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A true South African legend

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

1 May 2025

A victory and five top-5s from seven starts is the story of Ernie’s Champions Tour season to date, a consistent spell of play that adds up to a cumulative 80-under par and a current scoring average of 68.04. It places him in third position on the Charles Schwab Cup Money List. Away from the tournament scene, in the space of little more than a month Ernie paid site visits to three spectacular new Ernie Els Design golf courses on three different continents - The Els Club Vilamoura in Portugal (pictured right), Zimbali Lakes in South Africa and Oleada Golf Links on Mexico’s captivating Baja Peninsula.

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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 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.

Click here for more details
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.

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South Africa

Zimbali Lakes, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Ernie says, “Projects of this magnitude are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. The location is incredible - beautiful open spaces, right by the ocean, and there’s no question that property is booming here. It’s all world class and that’s what our brand stands for; that’s what we showcase to everyone around the world when we create a golfing destination of the quality of Zimbali Lakes.”
Indonesia

Lido Lakes, West Java, Indonesia

Ernie says, “It’s such a beautiful piece of land with incredible views, so naturally we wanted to work with that and create a golf course that goes with the flow and makes the most of this spectacular natural topography. Holes work in multiple directions, with water bodies and natural features. It really looks like it belongs, which is one of our core philosophies at Ernie Els Design.”
Bahamas

Albany, New Providence, The Bahamas

Ernie says, “We knew from the very first site visit to this beautiful ocean-front setting that this course was going to be something spectacular. We’re so proud of this layout. It’s the kind of golf course you just want to keep playing over and again. And the top pros get to do just that! Albany has been the home of the Hero World Challenge hosted by Tiger Woods since 2015."

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.

Click here for more details

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