Ernie Els hasn't yet seen the headland outside Kinsale in Co Cork that will be his first signature course in Europe. But when the world's number three golfer does eventually get to see it, probably in late-spring or early-summer depending on his playing itinerary, he is sure to be eternally thankful for the opportunity to craft a course - to be called the Hangman's Point PGA course - on such spectacular terrain overlooking the Celtic Sea.
The golf course is to form part of an integrated tourism venture known as Kinsale Harbour Resort being developed by a consortium of predominantly Irish businessmen at a cost of €200 million that will also include a five-star hotel operated by the Hyatt group and an international equestrian centre.
"Ernie will be highly visible throughout the entire project," said Mike Kenny of the South African's design company.
"He's not just interested in putting his name on it . . . he'll be making multiple visits."
Although Els, who is defending his title in the Heineken Classic in Australia, was obviously unable to attend yesterday's launch, he issued a statement in which he claimed it was "a fantastic opportunity to combine a passion for the game in Ireland together with my design team's talents".
So it is that Els's personal Gulfstream 4 jet is likely to become a regular sight at nearby Cork Airport as he oversees a layout that will make the most of its breathtaking location with many greens located near cliff edges and with 17 holes having sea views.
"This might be the jewel of them all," said Jeremy Slessor, the managing director of European Golf Design, who were also responsible for developments such as the Sporting Club of Berlin, the PGA de Catalunya in Spain, the Marquis course at Woburn in England and Carton House in Kildare.
The course and academy will take up some 260 acres on the 430-acre site with the project expected to take three years to be completed. Up to 15 kilometres of hedgerows featuring indigenous flora will be planted during the course's construction.
A full environmental impact and feasibility study have been conducted and landscape plan drawn up, while those behind the development - which will create an initial 350 jobs directly involved in the operation of the resort, an estimated further 450 indirect jobs in the locality and 300 jobs in the construction phase of the project - have promoted strong links with the local community.
Unlike many new developments in Ireland in recent years, there will be no club membership. Instead, revenue will be generated by green fees which, although still to be set, "will attract the tourist golfer, not at the top end but at the lower end of premiership golf courses", said a spokesman.
The proposed course has been tied in with the PGA - with PGA Golf Management signed up to manage and market the development.
The name derives from a local headland, Hangman's Point, which got its name after hangings were carried out there in the aftermath of the Battle of Kinsale in 1601.
