Date of Birth: October 17, 1969
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Biography
Theodore Ernest Els, better known as Ernie Els, is a South African professional golfer who has been one of the leading figures in the sport since the early 1990s. Born on October 17, 1969, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Els has earned the nickname “The Big Easy” due to his imposing physical stature (standing at 6 feet 3 inches tall) and his smooth, seemingly effortless golf swing. Els turned professional in 1989 and quickly made a name for himself on the international stage, winning his first major championship at the U.S. Open in 1994. He went on to win three more major titles: another U.S. Open in 1997 and two Open Championships in 2002 and 2012. Over his career, Els has accumulated more than 70 professional victories worldwide, including 19 PGA Tour wins and 28 European Tour wins. Off the course, Els is known for his charitable work, particularly in support of autism research, inspired by his son, Ben, who is affected by the condition. Ernie Els has been inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.
5 Interesting Facts about Ernie Els
1. Ernie Els was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011.
2. Els has designed numerous golf courses around the world, showcasing his passion for the architecture of the game.
3. He is a wine enthusiast and owns a winery in Stellenbosch, South Africa.
4. In addition to his major championship wins, Els has finished as a runner-up six times in major championships.
5. Els established the Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation in 1999 to help identify and nurture young talented golfers from South Africa.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Ernie Els
1. “You have to be tough and stick it out, and that’s what the golf swing is about.”
2. “You can’t win a major if you’re afraid to win one.”
3. “You need to play with supreme confidence, or else you’ll lose again, and then losing becomes a habit.”
4. “Golf is a game of respect and sportsmanship; we have to respect its traditions and its rules.”
5. “My biggest asset is that I have a great team behind me, both on and off the course.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Ernie Els’ highest net worth achieved is estimated to be around $85 million.
Children
Ernie Els has two children with his wife, Liezl: a daughter named Samantha Leigh Els, born in 1999, and a son named Ben Neels Els, born in 2002.
Relevant Links
1. [Ernie Els Official Website](https://www.ernieels.com
2. [Ernie Els Profile on PGA Tour](https://www.pgatour.com/players/player.07983.ernie-els.html
3. [World Golf Hall of Fame Profile](https://www.worldgolfhalloffame.org/ernie-els/
4. [Ernie Els Foundation](https://ernieels.com/foundation/
5. [Ernie Els Wines](https://ernieelswines.com
