Who's who: Ernie Els

  • Torrey Pines - South course, host of the Farmers Insurance Open
  • Prince's GC, England
  • Torrey Pines - South course, host of the Farmers Insurance Open
  • Terras da Comporta, Dunas
  • Monte Rei G&CC
  • Marco Simone GC (Italy); host of the Ryder Cup 2023
  • Pebble Beach host of the US Open; US Women's Open; Pebble Beach Pro-Am
  • Marco Simone GC

Who's who: Ernie Els

  • Name:

    Theodore Ernest "Ernie" Els
  • Also known as:

    The Big Easy
  • Country:

    South Africa
  • Born:

    Oct 17, 1969 in Johannesburg, S Africa.
  • Original/Home Club:

  • Occupation:

    Professional golfer; golf course designer; wine producer; campaigner for autism awareness.
  • Turned Pro:

    1989
  • Website:

    https://www.ernieels.com

Roll of Honour

MAJORS (4): US Open (1994, '97); The Open (2002, '12). South African Amateur champion (1986). Presidents Cup player (1996, '98, 2000, '03, '07, '09, '11, '13). Presidents Cup captain (2019). Multiple wins on the US PGA, European, Sunshine and other international tour. European Tour Order of Merit winner (2003, '04).

Has held the official ranking of world's No.1 male golfer. World Golf Hall of Fame (inducted 2011). Old Tom Morris Award (2018, GCSAA).

Golf course design

Ernie has designed several golf courses that include (but are not limited to): Anahita (Mauritius); Mission Hills Shenzhen (Els course); Whiskey Creek (Maryland); Oubaai (S Africa); Els Club (Dubai); Wentworth, West course (Eng, 2011 modifications).

Did you know?

Ernie Els' many successes in all parts of the world have made him one of the most recognised golfers of the modern era. He is known as the "Big Easy" for the wonderful rhythm and grace of his swing, envied by amateurs and fellow professionals alike.

Top tournaments won by Ernie Els

2023
America
Newport Beach, CA
200 (-13)
$300,000
Hoag

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Venue

Newport Beach, CA

Score

200 (-13)

Prize money

$300,000

Title sponsor

Hoag

Played as the Hoag Classic (Mar 17-19). Second-placed Steve Stricker (USA) and Doug Barren (USA) finished 1 shot behind Ernie Els (RSA), who recorded a bogey-free 6-under 65 in the final round to clinch the win. [Newport Beach CC, Newport Beach, CA].

2020
America
204 (-12)
$315,000
SAS Institute

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

204 (-12)

Prize money

$315,000

Title sponsor

SAS Institute

Played as the SAS Championship (Oct 9-11). Second-placed Colin Montgomerie (Scot) finished 1 shot behind Ernie Els (RSA), who claimed his second PGA Tour Champions win. [Highlands & Meadows hybrid course, Prestonwood CC, Cary, NC].

2020
America
Newport Beach, CA
197 (-16)
$270,000
Hoag

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Venue

Newport Beach, CA

Score

197 (-16)

Prize money

$270,000

Title sponsor

Hoag

Played as the Hoag Classic (Mar 6-8). Second-placed Fred Couples (USA), Glen Day (USA) and Robert Karlsson (Swe) finished 2 shots behind 50-year-old Ernie Els (RSA), who recorded his first PGA Tour Champions win in just his third start on the Tour. [Newport Beach CC, Newport Beach, CA].

2013
Europe
270 (-18)
€333,330
BMW

Category

Europe

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

270 (-18)

Prize money

€333,330

Title sponsor

BMW

Played as the BMW International Open (June 20-23). Second-placed Thomas Bjørn (Den) finished 1 shot behind wire-to-wire winner Ernie Els (RSA), who recorded the last of his 28 European Tour titles. [Golfclub München Eichenried, nr Munich, Germany].

2012
Majors
273 (-7)
£900,000
R&A

Category

Majors

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

273 (-7)

Prize money

£900,000

Title sponsor

R&A

The Open Championship (141st) (July 19-22). A second Open Championship title for Els (RSA), whose final day back-nine 32 helped him eclipse Adam Scott (Aus) by 1 shot. The Australian, chasing his first Major, held a four shot lead with four to play, but had to settle for second place after bogeying each of the last four holes. [Royal Lytham & St Annes GC, nr Blackpool, Lancs].

