He may very well be known as golf’s comeback kid when he won convincingly in 2007 the US PGA Tour, but Ernie Els was cautious up until the time he was proclaimed the winner. It was a special moment all the more significant because it took long in coming. As he says, “When they eventually told me I’d won,” he wrote, “It was a mixture of relief and excitement. I’ve won more than 60 tournaments around the world, but this one feels special.” That windy day in the PGA National Resort and Spa Champion Course, very few will forget just how difficult the conditions were. The wind was wild and the course was tough, and yet against all odds. Ernie Els did it. But that’s not all he’s famous for.
World Golf Hall of Famer
This 2011, Ernie Els was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame along with Doug Ford, Frank Chirkinian, former US President, George Bush, Jumbo Ozaki, and Jock Hutchison. Gary Player, a fellow South African was inducted much earlier in 1974.
Ernie Els has won 62 titles: 15 PGA Tours, 18 Sunshine Tours in home turf, South Africa, 21 times on the European circuit, 5 times in the World up and several other important tournaments around the world. He also holds the record of winning the Matchplay Championship 7 times as compared to the 5 wins of Gary Player.
Who is Ernie Els?
He appears to have been playing golf all his life and became a force when he won the Junior World Golf Championship in 1984 in San Diego. Since then, it has been a bumpy ride with exciting wins and adventures. He has traveled around the world playing golf and being a great humanitarian and ambassador of goodwill.
As a junior golfer, he already had his Ernie Els and Fancourt Foundation. This is an organization that helps young teenagers with a talent for golf achieve their dreams. It’s a noble task to undertake and one that requires true generosity and concern for the marginalized.
As a person, he has affected the lives of so many people. People who meet him call him an inspiration and excellent role model. Even other golfers have seen the impact his character plays in promoting true sportsmanship in golf.
In his personal life, he has his own share of troubles. His son is autistic and so Ernie got involved in charities and groups who could make a difference in the livers of an autistic child and his family. He has set up the Els for Autism Foundation and just 2 years ago, the foundation was able to raise $725,000 for a non-profit school in Florida.
It appears he practices the credo: “you have to give to get.” Impressive golfer with a heart of gold – that’s Ernie Els.