Who Is Ernie Els? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Ernie Els was born on October 17, 1969, making him 55 years old in 2025. Known as "The Big Easy" for his smooth swing and commanding presence on the golf course, Els has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest golfers of his generation. With over 70 professional wins, including four major championships, his impact on the sport remains unparalleled.
For more detailed information, check his Wikipedia page.
| Occupation | Presidents |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 17, 1969 |
| Age | 55 Years |
| Birth Place | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | South Africa |
Popularity
Ernie Els's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing tall at 6 feet 3 inches (190 cm), Ernie Els has a distinguished physical presence that complements his powerful golf swing. In 2025, his weight is approximately 200 lbs (91 kg), and while his body stats may fluctuate over the years, his dedication to fitness and athletic performance remains steadfast.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Ernie Els is happily married to his long-time wife, Liezl Els. The couple tied the knot in 1998 and has two children, Samantha and Ryan. While there have been no public declarations of any significant relationships outside of marriage, Ernie and Liezl's enduring partnership remains an inspirational aspect of his 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 the game of golf from his father Neels, a trucking executive, at the Germiston Golf course, He was soon playing better than his father (and his older brother, Dirk), and by the age of 14 he was a scratch handicap. It was around this time that he decided to focus exclusively on golf.
Els first achieved prominence in 1984, when he won the Junior World Golf Championship in the Boys 13–14 category. Phil Mickelson was second to Els that year. Els won the South African Amateur a few months after his 17th birthday, becoming the youngest-ever winner of that event, breaking the record which had been held since 1935 by Bobby Locke.
Els contested the 1987 British Amateur Championship, qualifying from stroke play for the 64-player match play segment, but was knocked out there.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Ernie Els boasts an impressive net worth estimated to be around $70 million. His earnings come from various sources, including tournament winnings, endorsements, and his golf course design business. Els's savvy investment strategies have also contributed significantly to his financial portfolio.
Career, Business, and Investments
Ernie Els's professional golf career spans over three decades, during which he has made a significant impact on the sport. Not only is he known for his prowess on the course, but he also founded the Els for Autism Foundation, showcasing his commitment to charitable work.
In addition to playing, Ernie has ventured into golf course design and has successfully created numerous high-quality courses around the world. His business acumen allows him to remain a prominent figure in the golfing community, as well as a respected entrepreneur.
Theodore Ernest Els (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 along with his 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.
Social Network
Ernie Els maintains an active presence on social media, connecting with his fans and followers. On platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, he shares highlights of his golf career, personal life, and philanthropic endeavors. His authentic interactions help him engage with a global audience and inspire the next generation of golfers.
Els has often been compared to Greg Norman in the sense that both men's careers could be looked back on and think what could have been. Although the two of them are multiple major championship winners, both share disappointment in majors. Their disappointments have ranged from nerves, bad luck, and being outplayed.
1996 was the year where Norman collapsed in the Masters, whereas the year before Els did in the PGA Championship. Nearly four years later, Els finished runner-up in the 2000 Masters Tournament, and again in 2004, losing to Phil Mickelson.
Els has finished runner-up in six majors, finishing runner-up to Tiger Woods more than any other golfer, and has often been described as having the right game to finally be the golfer to beat Woods in a major.
Education
While specific details regarding Ernie's educational background are less prominent, it is known that he honed his golf skills from a young age in South Africa. His early training and dedication to the sport have played a crucial role in shaping his successful career.
2002 was arguably Els's best year, which started with a win at the Heineken Classic at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club. Then went to America and outplayed World Number one Tiger Woods to lift the Genuity Championship title. The premier moment of the season was surely his Open Championship triumph in very tough conditions at Muirfield.
Els overcame a four-man playoff to take home the famous Claret Jug trophy for the first time, also quieting his critics about his mental toughness. The South African also won his fourth World Match Play title, along with his third Nedbank Challenge in the last four years, dominating a world-class field and winning by 8 shots.
