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Ernie Els has achieved significant recognition in professional golf, transitioning from a celebrated player with numerous victories to an impactful philanthropist and entrepreneur.
Ernie Els has been named an official brand ambassador for JONDO, a brand specializing in golf performance eyewear. He has also deepened his partnership with the company as an investor.
SAP is a proud partner of Ernie Els and the Els for Autism Foundation. As an SAP brand ambassador, Els wears SAP branded clothing at major golf competitions and participates in SAP corporate golf events.
Ernie Els has found success in various business ventures away from the golf course, including a partnership with Stanley Black & Decker, which includes The Els Club Collection and Els Performance Golf Academy.
Arcis Golf continues a seven-year partnership with Ernie Els, his wife Liezl, and the Els for Autism Foundation.
Ernie Els has chosen to become a global ambassador for the Bobby Jones and Sunice brands as his official apparel partner.
Ernie Els is an ambassador for XXIO, recognizing their excellence and innovation in golf equipment.
Ernie Els is an ambassador for Cleveland Golf, noting their continued excellence and innovation in golf equipment.
Ernie Els is an ambassador for Srixon Golf, supporting the brand for its excellence and innovation in golf equipment.
Ernie Els is an ambassador for Bloodline Golf, endorsing their products as the best tools for his game.
EY is listed as a sponsor of Ernie Els, engaging in collaborations that shape the future of sports. (No specific partnership details found).
Boeing is a sponsor of Ernie Els. (No specific partnership details found).
ISPS Golf is a sponsor of Ernie Els. (No specific partnership details found).
NetJets is a sponsor of Ernie Els. (No specific partnership details found).
18Birdies is listed as a partner of Ernie Els. (No specific partnership details found).
Ernie Els co-founded ASM Scholarships, an athletic scholarship agency, with ASM Sports Group, helping athletes secure scholarships to American universities.
Sunice is listed as a partner of Ernie Els, providing official apparel.
JONDO is listed as a partner of Ernie Els.
Theodore Ernest “Ernie” Els was born on October 17, 1969, in Johannesburg, South Africa. He began playing golf at the age of eight and also excelled in junior tennis, winning the Eastern Transvaal Junior Championships at age 13. By 14, he achieved a scratch handicap and chose to focus solely on golf, quickly making a name for himself. In 1984, he won the Junior World Golf Championship in the Boys 13–14 division, notably finishing ahead of Phil Mickelson. A few months after his 17th birthday, Els became the youngest-ever winner of the South African Amateur Championship, breaking a record held since 1935 by Bobby Locke. He also won the South African Amateur Stroke Play Championship in 1989.
Els turned professional in 1989 and began his career on the Southern Africa Tour in 1991, securing his first professional win in 1992 at the Protea Assurance South African Open. His international career gained momentum in 1993 with a win at the Dunlop Phoenix in Japan. In 1994, he achieved his first major championship victory at the U.S. Open, defeating Colin Montgomerie and Loren Roberts in a playoff. This period marked the beginning of his rise to prominence, earning him the nickname “The Big Easy” due to his smooth swing and imposing physical presence. He continued to collect victories across the globe, including the Dubai Desert Classic and three consecutive World Match Play Championships from 1994 to 1996, a historic achievement. He also won the GTE Byron Nelson Classic in the United States and multiple events in South Africa, showcasing his consistent performance and global reach.
His career peaked with additional major championships, including a second U.S. Open title in 1997 at Congressional Country Club, and two Open Championships in 2002 at Muirfield and in 2012 at Royal Lytham & St Annes. Over his career, Els has accumulated 80 professional victories, including four major championships, one Senior Major, and two World Golf Championships. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011. Beyond golf, Els has focused on significant philanthropic efforts through The Els for Autism Foundation, established in 2009 with his wife Liezl, and The Ernie Els Foundation in South Africa, founded in 1999 to support young golfers from disadvantaged backgrounds. His diverse business interests also include golf course design, an award-winning wine portfolio, and a student-athlete recruitment program.
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