All the latest news and stories from the world of golf, Ernie Els Design, Ernie Els Wines, and across Ernie’s philanthropic interests.
1. Ernie and Liezl Els open life-changing new facility for adults with ASD
Tuesday, August 29 was a momentous day for everyone at The Els for Autism Foundation®, as co-founders Ernie and Liezl Els led the celebrations of the grand opening of the Stoops Family Adult Services Building, a dedicated space for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Pictured from left-to-right: major donors Cindy & Randy Langenfeld, Executive Director Dr. Marlene Sotelo, Ben Els, co-founder Liezl Els, client Tyler Pavkov, co-founder Ernie Els, client Jennifer Langenfeld, Chairman Dr. Michael Alessandri, major donors Agnes, Jeff, & Lauren Stoops.
This impressive facility, located at The Els Center of Excellence® campus in Jupiter, Florida, is a place for individuals with ASD to access the essential support and services needed during the transition to adulthood years and throughout life as an adult. It represents a significant step in the foundation’s long-term vision of creating a world of limitless possibilities for individuals with ASD and their families.
However, the campus is still working on expanding its services. During the grand opening ceremony, government officials presented Els for Autism® with a $1 million appropriation to support the construction of a specialized autism recreation complex.
“What a day,” commented Ernie, as proceedings drew to a close. “Liezl and I want to personally extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this new building a reality. We couldn’t have reached this milestone without the incredible support of our community, generous donors, dedicated staff, and enthusiastic volunteers. We never take for granted their faith in us and their belief in our mission; they really are the driving force behind this latest achievement.”
For more information on The Els for Autism Foundation and its many activities and fundraising initiatives, please visit the official website: https://www.elsforautism.org/
2. Ernie looking forward to captain’s role at World Champions Cup
Ernie Els will lead the International Team in the inaugural World Champions Cup, a three-team match play competition featuring legends of the game, taking place at The Concession Club in Bradenton, Florida from December 7-10. Darren Clarke leads the European Team and Jim Furyk the United States.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun obviously,” commented Ernie, captain of the 2019 President’s Cup International Team and record seven-time winner of the World Matchplay Championship at Wentworth Club. “But it’s going to be super-competitive, too. I’m really looking forward to leading my team. The nine-hole format is going to be interesting. There’s no room for slow starts; you need to come out of the blocks fast and all guns blazing! For that reason, I think it’s going to be a good show for the fans.”
The World Champions Cup is a first-of-its kind international professional team championship that will be contested across three-days of nine-hole matches (both team formats and singles play). Points will be earned for holes won in each match. All matches will go the full nine-holes. After three-days, the team with the highest points total across all-matches played will win the World Champions Cup.
Sanctioned by the PGA TOUR, the World Champions Cup will immediately become far more than just a golf tournament; the event brings innovation to golf while celebrating its traditions, captivating both fans of old and fans of new, while showcasing international golf on the world’s biggest stage as it has never been done before.
For more details, visit the website: https://www.worldchampionscup.com/#news
3. Ernie Els #GameON Autism® International Golf Tournament
Individuals with autism, some as young as 5-years old, from all around the globe – including Ghana, UK, Canada, South Africa and the United States – teed off in the second annual Ernie Els #GameON Autism® International Golf Tournament on 17-18 July at the short course in the grounds of The Els Center of Excellence®. Players competed for a team and an individual title and a golf prize pack.
The team at Els for Autism report that it was a hugely successful day. Research has found that individuals with ASD benefit from physical activity in various ways. The team at Els for Autism, along with its network of international official program providers, are changing the culture of sports and recreation. People with autism are beginning to feel included and welcomed to participate in recreational activities, go to public places, and even take lessons or group classes with their local sports professionals.
In fact, recreation, particularly sports, is now believed to be an effective supplemental therapy for people with autism. Els for Autism is proud to offer training programs for professionals worldwide who want to deliver one of the Ernie Els #GameOn Autism® Sports Programs (i.e., Golf, Tennis, or Fitness) at their site.
For more information, visit the website: https://www.elsforautism.org/
4. A ‘truly exceptional vintage’ wins a gold medal
The team at Ernie Els Wines is thrilled to announce that the vineyard’s iconic 2017 Signature has received a gold medal at this year’s Decanter World Wine Awards, the world’s largest and most influential wine competition. It was awarded 95 points by the distinguished panel of world-class judges. “Great news!” said Ernie. “Another well-deserved accolade for head winemaker Louis Strydom and the rest of the team.”
The Signature, a Bordeaux-style blend, is the flagship wine in the Ernie Els Wines portfolio. It comprises all the classic varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Writing about the 2017 Signature, the Decanter World Wine Awards judges observed, “Dense inky black fruit aromas, with savoury notes of leather and forest floor, chocolatey undertones and hints of smoke. Pure on the palate, well-integrated.”
Although ready to drink now, this 2017 vintage can easily age for a decade or more, making it the perfect collector’s item. Visit the online shop at Ernie Els Wines: https://ernieelswines.com/southafrica/signature-2017/
5. What’s in the Bag
It’s five years since Ernie became a global ambassador for XXIO, including Srixon and Cleveland. “The three brands have provided a great mix for me,” says Ernie. “I won both my US Opens using Cleveland wedges and in my opinion you can’t beat them for aesthetics and performance. And being involved with a new brand like XXIO has been very enjoyable; they’re really going places and it’s always nice to have some input with the team in regard to the company’s product development.”
Driver: XXIO 12 Driver, 8.7 degrees
3-wood: XXIO X 3-wood, 14 degrees, EvenFlow Blue 6.5 85x shaft
Irons 2-5: Srixon ZX Mk II utility irons with KBS S-taper 130X shaft
Irons 6-9: Srixon ZX7 Mk II irons with KBS S-taper 130X shaft
Wedges: Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore Tour Rack wedges 52MB, 56MB, 60LB with KBS S taper 130X
Golf Ball: Srixon Z Star XV (yellow)
Glove: Srixon
Putter: Bloodline
Shoes: Puma PROADAPT ALPHACAT
Apparel: Bobby Jones & Sunice Sports
