Ernie Els Net Worth: Driving to Riches on the Golf Course

Theodore Ernest Els (/ˈɛls/; born 17 October 1969) is a South African professional golfer. A former World No. 1, he is nicknamed “The Big Easy” due to his physical stature and fluid golf swing.

Among his more than 70 career victories are four major championships: the U.S. Open in 1994 at Oakmont and in 1997 at Congressional, and The Open Championship in 2002 at Muirfield and in 2012 at Royal Lytham & St Annes. He is one of six golfers to twice win both the U.S. Open and The Open Championship.

Ernie Els Net Worth

Ernie Els has a net worth of $85 million. Among his career achievements, Els won the US Open twice. Early in his career, he won the Dubai Desert Classic on the European Tour and the Toyota World Match Play Championship, defeating Colin Montgomerie 4 & 2.

The following year, Els defended the World Match Play Championship, defeating Steve Elkington 3 & 1. He won the GTE Byron Nelson Classic in the United States, then returned to South Africa, winning twice more. In 1996, Els won his third straight World Match Play Championship at Wentworth, defeating Vijay Singh 3 & 2.

Early Life

Growing up in Lambton, Germiston, South Africa, Els played rugby, cricket, tennis, and, starting at age 8, golf. He was a skilled junior tennis player and won the Eastern Transvaal Junior Championships at age 13. Els first learned golf from his father, Neels, a trucking executive, at the Germiston Golf Course.

He soon surpassed both his father and older brother, Dirk, and by age 14, he had a scratch handicap. Around this time, he decided to focus exclusively on golf.

Career

In 1989, Els turned professional. In 1991, he began playing on the Southern Africa Tour. In 1992, he won the Protea Assurance South African Open, his first professional win. He captured the tour’s Order of Merit during the 1991/92 and 1994/95 seasons.

In 1993, Els won his first tournament outside of South Africa at the Dunlop Phoenix in Japan. In 1994, he won his first major championship at the U.S. Open, tying with Colin Montgomerie and Loren Roberts after 72 holes, then winning an 18-hole playoff despite a bogey–triple bogey start.

Personal Life

Els married his wife Liezl in 1998 in Cape Town, and they have two children, Samantha and Ben. In 2008, after Els began displaying an “Autism Speaks” logo on his golf bag, it was announced that their then five-year-old son, Ben, was autistic.

Their main residence is at the Wentworth Estate near Wentworth Golf Club in the south of England. They also split time between South Africa and their family home in Jupiter, Florida to access better treatment for Ben’s autism.

How Many Wins Does Ernie Els Have on PGA Tour?

Ernie Els boasts 19 PGA Tour victories, a testament to his skill, consistency, and competitiveness on the golf course. These wins, along with his international successes, have cemented his legacy in the sport.

Conclusion

Ernie Els’s journey from a young golfer in South Africa to one of the wealthiest athletes in the sport exemplifies how talent, determination, and savvy business acumen can lead to success both on and off the course. His impact on golf is immeasurable, not only in terms of championships won but also in the grace and sportsmanship he brings to the game.

FAQs about Ernie Els

What is Ernie Els’s net worth? Ernie Els has a net worth of $85 million, accumulated through prize winnings, endorsements, and business ventures.
How did Ernie Els earn the nickname “The Big Easy”? Els earned his nickname due to his towering height, smooth golf swing, and laid-back personality.
What are Ernie Els’s major championship wins? Els has won four major championships: two U.S. Opens and two Open Championships.
What does Ernie Els do for philanthropy? Through his foundation, Els supports underprivileged youth in South Africa and advocates for autism awareness and support.
How many wins does Ernie Els have on the PGA Tour? Ernie Els has 19 PGA Tour wins, highlighting his successful career in professional golf.