Owner of Manchester United in Vic Falls and Livingstone
BRITISH billionaire and Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has chosen Zimbabwe to celebrate his 74th birthday, praising the country’s natural beauty, golf tourism and warm hospitality in an endorsement of its recreation offering.
Sir Jim, founder of global chemicals company INEOS, arrived at Victoria Falls International Airport on Saturday ahead of his birthday celebrations yesterday.
He marked the occasion with a round of golf at Elephant Hills Golf Course, describing the experience as magnificent.
The billionaire is on an eight-day visit that will also take him to Hwange National Park and Mana Pools National Park, two of Zimbabwe’s renowned wildlife destinations.
Speaking after his round at Elephant Hills yesterday, Sir Jim said he had chosen Zimbabwe for his birthday because of its natural attractions and welcoming people.
“It is my birthday today, and we have chosen Zimbabwe for my birthday, and it’s been a glorious golf course, the people have been lovely, the weather’s fantastic,” he said.
“Apart from one tree which I hit with my golf ball, the morning has been wonderful and we are now following this with Hwange and then Mana Pools.”
Sir Jim praised the golf course’s natural setting, saying its scenery and wildlife made the experience particularly memorable.
“Elephant Hills Golf Course is marvellous, it’s been thoroughly enjoyable, and the nice thing about golf is it takes you to some really interesting places, some really nice courses, but this is very special because the trees are magnificent and I love nature and trees,” he said.
“The scenery was magnificent, it’s very quiet, there are not many people here and the people we did meet were very courteous and friendly, and then, thirdly of course, you have got animals on the golf course, so you have got impala and warthog and bush buck and it’s just, you know, one with nature, really so thoroughly enjoyable and I made a few putts, so I’m always happy if I make a few putts.