Inspired by the personal mission of its celebrated golf course designer, The Els Club at Dubai Sports City is playing a leading role this month in raising awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 

April is Autism Awareness Month the world over, and the club, managed by Troon Golf and named after Ernie Els, the designer and multiple major champion whose son Ben suffers from the neurodevelopmental disorder, is donating Dh20 per fee-paying golfer through the month in return for an ‘Els for Autism’ pin.

Money raised will go towards the establishment of a ‘Center of Excellence’ in dealing with the disorder, for which there is no known cure. It is hoped the centre, in Jupiter, Florida, will be operational during 2015. 

The pin on offer is the same one being worn by Ernie during all his golfing commitments throughout the month, including at The Masters in Augusta last week.

The Els Club also marked the start of Autism Awareness Month at the beginning of April by being bathed in blue light, playing its part in the Light It Up Blue campaign run by Autism Speaks.

Chris Brown, general manager, said: “At The Els Club we have always believed in leading and innovating in whatever we do, whether it is in the provision of outstanding facilities for our players, or, in this case, seeking to raise awareness of ASD in the region.

“The issue of autism is obviously a cause that is very close to our hearts here at The Els Club because the disorder affects Ernie’s son Ben, and so we are pleased to be able to get behind the drive for awareness in any way we can.

“We are the only Troon club in the UAE involved in this specific initiative.

“We are proud to be showing our support for Ernie, his family and, more broadly, this cause, and we look forward to people who frequent The Els Club doing the same.”

The Els Club also supports the Troon Golf Autism Awareness Month and Mark Chapleski, area managing director for Troon Middle East, said: “Troon and The Els Club are firmly committed to supporting further research and programmes for Autism.

“Ernie made the brave decision years ago to openly talk about his son Ben’s autism and since then has been responsible for raising millions of dollars and significantly increasing awareness of the affliction.”