Category

WGC

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

270 (-18)

Prize money

$1,400,000

Title sponsor

CA

Played as the WGC-CA Championship (March 11-14). Second-placed Charl Schwartzel (RSA) finished 4 shots behind fellow countryman Els (RSA). [Blue Monster course, Doral Golf Resort, Miami, FL].

2010
Africa
257 (-25)
€158,500
x

Category

Africa

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

257 (-25)

Prize money

€158,500

Title sponsor

x

Played as the South African Open (100th) (Dec 16-19; Eurpn/Sunshine Trs event; Eurpn Tr 2011 season). Second-placed Retief Goosen (RSA) finished 1 shot behind Els (RSA) who claimed his fifth SA Open win. Event reduced to 70 holes; the waterlogged 4th hole was closed for rounds 3 and 4, and all players given a nominal score of par. [Durban CC, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa].

2010
America
277 (-11)
$1,080,000
MasterCard

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

277 (-11)

Prize money

$1,080,000

Title sponsor

MasterCard

Played as the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard (March 25-28). Second-placed Kevin Na (USA) and Edoardo Molinari (Italy) finished 2 shots behind Els (RSA). Els secured his second straight PGA Tour win; both involved a Monday finish due to earlier rain stoppages. [Bay Hill Club, Orlando, FL].

2010
America
137 (-5)
$600,000
PGA of America

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

137 (-5)

Prize money

$600,000

Title sponsor

PGA of America

Played as the PGA Grand Slam of Golf (Oct 19/20; 36-hole unofficial PGA Tour event for the season's four Major winners). Second-placed David Toms (standing in for Masters winner Phil Mickelson) finished 1 shot behind Els (standing in for Open Champion Louis Oosthuizen). Joint third on 145 were Graeme McDowell (US Open) and Martin Kaymer (US PGA). [Port Royal GC, Southampton, Bermuda].

2008
Europe
275 (-17)
US$150,000
x

Category

Europe

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

275 (-17)

Prize money

US$150,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Hassan II Trophy (Nov 6-9; unofficial limited-field event). Second-placed Simon Dyson (Eng) and Johan Edfors (Swe) finished 2 shots behind Els (RSA). [Red course, Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, Rabat, Morocco].

2008
America
274 (-6)
$990,000
Honda

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

274 (-6)

Prize money

$990,000

Title sponsor

Honda

Played as the Honda Classic (Feb 28-Mar 2). Second-placed Luke Donald (Eng) finished 1 shot behind Els (RSA), who claimed his first PGA Tour win in almost four years. [Champion course, PGA National Resort, Palm Beach Gdns, FL].

2007
Europe
6 & 4
£1,000,000
HSBC

Category

Europe

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

6 & 4

Prize money

£1,000,000

Title sponsor

HSBC

Played as the HSBC World Match Play (Oct 11-14). Els (RSA) beat Angel Cabrera (Arg) 6 and 4 in the 36-hole final, to claim the richest prize in golf in 2007. This was Els' seventh World Match Play title. [West course, Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey].

2007
Awards
70.10
n/a
Eurpn Tr

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Venue

Score

70.10

Prize money

n/a

Title sponsor

Eurpn Tr

Els (RSA) recorded the season's lowest stroke average on the European Tour. Justin Rose (Eng) was second with 70.33; Richard Green (Aus) was third with 70.52.

2006
Africa
264 (-24)
€158,500
SA Airways

Category

Africa

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

264 (-24)

Prize money

€158,500

Title sponsor

SA Airways

Played as the South African Airways Open (Dec 14-17; Sunshine/Eurpn Trs event; Eurpn Tr 2007 season). Second-placed Trevor Immelman (RSA) finished 3 shots behind Els (RSA). [Humewood GC, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, RSA].

2006
Awards
70.02
n/a
Eurpn Tr

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Venue

Score

70.02

Prize money

n/a

Title sponsor

Eurpn Tr

Els (RSA) recorded the season's lowest stroke average on the European Tour. Sergio Garcia (Esp) was second with 70.04; Luke Donald (Eng) was third with 70.09.

2005
Asia
262 (-26)
US$250,000
BMW

Category

Asia

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

262 (-26)

Prize money

US$250,000

Title sponsor

BMW

Played as the BMW Asian Open (Apr 28-May 1; Asian/Eurpn Trs event). Second-placed Simon Wakefield (Eng) finished 13 shots behind Els (RSA), whose second round 62 set-up his runaway victory. [Tomson GC, Pudong, Shanghai, China].

