Ernie Els, affectionately known as the "Big Easy," is a South African golfing legend whose career is marked by his big powerful golf swing, and his humility. A four-time major champion and former world number 1, Els captivated audiences worldwide with his long drives, accurate iron play, and a calm demeanor that belies his fierce competitive spirit. His relatively slow, yet powerful swing earned him the nickname, the "Big Easy". Ernie did make the game look easy and never got rattled on the golf course. He invariably had a smile on his face as he conquered each course he played, even in the toughest conditions and against the best opponents (normally Tiger Woods).
Ernie's career was defined by excellence. Els boasts a remarkable 80 tournament victories and he reached number 1 in the world golf rankings in 1997. His major championship victories include the U.S. Open in 1994 and 1997; and the British Open in 2002 and 2012. The World Golf Hall of Fame inducted Els in 2015, solidifying his place among the game's greatest.
As a team player, Els was also a key figure in several Ryder Cup triumphs for Europe, he played a vital role in some of the most memorable moments in the competition's history. He also captained the President's Cup team and is still involved to this day.
Els is a true gentleman of the game. He is well known for his sportsmanship and humility, and he is widely respected by fellow players and fans alike. To this day, members at clubs in South Florida around Palm Beach County and Martin County frequently run into Els at their home club, where he is somehow involved in various capacities. People who meet him consistently say what a gentleman he is. Shaking hands with everyone and modestly introducing himself by simply saying, "Hi, I am Ernie Els, nice to meet you", even though everyone knows exactly who is. Ernie is from another generation. He encapsulates it best himself:
"Young PGA Tour players today are often more like the athletes you see in other sports. They’re a little cocky, They enjoy trash-talk, especially during practice rounds or on the range, far more than young players did 20 or 30 years ago. In those days, a certain type of modesty was a central part of the golf culture".
Ernie certainly is modest and humble. You could see that by watching him play, he reluctantly accepted applause. No big fist pumps or boisterous behavior. He was all business. When he nailed a shot, he just smiled and raised one hand at the wrist (the minimum amount) as a thank you for the crowd support. Ernie definitely wasn't in it for the fame.
Mr. Els has been a global ambassador for golf, inspiring countless young players, particularly in his native South Africa, through his golf foundation there. But, despite his unparalleled standing in the world of golf, his real lasting legacy will be his not-for-profit work dedicated to autism. Ernie Els founded "Els for Autism" in 2009 after his son, Ben, was diagnosed with the condition.
Autism is a lifelong condition that affects how a person's brain works, communicates, and interacts with others. It's also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Autism is not an illness or mental health problem, it is something you're born with, and it's different for everyone. Signs of autism can include: Difficulty with communication, difficulty with social interactions, obsessive interests, and repetitive behaviors. There's no medical test to diagnose autism, so doctors look at a child's behavior and development. A diagnosis can be considered reliable by age 2, but many children aren't diagnosed until they're older. There's no cure for autism, but it can be managed with support. Early recognition and therapies can help reduce symptoms and support development and learning.
Ernie Els knows all this and one of the main goals of "Els for Autism" is to raise awareness, provide services and support for those families affected, and help those with autism to develop essential life skills, including communication skills. It also supports research into the causes, treatments, and potential cures for autism. The Els Center of Excellence is a state-of-the-art facility in Florida that provides comprehensive services for autistic children. The Ernie Els Centre for Autism (South Africa): Offers similar services and support to families in South Africa.
Els for Autism has made a significant impact on the lives of many children and families affected by autism. The foundation's work has had a global impact, raising awareness and improving the lives of autistic individuals worldwide. Ernie Els has been a passionate and dedicated advocate for the autism community. He has leveraged his platform and resources to raise awareness and funds for the foundation.
You can volunteer for his foundation here.
Ernie's impact on the world extends far beyond his impressive trophy cabinet. Yes, his elegant swing, powerful drives, and unwavering sportsmanship have left an indelible mark on the game, but his real legacy will be his kindness, compassion and generosity of spirit. Perhaps, looking at his trophy cabinet some day at home in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, the trophy he will be most proud of is the one he won way back in 1983 at an awards luncheon at Reunion Resort in Kissimmee, Florida, as part of the Golfweek Father-Son Championship. There Ernie received an award in recognition for making a difference in the world of autism and was named Father of the Year. That was over forty years ago and he is still as humble and generous today as he always was.
