve got your seasoned professionals; so to speak, in Louis (Oosthuizen), Charl (Schwartzel), Branden Grace, George Coetzee and Richard Sterne... that’s a very strong core of players," said Els.
"Now we have a young generation of players coming through too. A guy like Brandon Stone comes to mind.
"We’re going to hear from these youngsters very soon. Golf in South Africa is very healthy. The foundations are there, and if the base is right then the talent will come through."
One of the major attractions at the SA Open this year has been the presence of Rory McIlroy.
And while Els is delighted that the northern Irishman agreed to play in the tournament this year, he already has an eye towards the future.
“I want to bring some other guys here. We’re not going to stop with Rory McIlroy," said Els.
"He’s such a draw. Yesterday morning we teed off before 7 am and there were already thousands of people.
"It just shows you how that the game of golf is very popular in our country. If you bring stars like him, people will come and watch."