2005
Europe
269 (-19)
€277,877
x

Category

Europe

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

269 (-19)

Prize money

€277,877

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Dubai Desert Classic (March 3-6; European Tour event). Second-placed Stephen Dodd (Wales) and Miguel Ángel Jiménez (Esp) finished 1 shot behind Ernie Els (RSA), who clinched victory with an eagle at the final hole, a 547-yard par-5. [Majlis course, Emirates GC, Dubai, UAE].

2005
Europe
276 (-12)
€188,765
x

Category

Europe

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Venue

Doha GC

Score

276 (-12)

Prize money

€188,765

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Qatar Masters (March 10-13; Eurpn/Asian Trs event). Second-placed Henrik Stenson (Swe) finished 1 shot behind Ernie Els (RSA), whose final round 65 gave him back-to-back wins on the European Tour. [Doha GC, Qatar].

2005
Africa
274 (-14)
€158,579
Alfred Dunhill

Category

Africa

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

274 (-14)

Prize money

€158,579

Title sponsor

Alfred Dunhill

Played as the Dunhill Championship (Dec 8-11; European/Sunshine Trs event; European Tr 2006 season). Second-placed Charl Schwartzel (RSA) and Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) finished 3 shots behind Ernie Els (RSA), who recorded his first win after knee surgery following a boating accident in June 2005. [Leopard Creek CC, Malelane, Mpumalanga, RSA].

2004
America
270 (-18)
$945,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

270 (-18)

Prize money

$945,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as The Memorial Tournament (June 3-6). Second-placed Fred Couples (USA) finished 4 shots behind Els (RSA). [Muirfield Village GC, Dublin, nr Columbus, OH].

2004
Awards
€4,061,904
see Score
Volvo

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Venue

Score

€4,061,904

Prize money

see Score

Title sponsor

Volvo

Els (RSA) won his second straight Harry Vardon Trophy as the European Tour 2004 Volvo Order of Merit winner, with earnings of €4,061,904 on the Tour. Retief Goosen (RSA) was second with €2,325,202; Padraig Harrington (Ire) was third with €1,910,393.

2004
Europe
2 & 1
£1,000,000
HSBC

Category

Europe

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

2 & 1

Prize money

£1,000,000

Title sponsor

HSBC

Played as the HSBC World Match Play Championship (Oct 14-17). Els (RSA) beat Lee Westwood (Eng) 2 and 1 in the 36-hole final. This was Els' third consecutive win in this event and a record-breaking sixth win overall, overtaking Seve Ballesteros's five World Match Play titles. [West course, Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey].

2004
America
262 (-18)
$864,000
Sony

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

262 (-18)

Prize money

$864,000

Title sponsor

Sony

Played as the Sony Open in Hawaii (Jan 15-18). Defending champion Ernie Els (RSA) beat Harrison Frazar (USA) with a birdie at the third playoff hole. 14-year-old amateur Michelle Wie was given a sponsor's exemption to make her debut appearance in a PGA Tour event (she also played in the next three Sony Opens). [Waialae CC, Honolulu, Hawaii].

2004
WGC
270 (-18)
$1,200,000
American Express

Category

WGC

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

270 (-18)

Prize money

$1,200,000

Title sponsor

American Express

Played as the WGC-American Express Championship (Sept 30-Oct 3). Second-placed Thomas Bjørn (Den) finished 1 shot behind Els (RSA). [Mount Juliet GC, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, Ireland].

2004
Awards
69.16
n/a
Eurpn Tr

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Venue

Score

69.16

Prize money

n/a

Title sponsor

Eurpn Tr

Els (RSA) recorded the season's lowest stroke average on the European Tour, for the second straight year. Luke Donald (Eng) was second with 69.58; Retief Goosen (RSA) was third with 69.86.

2004
Aus/NZ
268 (-20)
€232,049
Heineken

Category

Aus/NZ

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

268 (-20)

Prize money

€232,049

Title sponsor

Heineken

Played as the Heineken Classic (Feb 5-8; Aus/Eurpn Trs event). Second-placed Adam Scott (Aus) finished 1 shot behind Ernie Els (RSA), who won this event for the third straight year. [Composite of East & West courses, Royal Melbourne GC, Victoria, Aus].

2003
Awards
x
n/a
Eurpn Tr

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Venue

Score

x

Prize money

n/a

Title sponsor

Eurpn Tr

Els (RSA) won his third (and second straight) European Tour Golfer of the Year Award, determined by a panel of representatives from the European Tour, golf writers, and TV and radio commentators.

