Align eyes over the ball, for a 11-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Practice Programs
Complete Golf Practice Blueprint for Oubaai Golf Club
Discover tailored practice programs for this course.
Total Programs
17
17 complete programs built for this course
Unique Drills
93
Total unique drills across all programs
Skill Pillars
11
Accuracy · Aim · Alignment · Dispersion · Distance Control · Mechanics
Session Durations
7
3 days , 4 days , 5 days , 6 days , 7 days , 8 days , 9 days
Ernie Els Practice Profile
We've mapped a comprehensive practice profile for Ernie Els, identifying the specific skills this course demands most. The skill distribution below shows which areas of your game will be tested most frequently based on the hole-by-hole analysis (hole handicaps, stroke index, yardage, etc.), while the handicap ranges indicate the typical player profiles who perform well here.
Focus your practice on these key skills to maximize improvement and lower your scores. Check the practice programs below for targeted drills that address these specific skills.
Skill Distribution
Handicap Performance Insights
The handicap ranges shown represent the typical performance levels for this course. Players within these ranges can expect competitive scores, while those outside may yield benefits or may need additional practice in the highlighted skill areas to perform at their best.
Top Drills
Featured Drills for Ernie Els
Most-used drills from for this course. Practice as standalone drills or scroll down for full programs.
One Handed, Ball Gate, 25 in a Row
Make 25 putts in a row, one-handed through the ball gate.
Chip | Rough | Above/Below Feet
Hit two buckets of balls (avg. bucket is 40 balls) from the sloped rough grass; one bucket with balls above feet level, and one bucket with balls below feet level.
Driver | Left-to-R and Right-to-L Shot
Produce left-to-right and right-to-left shots using driver only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls.
Driver | Dispersion Corridors
Hit 15 balls to each dispersion corridor using driver only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls. Count total number of successful shots.
Pitch | Deep Rough and Other | Uphill/Downhill
Hit two buckets of balls (avg. bucket is 40 balls) from the sloped deep rough and other extreme grass types; one bucket from the uphill slope and one bucket from the downhill slope.
Putting Aid: Alignment Mirror, 50 in a Row
Make 50 putts in a row using an alignment mirror.
Course Details
Everything you need to know about Ernie Els.
Contact Information
Phone
+44 (0)1250 872622
Fax
+44 (0) 1250 872622
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Facilities
Location
406 Herolds Bay Road
Course Description
Oubaai Home Owners Association oversees the Gem of the Garden Route, a prestigious residential estate adjacent to Herolds Bay on the Garden Route in the Southern Cape, South Africa. The community features an 18-hole Ernie Els championship golf course, a security-focused living environment, and a 243-hectare estate designed to blend natural beauty with refined living, just eight minutes from George Airport. Located near luxury hotels and coastal scenery, it offers a holistic lifestyle for residents seeking a gated, golf-forward community.
golf estate • ernie els golf course • garden route • herolds bay • george airport • 243-hectare estate • estate living • security estate • gated community • oubaai golf club • oubaai hotel • coastal living • championship golf course • residential estate • property management • community governance • proximity to airport • real estate
Course Information
Holes
18
Par
72
Type
Links
Architect
Ernie Els
Opened
2005
Google Reviews
Oubaai Golf Club Social Media Presence
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Programs
Skill-Based Practice Programs for Ernie Els
We studied the course layout and prepared practice programs to lower your scores. The programs are purpose-built for each tee to align with the course strategy. Each program consists of curated drills, with pre-defined modules designed to deliver results.
Filter programs by category (select one)
Showing 17 Programs
% match to course practice profileStick chips near hole, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Master touch, for a 26-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Hit within 10 yards, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
13 Week Flagship Program for Ernie Els
A complete and progressive long-term development curriculum mapped from easier to harder drills, specifically for Ernie Els. Start with the basics and work your way towards more challenging drills. Commit to 13 weeks of training and get in proper shape. Four days counts as a week.
Putting · 3 ft (1m) only
Line Every Short Putt Precisely
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 11.0
Short Game · Chip
Chip 5–15 Yds From Fringe
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Short Game · Pitch
Keep Par Safe
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Short Game · Flop
Open up and let it fly: alignment for flop shots
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 28.0
Short Game · Sand
Feel the distance: bunker to different targets and control your rollout
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 25.0
Driving Range · Woods (Hy,5W,3W)
Control 3-Wood Roll
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Driving Range · Wedges (LW,SW,GW,PW)
Control Wedge Roll
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Driving Range · Short irons (9,8)
How close can you get? Challenge your limits
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Driving Range · Long irons (4,3,2)
Shape the shot: draw or fade with long irons
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 30.0
Draw or fade long irons, for a 31-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Stop on a dime, for a 25-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Unlock Your Golf Potential
Get personalized coaching and custom training programs tailored to your game.
Get StartedChip to the green, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Set up for high shot, for a 29-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Dial in aim, for a 22-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Chip from rough, for a 17-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Keep par safe, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Achieve distance consistency, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Leave tap-ins, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Control distance inside 100, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Hit within 3-5 yards, for a 14-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Control 3-wood roll, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Precision shots, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Prepare for Tournaments at Ernie Els
Follow a complete multi-week structured practice program ahead of the upcoming events and arrive prepared.
No upcoming tournaments at this time.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Ernie Els
Get answers to common questions about playing Ernie Els and what to expect.
How difficult is Ernie Els for mid-handicap golfers?
Players often find Ernie Els technically exacting. This slope level makes it manageable compared to championship venues. The course rating of 70 reflects on scoring relative to par 72.
What tees should a 15 handicap play at Ernie Els?
A 15 handicap golfer should consider tees closer to 6000 yards. The back tees extend to 6500 yards, which makes approach shots longer and scoring more challenging.
What is considered a good score at Ernie Els?
With a course rating of 70 and par 72, a mid-handicap golfer would typically score in the mid to high 80s. Stronger players aiming to break 72 must manage approach shots and avoid penalty strokes.
How long is Ernie Els and how does yardage affect play?
Stretching to 6500 yards from the back tees, it does not overwhelm length but rewards accuracy.
What type of course is Ernie Els and how should I play it?
The course follows a traditional Links design philosophy. Overall, the setup will reward players who place the ball in safe positions far from hazards. Also, type of shot is more crucial rather than just trying to gain distance.
What features make Ernie Els strategically challenging?
The combination of a slope rating of 120 and yardage reaching 6500 yards creates consistent pressure on approach shots. You will need to balance risk and reward, especially on longer par 4s and protected greens.
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