Feb 2008
The brief was simple... create an outstanding facility for the daily operations of the Ernie Els golf course while the permanent clubhouse was under construction. The facility was to be beyond the expectations of the members and golf users and offer a ‘stand out' temporary facility complete with all the comforts and amenities of the end permanent clubhouse.
There were two key deadlines to meet in the design and delivery of the clubhouse. Firstly there needed to be an operational venue on site to host the official international launch of the golf course. The date set for this was January 28th 2008. International media and world renowned sporting superstars were invited to enjoy the official launch of the course. Secondly, by April 11th 2008, the Ernie Els Club needed to be officially open to the public with operations to be run from the temporary facility.
Arriving on site only on the 3rd January 2008, the challenge was on to meet these two deadlines. The first challenge was to prepare the ground and begin the excavation of the pipelines for electricity and water delivery to the clubhouse. At the same time the framework for the structure of the clubhouse began to rise. Hundreds of metres of under ground cabling and water piping leading to the power and water supply were laid within the first week. By the date of the opening just 3 weeks later a fully operational ground floor with outside decking and usable washrooms and showers was in place. After the official launch, work began on the interior design and delivery of the reception, pro shop and restaurant and bar and 5 star kitchen facility. By the end of March 2008, the Ernie Els Club was a fully operational golf facility complete with buggy park, showers and washrooms, kitchen, bar and restaurant with desirable views of the driving range from the upper and lower decks. Total indoor working space over two floors is a little over 1000sqm with 400sqm of outside decking where golfers can relax and enjoy the ambience of the Ernie Els Club.