2003
America
261 (-31)
$1,000,000
Mercedes

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

261 (-31)

Prize money

$1,000,000

Title sponsor

Mercedes

Played as the Mercedes Championships (Jan 9-12; PGA Tour season opener). Second-placed Kyoung-Ju "KJ" Choi (S Kor) and Rocco Mediate (USA) finished 8 shots behind wire-to-wire winner Els (RSA). Els set a new PGA Tour record low score in relation to par for a 72-hole tournament. [Plantation Course, Kapalua Resort, Maui, Hawaii].

2003
Europe
267 (-17)
€266,660
Omega

Category

Europe

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

267 (-17)

Prize money

€266,660

Title sponsor

Omega

Played as the Omega European Masters (Sept 4-7). Second-placed Michael Campbell (NZ) finished 6 shots behind Els (RSA). [GC Crans-sur-Sierre, Crans-Montana, Switzerland].

2003
Europe
267 (-17)
€532,889
Barclays

Category

Europe

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

267 (-17)

Prize money

€532,889

Title sponsor

Barclays

Played as the Barclays Scottish Open (July 10-13). Second-placed Darren Clarke (N.Ire) and Phillip Price (Wales) finished 5 shots behind Ernie Els (RSA), who won this title for the second time in four years. [Loch Lomond GC, Luss, Dunbartonshire].

2003
Europe
4 & 3
£1,000,000
HSBC

Category

Europe

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

4 & 3

Prize money

£1,000,000

Title sponsor

HSBC

Played as the HSBC World Match Play Championship (Oct 16-19). Els (RSA) beat good friend and fellow Wentworth resident Thomas Bjørn (Den) 4 and 3 in the 36-hole final to win the Mark McCormack Trophy. This was Els fifth World Match Play title, equalling Gary Player and Seve Ballesteros. [West course, Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey].

2003
Aus/NZ
273 (-15)
€207,310
Heineken

Category

Aus/NZ

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

273 (-15)

Prize money

€207,310

Title sponsor

Heineken

Played as the Heineken Classic (Jan 30-Feb 2; Aus/Eurpn Trs event). Second-placed Nick Faldo (Eng) and Peter Lonard (Aus) finished 1 shot behind defending champion Ernie Els (RSA), who recorded a third win in his last four outings. [Composite of East & West courses, Royal Melbourne GC, Victoria, Aus].

2003
Aus/NZ
259 (-29)
€251,263
Johnnie Walker

Category

Aus/NZ

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

259 (-29)

Prize money

€251,263

Title sponsor

Johnnie Walker

Played as the Johnnie Walker Classic (Feb 13-16; Asian/Eurpn/Aus Trs event). Second-placed Andre Stolz (Aus) and Stephen Leaney (Aus) finished 10 shots behind Els (RSA), who claimed his fourth win in five starts in 2003. [Lake Karrinyup CC, Perth, WA, Aus].

2003
Awards
68.95
n/a
Eurpn Tr

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Venue

Score

68.95

Prize money

n/a

Title sponsor

Eurpn Tr

Els (RSA) recorded the season's lowest stroke average on the European Tour. Marcus Fraser (Aus) was second with 69.85; Paul Casey (Eng) was third with 70.06.

2003
Awards
€2,975,374
see Score
Volvo

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Venue

Score

€2,975,374

Prize money

see Score

Title sponsor

Volvo

Els (RSA) won the Harry Vardon Trophy as the European Tour 2003 Volvo Order of Merit winner, with earnings of €2,975,374 on the Tour. Darren Clarke (N Ire) was second with €2,210,051; Padraig Harrington (Ire) was third with €1,555,623.

2003
America
264 (-16)
$810,000
Sony

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

264 (-16)

Prize money

$810,000

Title sponsor

Sony

Played as the Sony Open in Hawaii (Jan 16-19). Ernie Els (RSA) beat Aaron Baddeley (Aus) with a birdie at the second playoff hole. Els recorded back-to-back PGA Tour wins, having won the season-opening Mercedes Championships a week earlier. [Waialae CC, Honolulu, Hawaii].

2002
Majors
278 (-6)
£700,000
R&A

Category

Majors

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

278 (-6)

Prize money

£700,000

Title sponsor

R&A

The Open Championship (131st) (July 18-21). Els (RSA) beat Thomas Levet (Fra) with a par at the first sudden-death playoff hole. Steve Elkington (Aus) and Stuart Appleby (Aus) were eliminated in the earlier four-hole playoff: Els and Levet 16 (E), Appleby and Elkington 17 (+1). [Muirfield - The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, East Lothian].

