Because he is tall, easy going on and off the golf course, and most notably because his golf swing is fluid, effortless and yet produces great power.
Ernie Els was born in South Africa on 17 October 1969.
He has 71 professional career victories to his name, including four Major Championships, two World Golf Championships and a record seven World Match Play titles.
He has won the World Match Play Championship, a one-on-one challenge, more times than anyone else. In fact, the man whose record he passed is fellow South African, Gary Player.
When he's not playing golf he is keeping himself busy with golf course design, wine making and many other business ventures.
He is also the founder of the Els for Autism Foundation.
U.S. Open: 1994 (Oakmont), 1997 (Congressional)
The Open Championship: 2002 (Muirfield), 2012 (Royal Lytham & St Annes)
He is one of only six golfers to win both the U.S. Open and The Open Championship twice. Additionally, Els topped the European Tour Order of Merit in 2003 and 2004 and holds the record for the most wins at the World Match Play Championship, with seven titles. His career also includes being the first golfer to earn over €25 million on the European Tour and a significant tenure in the top ten of the Official World Golf Ranking, with 788 weeks in that elite group until 2013. In recognition of his contributions to golf, he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011.
Beyond his golfing achievements, Els is also a dedicated philanthropist. The Autism Foundation led to the establishment of The Els Center of Excellence, providing resources and support for individuals with autism. Additionally, he founded The Ernie Els Foundation in South Africa in 1999, aimed at offering educational opportunities and golf training for underprivileged youth.
Els has diversified his career through various business interests, including golf course design and a successful wine brand, Ernie Els Wines. His entrepreneurial ventures also include a range of pet products and a biltong company.
As of July 2024, Els secured his first senior major title at the Kaulig Companies Championship, marking his third win of the Champions Tour season and bringing his total professional victories to 79.
Updated: 22-Aug-2024 | Email feedback to this question
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