Ernie Els played key role in bringing Icons Cup to Fancourt

The much-anticipated tournament is less than three months away, taking place from 11-13 December at The Links at Fancourt in George. 

It is a three-day matchplay, 10-hole golf tournament which will feature some global sports stars from other sporting disciplines, split into two teams – Team South Africa and Team World.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Brookes detailed the conversation with Ernie Else...

“We are very blessed to be able to host it at what is argued to be the number one golf course in South Africa. That deal was brokered by our dear friend, Mr Ernie Els, who is the captain of the South Africa team. He gave us a few possible destinations – there were so many – but when we met with the Fancourt guys, it was really clear to us that was the place where this event needed to be held in the first instance and we are delighted to be working with them. They have been great to deal with,” said Brookes

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Brookes also further revealed that it was the inaugural LIV Golf series response by South Africans which made the organisers realise there is a scarcity of major sporting events coming to the country.

“I think seeing the LIV event was the final point where we said, look, there’s a scarcity amongst major sporting events coming to South Africa, so we should really engage with this and bring it to South Africa as soon as possible.”

He also mentioned that the icons cup had initially been earmarked for 2027, but due to the conflict in the Middle East this year, a decision was made to bring it to South Africa much earlier.