2002
Africa
267 (-21)
$2,000,000
Nedbank

Category

Africa

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

267 (-21)

Prize money

$2,000,000

Title sponsor

Nedbank

Played as the Nedbank Golf Challenge (Nov 28-Dec 1; unofficial event; limited field of 12 top tour professionals). Second-placed Colin Montgomerie (Scot) finished 8 shots behind Els (RSA), who recorded his third Nedbank title in four years, during which his prize money from the tournament totalled $5.3 million. [Gary Player CC, Sun City Resort, North West Prov, South Africa].

2002
Europe
272 (-16)
€273,335
x

Category

Europe

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

272 (-16)

Prize money

€273,335

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Dubai Desert Classic (March 7-10; European Tour event). Second-placed Niclas Fasth (Swe) finished 4 shots behind Ernie Els (RSA), who recorded his tenth European Tour win, and second in this event. [Majlis course, Emirates GC, Dubai, UAE].

2002
Europe
2 & 1
£250,000
Cisco Systems

Category

Europe

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

2 & 1

Prize money

£250,000

Title sponsor

Cisco Systems

Played as the Cisco World Match Play Championship (Oct 17-20). Els (RSA) beat Sergio García (Esp) 2 and 1 in the 36-hole final, to win his fourth World Matchplay title. [West course, Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey].

2002
America
271 (-17)
$846,000
Genuity

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

271 (-17)

Prize money

$846,000

Title sponsor

Genuity

Played as the Genuity Championship (Feb 28-Mar 3). Second-placed Tiger Woods (USA) finished 2 shots behind Ernie Els (RSA). [Blue Monster course, Trump Natl Doral Resort, Miami, FL].

2002
Awards
x
n/a
Eurpn Tr

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Venue

Score

x

Prize money

n/a

Title sponsor

Eurpn Tr

Els (RSA) won his second European Tour Golfer of the Year Award, determined by a panel of representatives from the European Tour, golf writers, and TV and radio commentators.

2002
Aus/NZ
271 (-17)
€221,386
Heineken

Category

Aus/NZ

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

271 (-17)

Prize money

€221,386

Title sponsor

Heineken

Played as the Heineken Classic (Jan 31-Feb 3; Aus/Eurpn Trs event). Second-placed Peter Fowler (Aus), David Howell (Eng) and Peter O'Malley (Aus) finished 5 shots behind Ernie Els (RSA), who shot a European Tour record equalling 12-under-par 60 in his opening round. [Composite of East & West courses, Royal Melbourne GC, Victoria, Aus].

2000
America
48 pts
$630,000
Qwest

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

48 pts

Prize money

$630,000

Title sponsor

Qwest

Played as The International presented by Qwest (Aug 3-6; modified stableford format). Second-placed Phil Mickelson (USA) finished 4 points behind Els (RSA). [Castle Pines GC, Castle Rock, nr Denver, Colorado].

2000
Africa
268 (-20)
$2,000,000
Nedbank

Category

Africa

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

268 (-20)

Prize money

$2,000,000

Title sponsor

Nedbank

Played as the Nedbank Golf Challenge (Nov 30-Dec 3; unofficial event; limited field of 12 top tour professionals). Defending champion Els (RSA) beat Lee Westwood (Eng) with a birdie at the second playoff hole (par-4 17th). Els walked away with the biggest cash prize in golf, double that of the previous year. [Gary Player CC, Sun City Resort, North West Prov, South Africa].

2000
Europe
273 (-11)
€292,721
Standard Life

Category

Europe

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

273 (-11)

Prize money

€292,721

Title sponsor

Standard Life

Played as the Standard Life Loch Lomond (July 12-15). Second-placed Tom Lehman (USA) finished 1 shot behind Ernie Els (RSA). [Loch Lomond GC, Luss, Dunbartonshire].

1999
Africa
273 (-15)
R603,691
Alfred Dunhill

Category

Africa

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

273 (-15)

Prize money

R603,691

Title sponsor

Alfred Dunhill

Played as the Alfred Dunhill PGA Championship (Jan 14-17; S African/Eurpn Trs event; S African Tr 1998/99 season). Second-placed Richard Kaplan (RSA) finished 4 shots behind Els (RSA). [Houghton GC, Johannesburg, RSA].

