Ernie Els was an accomplished, multi-sport athlete growing up in South Africa. He played soccer, rugby, cricket, and won a junior tennis tournament at age 13. He was a scratch golfer at age 14, and won the world junior golf championship in San Diego, California. Els turned pro in 1989 and has become an international golf superstar. He’s won over 60 tournaments, 3 major championships, and 7 world match play titles.
Els has set his sights on winning all four major championships. He already has a British Open Claret Jug on his mantle, to go with two U.S. Open Championships. After tearing his ACL in 2005, Els looks like he is finally back to full strength, and ready to add to his major title count.
Winning golf tournaments pales in comparison to Ernie’s latest challenge. After his son Ben was diagnosed with autism three years ago, Els relocated his family to Florida for better treatment, and formed the Els for Autism Foundation. He is helping to fund an Autism Center of Excellence that not only focuses on treating kids ages 3-21 but also is dedicated to sponsoring many different types of research. http://www.ernieels.com/golf/autism_section_intro_page.html<ref>
Fast Facts:
- Has won U.S. Open twice (1994), (1997)
- British Open Champion (2002)
Ernie Els Vital Stats
- PGA Tour: Player Profile
- Height: 6-3
- Weight: 210
- Years Pro: 18
