Ernie Els Net Worth: A Golfing Legend’s Journey

Ernie Els, born Theodore Ernest Els on October 17, 1969, in Johannesburg, South Africa, is a well-known professional golfer with a successful career. His net worth is an amazing $85 million. This article will go into detail on Ernie Els Net Worth, early years, career highlights, personal life, scandals, and accolades and achievements.

Ernie Els Net Worth

Early Years

Ernie Els, known affectionately as “The Big Easy,” had an interest in sports at a young age, playing tennis, rugby, and cricket. Golf, however, was the true love of his life. At the age of 17, he became the youngest individual to ever win the South African Amateur Championship. His road to stardom had started.

Els attended the University of Stellenbosch, where he continued to improve his game while pursuing a degree in Marketing.

Career

Ernie Els’ professional golf career began in 1989, after winning the South African Amateur Stroke Play Championship. His potential was instantly recognized when he won his first professional tournament in 1991 on the Southern Africa Tour, now known as the Sunshine Tour. Els dominated the circuit, winning the Order of Merit in both 1991/92 and 1994/95 seasons.

Els had success outside of South Africa, winning the Dunlop Phoenix in Japan in 1993. His global breakthrough came in 1994, when he won his first major event at the U.S. Open, defeating Colin Montgomerie and Loren Roberts in an 18-hole playoff.

Throughout the mid-1990s, Els continued to demonstrate his abilities, winning prominent events including as the Dubai Desert Classic on the European Tour and the Toyota World Match Play Championship, when he overcame Montgomerie once more. In 1996, he created history by winning his third World Match Play Championship in a row, a feat that has never been repeated in the event.

Els’ career reached its height between 1997 and 2002, when he won four major championships and countless circuit titles. In 1997, he won his second United States Open championship, becoming the first foreign player to do so since 1910. Els’ dominance spanned several events, including the Buick Classic and the Johnnie Walker Classic.

2000- 2007

In celebration of his major championships and World Match Play titles, Els was granted honorary life membership on the European Tour in 2000. Despite nearly missing out on major championships in 2000, he remained a powerful contender on the world golf scene.

Els had a banner year in 2002, winning the Heineken Classic, the Genuity Championship, and the coveted Open Championship at Muirfield. His win at Muirfield silenced naysayers and solidified his image as a psychologically difficult fighter. Els also won his fourth World Match Play championship and his third Nedbank Challenge triumph.

Els continued to dominate from 2003 to 2005, winning a number of PGA and European Tour events. He won his first European Tour Order of Merit in 2003, with victories at the Mercedes Championship and the Sony Open. Despite suffering a knee injury in 2005, Els showed tenacity by winning the Dunhill Championship and the Qatar Masters, becoming only the second golfer after Lee Westwood to win on all six major tours recognized by the International Federation of PGA Tours.

Els was a key player in golf’s “Big Five era” alongside Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, Retief Goosen, and Phil Mickelson, dominating the sport and winning nine major titles in all. Despite hurdles and disappointments, Els’ exceptional skill and persistence cemented his place as one of golf’s greatest champions.

In 2007, Ernie Els started on a three-year strategy to challenge Tiger Woods for the world number one position, with the goal of recommitting himself to the game. However, his journey was marred by setbacks, most notably missing the cut at the 2007 Masters Tournament, which broke his straight cut streaks on the PGA and European Tours.

2008-2016

Els, who was sometimes likened to Greg Norman in terms of both their numerous major championship triumphs and his disappointments, had difficulties in major events, coming second in six majors, most notably losing to Phil Mickelson at the 2004 and 2000 Masters events.

Els won the Honda Classic in 2008, breaking his PGA Tour winless streak of three and a half years. He also changed swing instructors, moving from David Leadbetter to Butch Harmon, with the goal of tightening and shortening his swing.

Els ended his winless skid by winning the WGC-CA Championship in 2010 and the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill, which sent him to the top of the FedEx Cup rankings. He came close to winning his third U.S. Open title in 2010 and finished the year with victories at the PGA Grand Slam of Golf and the South African Open.

Els shocked the golf world in 2012 when he birdied the 72nd hole to win his fourth major championship. This triumph revitalized his career and gained him exemptions into additional tournaments.

