Guanacaste, Costa Rica: Peninsula Papagayo, Latin America’s acclaimed residential and resort destination, has signed Ernie Els as a Global Brand Ambassador.
“This is a really exciting partnership for me,” said Els. “Peninsula Papagayo is one of the world’s ultimate eco-adventure playgrounds. It offers a unique mix of luxury hoteliers, world class amenities and extraordinary oceanfront real estate, with a warm and relaxed Costa Rica feel. I love communities that manage that balance.”
The partnership will grow with several exciting initiatives, starting with an affiliation with The Els Club, a portfolio of hand-picked premier golf club and resort destinations around the world.
In addition, the World Golf Hall of Famer and four-time Major champion will be the patron of the annual member-guest charity golf tournament to benefit local schools in the communities surrounding Peninsula Papagayo.
The inaugural Peninsula Papagayo Member/Guest Invitational will be held in early 2019 on the resort’s 18-hole, par-72 course designed by Arnold Palmer. “The Ocean Course at Peninsula Papagayo is one of the ultimate eco-golf experiences in the Americas,” Els said. “I look forward to playing with members and guests on the day and, in a wider context, also helping contribute to a legacy of education in Guanacaste.”
Karim Alibhai, Founder and CEO of Miami-based Gencom, the developer of Peninsula Papagayo, said: “Ernie’s passion for life and easy-going nature are the embodiment of Costa Rica’s pura vida spirit. His standard of excellence on and off the golf course, paired with his Hall of Fame career and charitable accomplishments, captures perfectly both the casual sophistication of our community and our dedication to delivering experiences of exceptional quality over the long run.”
Els, whose Ernie Els Design company is a Full Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation, said: “Peninsula Papagayo has so much natural beauty and offers so much to do, not just for golfers but for all outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. In my role as an ambassador, it will be a pleasure to help spread the word about one of the world’s must-see destinations.”