EEFF Special Award for former member Louis Oosthuizen

Ernie shot impressive rounds of 64, 66 to win the 2011 Ernie Els Invitational in December, but as always the most important business of the week was raising funds for the Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation and on this occasion recognizing the achievements of one of the Foundation's former members, Louis Oosthuizen, winner of the 2010 Open Championship and runner-up at this year's Masters.

This was the first Ernie Els Invitational since Louis' historic win at St Andrews in 2010 and Ernie took great pleasure in personally handing this special award to Louis. "It is particularly special to have Louis with us this week," commented Ernie. "He is such a wonderful ambassador for both our Foundation and our country and it was great to be able to honour him at tonight's function."

In accepting the award Louis paid tribute to Ernie and the positive influence he has had on his career, both during his time at the Foundation, as well as during his professional career. "I am very grateful for the support that I received from Ernie and the Foundation and for the work that Ernie and the Foundation continues to do for golf in South Africa," said Louis. "I have no doubt that we will see many more champions coming out of the Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation."

The Ernie Els Invitational is played every two years at Fancourt and it has as its charitable beneficiary, the Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation. This year more than R2 million ($250,000) was raised for the Foundation, which Ernie started in 1999 and which continues to provide school and golf opportunities to talented young golfers from families of limited resources in South Africa.

For more information on the Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation click here.