Shaikh Maktoum Golf Foundation joins Els' autism drive

Autism has become part of Els' life after his son Ben, now aged six, was diagnosed with the disorder and the three-time winner of the Dubai Desert Classic has taken up the challenge to get more people involved and start getting to what causes autism and what can be done to treat it.

"You want your kid to be a normal kid, like everybody," Els said in an interview. "You want your kid to play sports and you want your kid to do normal things, and when it doesn't happen you kind of ask questions. You want to know the answer. And there's no simple, straight answer.

"I've got a bit of a profile and, hopefully, it will help to grab a bit of the attention that the condition needs. Ben is a lovely boy but he's quite affected by it," said Els, who has put his design footprints on Dubai's golfing landscape with 'The Els Club' located at the Victory Heights golf residential development at Dubai Sports City.

"Obviously, it's been a bit of a challenge and, as any family in our position would tell you, it's not easy. It's a change of life, a change of priorities. This isn't just about me and my family, though. This is about the millions of families all over the world who has a loved one affected by this condition," said Els who is also a spokesperson for Autism Speaks, the only UK charity dedicated to raising funds for biomedical research into the causes of autism.

"I am really grateful to the Shaikh Maktoum Golf Foundation for supporting me in spreading the message about autism. We players have a great relationship with the people in Dubai and for me it's like another home," said Els, who is also a global ambassador for golf in DUBAi - the promoters and organisers of the Dubai Desert Classic.

The Shaikh Maktoum Golf Foundation, set up by 'golf in DUBAi' in 2006, is aimed at identifying and nurturing a future generation of champions in the Arab world.

Helping kids who aim to take up golf is the mission of the foundation which is named after His Highness Shaikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Mohamed Juma Buaimaim, vice chairman and CEO of 'golf in DUBAi, said: "We would try and spare no pain in helping Ernie in his drive to raise awareness about autism. "It's very important to have prominent people, like Ernie, talking about this disorder. What he is doing is certainly commendable.

"Els has always been a great supporter of golf in Dubai and if we can contribute in any way to his noble cause, we will do. He is a true champion - on and off the course. We are with him...always."