Harper Lin
Ernie Els is a South African professional golfer who has had a remarkable career. With 65 wins worldwide, including four major titles, he is one of the most decorated golfers of the past two decades. He clinched the U.S. Open in 1994 and 1997 and The Open Championship in 2002 and 2012. Although Els left the PGA Tour aged 50 in 2020, he continues to play on the PGA Tour Champions. In addition to his golfing career, Els is also known for his charitable work, particularly his efforts to raise awareness and support for autism through the Els for Autism Foundation, which he founded in 2009 after his son Ben was diagnosed with autism. So, while Els may have slowed down since his peak, he certainly hasn't retired from golf.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Retirement status | Has not retired from golf |
| Current age | 55 |
| Current golfing activity | Plays on the PGA Tour Champions |
| Golf career highlights | 65-80 worldwide wins, 4 major titles, World No. 1 ranking, 7 World Matchplay titles, 2 World Golf Championships, 28 DP World Tour titles, 19 PGA Tour titles, 15 Sunshine Tour trophies, 3 PGA Tour Champions titles |
| Post-golf career | Golf course design, wine-making, charity work |
Explore related products
$15.81 $19.95
$7.41 $16.99
What You'll Learn
Ernie Els has not retired from golf
Ernie Els, the South African golfer, has not retired from golf. In fact, he is still actively playing in tournaments, such as the 125th US Open in 2021, and is also pursuing other ventures related to the sport.
Els is a former World No. 1 golfer with an impressive career that includes over 70 victories, four major championships, and a record seven World Match Play titles. He has won the US Open twice (1994 and 1997), and The Open Championship twice (2002 and 2012). His most recent major victory was in 2012, at the age of 42, showing his longevity in the sport.
Despite leaving the PGA Tour in 2020 at the age of 50, Els continues to play on the PGA Tour Champions. He has also found success off the course, with a thriving golf course design business, an award-winning wine portfolio, and charitable endeavours. He co-founded the Ernie Els and Fancourt Foundation in 1999, which aims to support underprivileged youth with an interest in golf. Additionally, following his son's autism diagnosis, he and his wife established the Els for Autism Foundation in 2009, which has led to various initiatives and events to raise funds and awareness for autism.
Ernie Els has left an indelible mark on the sport of golf, and his legacy continues to inspire golfers and fans alike. While he may have transitioned away from the main PGA Tour, he remains an active participant and contributor to the golfing world, showcasing his enduring passion for the game.
Golf Rounds: How Many Holes Make a Game?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
He left the PGA Tour aged 50 in 2020
Ernie Els, the South African golfer, has not retired from golf. Despite leaving the PGA Tour aged 50 in 2020, Els continues to play golf on the PGA Tour Champions.
Els' golf career has been illustrious. He is a former World No. 1 golfer with 65 wins worldwide, including four major championships: the U.S. Open in 1994 and 1997, and The Open Championship in 2002 and 2012. He is one of six golfers to have won both the U.S. Open and The Open Championship twice. Els was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011.
In addition to his success on the golf course, Els has transcended his sport through his charitable endeavours and business interests. He co-founded the Ernie Els and Fancourt Foundation in 1999, which aims to support talented youths from underprivileged backgrounds who show talent and potential in golf. Els and his wife also established the Els for Autism Foundation in 2009, after their son Ben was diagnosed with autism. The foundation led to the opening of The Els Center of Excellence, a world-class site offering leading-edge programmes and services for individuals with autism.
Els has also found success as a golf course designer, with 11 courses already open and seven more under development. His most well-known work is the Els Club in Dubai. Additionally, Els has business interests in wine-making, with his own award-winning portfolio of wines, Ernie Els Wines, based in South Africa.
Golf Shirts: What Fabrics Make Them Unique?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Els has won 65-75 times worldwide
Ernie Els is a South African professional golfer, born on 17 October 1969. He is nicknamed "the Big Easy" due to his stature and fluid golf swing. Els has had a remarkable career, with over 65 wins worldwide. He has won several prestigious tournaments and is a former World No. 1.
Els's career highlights include four major championships. He won the U.S. Open in 1994 and 1997, and The Open Championship in 2002 and 2012. In addition to these major victories, Els has had numerous other notable achievements. He topped the European Tour Order of Merit in 2003 and 2004 and won the World Match Play Championship a record seven times. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011, a testament to his outstanding career.
