Theodore Ernest Els, known as The Big Easy for his fluid swing and stature, reached the top of global golf through decades of consistent performance. Born in Johannesburg in 1969, he became a central figure in international sports, securing over 70 career victories and earning induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Amateur Beginnings
Growing up in Germiston, South Africa, Els engaged in multiple sports including cricket and tennis. He began playing golf at age eight at the Germiston Golf course under the instruction of his father, Neels. By age 14, he held a scratch handicap and chose to focus entirely on golf. In 1984, he won the Junior World Golf Championship, finishing ahead of Phil Mickelson. He later became the youngest winner of the South African Amateur before completing his mandatory service in the South African Army.
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Els claimed his first major championship at the 1994 U.S. Open at Oakmont after a playoff. He secured a second U.S. Open title in 1997 at Congressional Country Club. His success in major tournaments continued with a victory at The Open Championship in 2002 at Muirfield, followed by a second Open title in 2012 at Royal Lytham & St Annes. These wins place him among the six golfers to have won both the U.S. Open and The Open Championship twice.
Professional Milestones
Turning professional in 1989, Els achieved prominence on the Southern Africa Tour and the European Tour. He won the World Match Play Championship seven times, setting a record for the event. His earnings on the European Tour were significant, making him the first player to surpass €25,000,000 in career prize money from that tour. He topped the European Tour Order of Merit in 2003 and 2004, and he previously held the record for the most weeks ranked in the top ten of the Official World Golf Ranking.
Beyond the Tour
The professional work of Els extends into golf course architecture. He is noted for his design contributions to international projects such as the Albany course in New Providence and the Oubaai Golf Club in South Africa. He currently maintains his professional career by competing primarily on the PGA Tour Champions.
Fast facts
- Born: 17 October 1969, Johannesburg
- Major Championship Wins: 4
- World Golf Hall of Fame Induction: 2011
- Record: 7 World Match Play Championship victories
- Notable Course Design: Albany, New Providence
- Notable Course Design: Oubaai Golf Club
Questions readers ask
How many times did Ernie Els win the U.S. Open?
He won the U.S. Open twice, in 1994 and 1997.
What is the origin of his nickname?
He is nicknamed The Big Easy because of his physical stature and his fluid golf swing.
