ABOUT ERNIE
Golfer, Philanthropist, Entrepreneur
Ernie Els is a former World No.1 with 80 professional victories to his name, including four Major Championships, one Senior Major, two World Golf Championships and a record seven World Matchplay titles.
Away from the golf course, Ernie has transcended his sport by virtue of his groundbreaking charitable endeavours. Ernie and his wife Liezl founded The Els for Autism Foundation in 2009, which led to the opening of The Els Center of Excellence, a world-class site hosting leading-edge programs and services for individuals with autism. In addition, Ernie founded The Ernie Els Foundation in South Africa in 1999, delivering educational assistance and golfing opportunities to young individuals predominantly from families of limited resources.
Ernie’s increasingly diverse range of business interests successfully encompass golf course design and hospitality, an award winning wine portfolio created by Ernie Els Wines in South Africa, an innovative range of pet products and a biltong company.
80
Professional Career Wins
4
Major Championships
2
World Golf Championships
LATEST NEWS
What's happening on and off the golf course
16 June 2025
31 years after his first major championship win at Oakmont Country Club, Ernie was back last weekend at this iconic golf course for the 125th US Open, the 10th time it had hosted America’s national open. Ernie was in the Sky Sports commentary box on Sunday, giving his assessment on this most nerve-shredding of days for the leading players. Earlier in the week, Ernie had posted an insightful article on social media praising Oakmont, explaining what it takes to win there, and why that breakthrough victory in 1994 at the age of just 24 means more and more to him as the years go by.
Read the full story here
EQUIPMENT
What's in the bag?
Here’s what’s in my bag for the current Champions Tour season.
The Els For Autism Golf Challenge 2025.
The Golf Challenge is a series of golf tournaments to benefit Els for Autism. The Regional Event Series is held annually at top-rated golf courses across the US and Canada, concluding with a Grand Finale which this year will be at the spectacular Royal Blue GC at Baha Mar in the Bahamas (pictured). Click below for the full event schedule and information on how to take part.
When it comes to equipment 
the tools of my trade it has to be the best. That’s why I’m proud to be an ambassador for these brands XXIO, Cleveland Golf, Srixon Golf and Bloodline Golf. They continue to excel and innovate and I’m grateful for their support.
ERNIE ELS DESIGN
Beauty by Design
The international scope of Ernie’s career wins is mirrored in the global reach of his designs. Stunning, award-winning signature golf courses and renovations are making a big impact all around the world, while staying true to the firm’s founding principle of leaving the lightest of footprints on the landscape.
The Ernie Els Charities SA Series 2025.
The Ernie Els Charities SA Series golf days are held at some of South Africa’s finest golf courses, with all funds raised benefitting Els for Autism programs and services in Ernie’s homeland.
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