1999
Africa
263 (-25)
$1,000,000
Nedbank

Category

Africa

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

263 (-25)

Prize money

$1,000,000

Title sponsor

Nedbank

Played as the Million Dollar Golf Challenge (Dec 6-9; unofficial event; limited field of 12 top tour professionals). Second-placed Colin Montgomerie (Scot) finished 5 shots behind Els (RSA), who recorded the first of his three wins in this event. [Gary Player CC, Sun City Resort, North West Prov, South Africa].

1999
America
270 (-14)
$504,000
Nissan

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

270 (-14)

Prize money

$504,000

Title sponsor

Nissan

Played as the Nissan Open (Feb 18-21). Second-placed Davis Love III (USA), Ted Tryba (USA) and Tiger Woods (USA) finished 2 shots behind Els (RSA). [Riviera CC, Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, CA].

1998
America
274 (-14)
$360,000
Office Depot

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

274 (-14)

Prize money

$360,000

Title sponsor

Office Depot

Played as the Bay Hill Invitational presented by Office Depot (March 19-22). Second-placed Bob Estes (USA) and Jeff Maggert (USA) finished 4 shots behind Els (RSA). [Bay Hill Club, Orlando, FL].

1998
Africa
273 (-15)
€100,051
x

Category

Africa

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

273 (-15)

Prize money

€100,051

Title sponsor

x

Played as the South African Open (Feb 5-8; S African/Eurpn Trs event). Second-placed David Frost (RSA) finished 3 shots behind Els (RSA). [Durban CC, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa].

1997
America
268 (-16)
$270,000
Buick

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

268 (-16)

Prize money

$270,000

Title sponsor

Buick

Played as the Buick Classic (July 19-22). Second-placed Jeff Maggert (USA) finished 2 shots behind defending champion Els (RSA), who won the US Open Championship just a week earlier. [West course, Westchester CC, Rye, NY].

1997
Aus/NZ
278 (-10)
£116,660
Johnnie Walker

Category

Aus/NZ

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

278 (-10)

Prize money

£116,660

Title sponsor

Johnnie Walker

Played as the Johnnie Walker Classic (Eurpn/Aus Trs event). Second-placed Peter Lonard (Aus) and Michael Long (Aus) finished 1 shot behind Els (RSA). [Hope Island Resort, Queensland, Australia].

1997
Majors
276 (-4)
$465,000
USGA

Category

Majors

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

276 (-4)

Prize money

$465,000

Title sponsor

USGA

The US Open (97th) (June 12-15). Second-placed Colin Montgomerie (Scot) finished 1 shot behind Els (RSA). Monty's bogey at the peninsula green par-4 17th, followed by Els' steady par at the par-3 18th rounded off a memorable final day. [Blue course, Congressional CC, Bethesda, Maryland].

1997
America
133 (-11)
$400,000
MasterCard

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

133 (-11)

Prize money

$400,000

Title sponsor

MasterCard

Played as the MasterCard PGA Grand Slam of Golf (Nov 17/18; unofficial PGA Tour stroke play event for the season's four Major winners). Second-placed Tiger Woods (The Masters) finished 3 shots behind Els (US Open). Third with 138 was Davis Love III (US PGA). Fourth with 149 was Justin Leonard (The Open). [Poipu Bay GC, Koloa, Kauai, Hawaiian Islands].

1996
Europe
3 & 2
£170,000
Toyota

Category

Europe

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

3 & 2

Prize money

£170,000

Title sponsor

Toyota

Played as the Toyota World Match Play Championship (Oct 17-20). Els (RSA) beat Vijay Singh (Fiji) 3 and 2 in the 36-hole final, to record his third straight win in this event. [West course, Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey].

1996
Africa
275 (-13)
R118,500
Philips

Category

Africa

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

275 (-13)

Prize money

R118,500

Title sponsor

Philips

Played as the Philips South African Open (Jan 18-21; S African Tr 1995/96 season). Second-placed Brenden Pappas (RSA) finished 1 shot behind Els (RSA). [Royal Cape GC, Cape Town, Western Cape, RSA].

1996
Africa
272 (-16)
$100,000
Heineken

Category

Africa

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

272 (-16)

Prize money

$100,000

Title sponsor

Heineken

Played as the International Trophy (Nov 21-24; best individual 72-hole score at the World Cup of Golf). Second-placed Wayne Westner (RSA) finished 3 shots behind Els (RSA). Team winners of the Cup: Ernie Els & Wayne Westner (RSA). [Erinvale Estate, Somerset West, Western Cape].

