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
WEEKLY DIARY
Ernie's Latest News
19 January 2025
Ernie claimed victory in the first tournament of the 2025 PGA Champions Tour season, the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai GC in Hawaii, shooting an impressive 18-under par three-round aggregate. It was his seventh Champions Tour win and it brings his tally of professional career wins to 80. It was his fifth win on Hawaiian soil, having also won the 2003 Sentry, 2003 & 2004 Sony Open and 1997 PGA Grand Slam of Golf.
Speaking after the trophy presentation, Ernie commented…
“It was so great to be back in Hawaii again. I’ve been coming here for almost 30 years; it’s the perfect place to start the new season. It’s like paradise. And obviously it’s very special to get the win and to have Liezl with me this week, too. I’ve been trying to get my hands on that trophy for five years now. What a battle it was. Getting it done under the gun is always very satisfying. It was a very tight race all day, all week really. I had to make some clutch putts. Even if you don’t believe in yourself as much, days like this when you make those putts like you used to, it gives you hope again.”
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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 United States. 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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