Despite setbacks in succeeding years, Els achieved success in 2013 by winning the BMW International Open in Munich. However, he continued to struggle, notably with his putting, which drew criticism during the 2016 Masters Tournament when he six-putted from three feet.

2020-present

Els made his PGA Tour Champions debut in 2020, shortly after reaching the age of 50. He made an immediate impression, tying for the lead in his debut tournament and going on to win the Hoag Classic and the SAS Championship later that year.

In March 2023, Els repeated his accomplishment by winning the Hoag Classic, displaying his ongoing brilliance and tenacity on the golf game.
Els wears multiple hats: golfer, course designer, vintner, and philanthropist. His golf course design business and winemaking ventures contribute significantly to his wealth. Els also runs a charitable foundation, making a positive impact beyond the fairways.

Personal Life

He is married to Liezl Els, and they have two children: Samantha and Ben. The Els family is very engaged in charity, notably in raising awareness and funding for autism research and education. Their son, Ben, was diagnosed with autism at an early age, prompting the Els family to start the Els for Autism Foundation, which seeks to give information and aid to individuals and families impacted by autism spectrum disease.

Awards and Achievements

Two-time winner of the US Open and the Open Championship.
A record-breaking seven-time World Match Play Championship winner.
Numerous PGA Tour triumphs and major championships solidify his status among golf’s best.

In addition to his major triumphs, Els has an excellent international record, having won on the European Tour, Sunshine Tour, and PGA Tour. He has represented South Africa in a number of team tournaments, including the Presidents Cup and the World Cup of Golf, garnering recognition for his contributions to the country’s success.

He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2010, receiving many Player of the Year accolades, and being recognized as one of the finest players of his generation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ernie Els

1. How many professional career victories does Ernie Els have?

Ernie boasts an impressive 76 professional career victories, including four Major Championships, two World Golf Championships, and a record seven World Matchplay titles¹.

2. What is Ernie Els’ net worth?

Ernie Els’ net worth stands at a remarkable $85 million.

3. What major championships has Ernie Els won?

Els has triumphed in the following major championships: US Open (1994, 1997), Open Championship (2002, 2012)

4. What records and statistics does Ernie Els hold?

He holds the record for the most consecutive weeks inside the Top-10 of the Official World Golf Ranking (758 weeks).
Ernie was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011.
He recorded 300 career top-ten finishes since the inception of the Official Golf World Rankings in 1986.
Els holds the European Tour record for the lowest 72-hole total relative to par (29-under par, 2003 Johnnie Walker Classic).

5. What philanthropic endeavors is Ernie Els involved in?

Ernie founded The Els for Autism Foundation in 2009, leading to the establishment of The Els Center of Excellence in Florida.
His Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation in South Africa identifies and assists young individuals, including golfers like Louis Oosthuizen and Branden Grace.

6. What other business ventures does Ernie Els pursue?

Ernie Els is involved in golf course design, hospitality, and winemaking. His award-winning wine portfolio is created by Ernie Els Wines in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

7. Has Ernie Els ever won the Masters?

Despite his groundbreaking wins and records, Els has never won the Masters.

8. What is Ernie Els’ full name?

Ernies’ full name is Theodore Ernest Els.

9. When was Ernie Els born?

Els was born on October 17, 1969.

10. Where is Ernie Els from?

Els is from Johannesburg, South Africa.

11. What is Ernie Els’ nickname?

Ernie is often referred to as “The Big Easy.”

12. Is Ernie Els married?

He Els is married to Liezl Els.

13. How many children does Ernie Els have?

Ernie has two children, Samantha and Ben.

14. What is Ernie Els’ golf course design company called?

Ernie’s golf course design company is called Ernie Els Design.

15. Has Ernie Els ever competed in the Ryder Cup?

He has competed in the Ryder Cup multiple times as a member of the International Team.

16. What is Ernie Els’ most famous golf swing characteristic?

Ernie Els has earned the nickname “The Big Easy” due to his smooth and powerful golf swing.

Wrap Up

Ernie Els embodies endurance, talent, and generosity, making an unforgettable impression on the world of golf. His path from Germiston to global prominence has inspired generations of golf aficionados. He is a versatile entrepreneur and philanthropist, in addition to being a golf icon.