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CONSTRUCTION has started on Bahrain's latest signature residential golf course at the multi-billion dinar Durrat Al Bahrain development.
Business executive Martin Benkenstein who has helped mastermind the project spoke to GulfWeekly about how he is confident that players from across the world will be eager to visit the Ernie Els-designed attraction.
Golf-holiday packages linked to the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix are being proposed alongside the possibility of Pro-Am worldwide televised events featuring the stars of both sports after the course opens in two years time.
Mr Benkenstein, 59, from South Africa, has been actively involved in Middle East and South African projects for 37 years and started visiting the Gulf in 1972.
He said: "The untouched and pristine beachfront location in a previous no-go and restricted military zone offered a unique blend of sea, sand and greenery to a potential signature residential golf estate.
"My first visit to the site, accompanied by my wife, created such excitement that I forgot about the off-road beach and sand conditions and managed to get our family car stuck firmly on the beach with the tide coming in! However, a jog to the adjacent military airbase resulted in friendly and active assistance from an interested team from the engineers department and our rapid escape from the rising tide!"
After site visits followed with Dirk Els, the golf star's brother, an association with specialists Troon Golf International was formed and the course proposal got the green light from the developers.
Mr Benkenstein explained: "The proximity of the Bahrain International Circuit and the affinity that F1 racing drivers have for golf gives the Ernie Els Golf Course the possibility of combining a PGA Golf Tournament with the Formula One in a sensational two-week sports tourism package."
Mr Benkenstein added: "In addition, a Pro-Am with the Formula One drivers playing with the world's best golfers could create a sensational globally televised event for Bahrain.
"To date, the golf course 'platform' has been formed by creating a level site at a safe height above sea level. This will enable the 'shapers'and Ernie Els to add his magic touch to the construction and positioning of the course in order to combine the water, desert and golf elements into a unique golf course and residential lifestyle environment."
The Ernie Els Golf Estate, Golf Hotel and Clubhouse will overlook the luxury 400 berth 'Marina Precinct' which, Mr Benkenstein, believes will add the finishing touch to, arguably, the 'most luxurious and eco-friendly family lifestyle project in the Middle East'.
The course is likely to be open for play in the summer of 2011.
Located on the south coast of Bahrain, the 21 sq km Durrat Al Bahrain development has been created across a cluster of 15 islands.
It will host beachfront villas, executive apartments and offices, luxury hotels and spa resorts, parks and entertainment precincts, premier retail malls and restaurants, a 400-berth marina, as well as the Ernie Els designed 18-hole golf course.
Durrat Al Bahrain is a $6 billion joint development owned by the government of Bahrain and Kuwait Finance House-Bahrain. The project is designed by W.S. Atkins & Partners Overseas and project managed by KMC Bovis Lend Lease JV. Upon completion, Durrat Al Bahrain aims to be the region's most prominent seaside resort city, putting Bahrain on the 'upscale tourism map'.
