Ernie Els

Photo Ernie Els cropped

Theodore Ernest Els (born 17 October 1969) is a South African professional golfer. A former World No. 1, he is known for his imposing physical stature (he stands 6 feet 3 inches) along with his fluid, easy swing, which has earned him the nickname "The Big Easy." Els is one of the most successful golfers of his generation, having won numerous titles on both the PGA Tour and the European Tour.

Early Life and Amateur Career

Ernie Els was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. He showed a talent for golf from a young age, winning the Junior World Golf Championships in 1984. Els turned professional in 1989 after a successful amateur career, which included winning the South African Amateur Championship in 1986.

Professional Career

Els's professional career took off in the early 1990s. He won his first major championship at the U.S. Open in 1994, a victory he repeated in 1997. In 2002, he won his third major, the Open Championship, and added a fourth major title at the Open Championship in 2012.

PGA Tour

Els has been a consistent performer on the PGA Tour, with over 19 victories to his name. His notable wins include the Arnold Palmer Invitational, the Memorial Tournament, and the World Golf Championships.

European Tour

On the European Tour, Els has also been highly successful, winning over 28 titles. He has won the Order of Merit twice, in 2003 and 2004, and has been a key player in several Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup teams.

Playing Style

Ernie Els is known for his smooth, effortless swing, which has been described as one of the best in the history of golf. His calm demeanor on the course has also earned him respect among his peers and fans alike.

Personal Life

Els is married to Liezl Els, and they have two children. The family resides in Jupiter, Florida. Els is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly through the Els for Autism Foundation, which he founded after his son was diagnosed with autism.

Legacy

Ernie Els's contributions to golf extend beyond his victories. He has designed several golf courses around the world and has been involved in various charitable activities. His influence on the game is widely recognized, and he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011.

See Also

• List of golfers with most PGA Tour wins
• List of golfers with most European Tour wins
• Golf in South Africa

External Links

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