Ernie Els is a former World No.1 with 79 professional victories to his name, including four Major Championships, 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.

Ernie claimed the first senior major of his career at the Kaulig Companies Championship at the iconic Firestone CC, Akron, Ohio on Sunday 14 July. It was Ernie’s third win of the 2024 Champions Tour season and it elevates him into the No.1 spot on the Schwab Cup rankings. It brings his tally of professional career wins to 79.

“Obviously, it feels great to win again, the first senior major of my career," commented Ernie. "It’s taken a little while, but this feels very sweet. It’s kind of hard to believe, but I’ve been coming to Firestone for 32 years, one of the great golf courses that we play on Tour, and this is my first win here. It goes to show that it pays to keep trying in this game!"