1996
America
271 (-13)
$216,000
Buick

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

271 (-13)

Prize money

$216,000

Title sponsor

Buick

Played as the Buick Classic (June 6-9). Second-placed Steve Elkington (Aus), Tom Lehman (USA), Jeff Maggert (USA) and Craig Parry (Aus) finished 8 shots behind Els (RSA). [West course, Westchester CC, Rye, NY].

1995
America
263 (-17)
$234,000
GTE

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

263 (-17)

Prize money

$234,000

Title sponsor

GTE

Played as the GTE Byron Nelson Golf Classic (May 11-14). Second-placed Robin Freeman (USA), D.A. Weibring (USA) and Mike Heinen (USA) finished 3 shots behind Els (RSA), who recorded his second PGA Tour win. [TPC course, Four Seasons Resort Las Colinas, Irving, nr Dallas, TX. Early rounds also on the Cottonwood Valley course].

1995
Europe
2 & 1
£170,000
Toyota

Category

Europe

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

2 & 1

Prize money

£170,000

Title sponsor

Toyota

Played as the Toyota World Match Play Championship (Oct 12-15). Defending champion Els (RSA) beat Steve Elkington (Aus) 2 and 1 in the 36-hole final. [West course, Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey].

1995
Africa
271 (-9)
R218,988
Lexington

Category

Africa

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

271 (-9)

Prize money

R218,988

Title sponsor

Lexington

Played as the Lexington PGA Championship (Feb 16-19; S African/Eurpn Trs event; S African Tour 1994/95 season). Second-placed Roger Wessels (RSA) finished 2 shots behind Els (RSA). [The Wanderers GC, Ilovo, Johannesburg, RSA].

1994
Awards
R460,488
see Score
FNB

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Venue

Score

R460,488

Prize money

see Score

Title sponsor

FNB

1994/95 South Africa Tour Order of Merit (and associated Sid Brews Trophy). Won for the second time in his career by Els (RSA) with season earnings of R460,488. Mark McNulty (Zim) was second with R258,149; Hendrik Buhrmann (RSA) was third with R215,355. Known as the FNB Summer Tour.

1994
Majors
279 (-5)
$320,000
USGA

Category

Majors

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

279 (-5)

Prize money

$320,000

Title sponsor

USGA

The US Open (94th) (June 16-20). Els (RSA) beat Loren Roberts (USA) with a par at the second sudden-death playoff hole. Earlier, Els and Roberts both scored 74 (+3) in an 18-hole playoff. Colin Montgomerie (Scot) scored 78 (+7) in the playoff and was eliminated prior to the sudden-death playoff. [Oakmont CC, nr Pittsburgh, PA].

1994
Europe
4 & 2
£160,000
Toyota

Category

Europe

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

4 & 2

Prize money

£160,000

Title sponsor

Toyota

Played as the Toyota World Match Play Championship (Oct 13-16). Els (RSA) beat Colin Montgomerie (Scot) 4 and 2 in the 36-hole final. [West course, Wentworth Club, Virginia Water, Surrey].

1994
Awards
$684,440
see Score
PGA Tour

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Venue

Score

$684,440

Prize money

see Score

Title sponsor

PGA Tour

Els (RSA) won the PGA Tour 1994 Rookie of the Year Award as the leading first-season player. He finished 19th on the Tour's money list, with earnings of $684,440.

1994
Awards
x
n/a
Eurpn Tr

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Venue

Score

x

Prize money

n/a

Title sponsor

Eurpn Tr

Els (RSA) won the European Tour Golfer of the Year Award, determined by a panel of representatives from the European Tour, golf writers, and TV and radio commentators.

1994
America
Chateau Elan (Legends)
273 (-15)
$350,000
x

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Venue

Chateau Elan (Legends)

Score

273 (-15)

Prize money

$350,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the inaugural Sarazen World Open (Nov 3-6; PGA Tr post-season unofficial money event). Second-placed Fred Funk (USA) finished 3 shots behind Els (RSA). [Legends course, Chateau Elan GC, Braselton, Georgia].

Category

Europe

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

268 (-20)

Prize money

£75,000

Title sponsor

x

Played as the Dubai Desert Classic (Jan 27-30; European Tour event). Second-placed Greg Norman (Aus) finished 6 shots behind 24-year-old Ernie Els (RSA), who recorded his first European Tour win. [Majlis course, Emirates GC, Dubai, UAE].