Els's success extends beyond his individual accomplishments. He has actively contributed to charitable initiatives, particularly those supporting autism awareness and youth development in golf. Els and his wife established the Els for Autism Foundation, hosting annual charity golf events and raising significant funds for schools and research facilities dedicated to autism. They also co-founded the Ernie Els and Fancourt Foundation, which identifies and supports talented youths from underprivileged backgrounds, providing educational and financial assistance to help them excel in golf.
Els's impact on the sport goes beyond his victories. He has been a leading figure in the globalisation of golf, embracing a globe-trotting schedule and taking a stand against the PGA Tour's preference for him to play more tournaments in the United States. His stance caused friction but also highlighted the global nature of the sport. Els has also been recognised for his graceful and aesthetic playing style, showcasing a silky playing style and trademark technique that led him to numerous victories.
Ernie Els's career is an inspiring testament to his dedication and talent. With over 65 wins worldwide, he has left an indelible mark on the sport, both through his playing achievements and his contributions to golf's global community and charitable initiatives. While exact numbers vary, with some sources citing 65 wins, others 70, and others 75, the consensus is that Els is one of the most decorated golfers of the past two decades.
Golf Tool Straightaway: Does It Work?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
He has been inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame
Ernie Els is a South African professional golfer. He is a former World No. 1 golfer with more than 70 career victories, including four major championships. He is one of six golfers to have won both the U.S. Open and The Open Championship twice.
Els was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2010 and inducted in May 2011. He was elected by his peers on the PGA Tour. He was inducted alongside Doug Ford, Jumbo Ozaki, former President George H. W. Bush, Jock Hutchison, and Frank Chirkinian.
Els has been involved in several charitable endeavours, including the Els for Autism Foundation, which he founded with his wife Liezl in 2009. The foundation has hosted annual charity golf events to raise funds for autism research and support. Els has also participated in the Gary Player Invitational series of charity golf events, which raise funds for underprivileged children worldwide.
Despite leaving the PGA Tour in 2020, Els continues to play golf on the PGA Tour Champions, where he has won several tournaments. He is also involved in golf course design, with projects all around the world.
Ernie Els has not retired from golf.
Golf Yips: What Are They and How to Fix Them?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Els has a thriving golf course design business
Ernie Els is a South African professional golfer, born in Johannesburg in 1969. He has been nicknamed "the Big Easy" due to his fluid golf swing. Els has had a remarkable career, with over 70 career victories, including four major championships. He is one of only six golfers to have won both the U.S. Open and The Open Championship twice.
Despite leaving the PGA Tour aged 50 in 2020, Els has not retired from golf. His love for the sport keeps him playing on the PGA Tour Champions. In addition to his continued participation in golf tournaments, Els has a thriving golf course design business.
Ernie Els Design was founded in 2000 and has since created an impressive portfolio of award-winning golf courses and renovations worldwide. The company has offices in South Africa, Florida, Malaysia, and Dubai and uses the latest technology to create stunning courses. Els' design philosophy is to create courses that work in harmony with the natural topography, resulting in aesthetically pleasing, challenging, and enjoyable layouts for golfers of all levels.
The Ernie Els Design team includes experienced professionals such as Greg Letsche and Thad Bell, who have designed numerous courses worldwide. The company has completed over 15 golf courses globally, with around 8 more currently in development. Ernie Els Design's portfolio includes Copperleaf in South Africa, the Anahita Four Seasons golf course in Mauritius, and the modernisation of Wentworth's West Course.
In addition to his golf course design business, Els has diversified interests, including Ernie Els Wines, which produces award-winning wines in South Africa, and charitable endeavours such as The Els for Autism Foundation and The Ernie Els Foundation, which provide support and opportunities for individuals with autism and underprivileged youth, respectively.
Golf Glory: Men's Olympic Competition
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, Ernie Els has not retired from golf. The former World No. 1 golfer left the PGA Tour aged 50 in 2020 but continues to play on the PGA Tour Champions.
Ernie Els has won 65-75 times worldwide, including four Major Championships, one Senior Major, two World Golf Championships, and a record seven World Matchplay titles.
Ernie Els has won the U.S. Open twice (1994, 1997), The Open Championship twice (2002, 2012), and the Qatar Masters in 2005. He was also the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year in 1994 and the European Golfer of the Year in 1994, 2002, and 2003.