1994
America
268 (-16)
$550,000
Johnnie Walker

Category

America

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

268 (-16)

Prize money

$550,000

Title sponsor

Johnnie Walker

Played as the Johnnie Walker World Golf Championship (Dec 15-18; at the time the world's richest tournament for 24 of the world's top players). Second-placed Nick Faldo (Eng) and Mark McCumber (USA) finished 6 shots behind Els (RSA). [Tryall Club, Montego Bay, Jamaica].

1993
Japan
271 (-17)
¥36million
Dunlop

Category

Japan

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

271 (-17)

Prize money

¥36million

Title sponsor

Dunlop

Played as the Dunlop Phoenix Tournament (Nov 18-21; Japan Tr event). Second-placed Masashi "Jumbo" Ozaki (Jpn), Barry Lane (Eng), Vijay Singh (Fiji), Tsuneyuki "Tommy" Nakajima (Jpn) and Fred Couples (USA) finished 4 shots behind Els (RSA), who recorded his first and only Japan Tour win. [Phoenix CC, Miyazaki, Japan].

1992
Africa
273 (-15)
R70,695
Protea Assurance

Category

Africa

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

273 (-15)

Prize money

R70,695

Title sponsor

Protea Assurance

Played as the Protea Assurance South African Open (Jan 16-19; S African Tr 1991/92 season). Second-placed Derek James (RSA) finished 3 shots behind Els (RSA). Els also won the PGA and Masters titles in 1992 to take the South African "Triple Crown" (the second player after Gary Player to achieve this feat). [Houghton GC, Johannesburg, RSA].

1992
Africa
271 (-9)
R63,200
Lexington

Category

Africa

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

271 (-9)

Prize money

R63,200

Title sponsor

Lexington

Played as the Lexington PGA Championship (Jan 22-25; S African Tr 1991/92 season). Second-placed Ian Palmer (RSA), Kevin Stone (RSA) and Wayne Westner (RSA) finished 1 shot behind Els (RSA). Els also won the PGA and Masters titles in 1992 to take the South African "Triple Crown" (the second player after Gary Player to achieve this feat). [The Wanderers GC, Ilovo, Johannesburg, RSA].

1992
Africa
275 (-13)
R55,300
EVS

Category

Africa

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Score

275 (-13)

Prize money

R55,300

Title sponsor

EVS

Played as the EVS South African Masters (Feb 12-15; S African Tr 1991/92 season). Second-placed Chris Williams (Eng) finished 1 shot behind Els (RSA). Els also won the PGA and Masters titles in 1992 to take the South African "Triple Crown" (the second player after Gary Player to achieve this feat). [Dainfern CC, nr Johannesburg, RSA].

1991
Awards
R324,017
see Score
S Africa Tr

Category

Awards

Winner (holder)

Els, Ernie

Venue

Score

R324,017

Prize money

see Score

Title sponsor

S Africa Tr

1991/92 South Africa Tour Order of Merit. Won by Els (RSA) with season earnings of R324,017. De Wet Basson (RSA) was second with R155,425; Wayne Westner (RSA) was third with R147,416.

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Tournaments

Ryder Cup: Rome plays host to the first ever Ryder Cup to be staged in Italy, with the USA defending golf’s greatest team trophy at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club (Sept 29-Oct 1).

Solheim Cup: also in September, also in southern Europe, the 18th Solheim Cup will be contested at Finca Cortesin on the Costa del Sol, with Europe defending after their surprise win in Toledo, Inverness Club (Ohio) in 2021 (Sept 22-24). 

Who's Who

Céline Boutier: with many successes as both an amateur and professional golfer, Boutier added a major championship title to her impressive résumé at this year’s Evian Championship.

Alex Cejka: buffeted by rain and high winds, especially on the high-scoring final day, Čejka prevailed over Pádraig Harrington in a playoff at Royal Porthcawl, to scoop the Senior Open Championship title.

Marco Simone Golf & Country Club

Marco Simone Golf & Country Club: With a clubhouse that might befit a Roman Emperor, and a golf course to match, you can be sure of a memorable outing at Rome's most talked about golf facility.

Jim Fazio's original layout was much changed to create a modern Ryder Cup course ... now one of the Eternal City's (and Italy's) most revered.

Prince's Golf Club, Kent (UK)

Here at Prince’s Golf Club you'll find 27 excellent holes of links golf. Just over the fence and sharing similar terrain is Royal St George’s; but Prince’s is far from overshadowed by its venerable neighbour. The three nine-hole loops at Prince's, laid out over gently undulating terrain, are sure to bring a smile of satisfaction to all lovers of links golf.

Stay&Play at Prince's: excellent onsite Lodge accommodation available

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