Ernie Els is a South African professional golfer. He has won four major championships throughout his career, even ranking as the top player in the world at one point. His other business interests, such as designing golf courses and investing in a winery, have helped him secure a large net worth.
As one of the richest golfers, Els’ net worth is estimated to be about $85 million.
Early Life
Born on October 17, 1969, in Johannesburg, South Africa, Els was named Theodore Ernest Els. He was involved in lots of sports, including rugby and cricket, as a child.
Ernie Els also found success in tennis. Since age 14, he competed in amateur golf tournaments, winning the Junior World Golf Championships in 1984.
He started his professional career in golf in 1989 after his victory in the South African Amateur Stroke Play Championship.
Career Achievements
Ernie Els’ net worth begins to accumulate with prize money from his many tournament wins. He has four major championship titles to his name, as well as seven World Matchplay titles and two World Golf Championships.
His first professional tournament was in 1990 at the Spoornet SA Classic in the Southern Africa Tour.
After becoming a professional golfer, he made his PGA Tour debut in 1994. The South African won the U.S. Open Championship shortly after, beating Tiger Woods for the title. Additionally, Els won the PGA Grand Slam twice in 1997 and 2010.
In 2011, Els became a staple name in professional golf after being inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. He then won the 2012 Open Championship in Great Britain.
The player continues his golf game in the PGA Tour Champions. Ernie Els won the Hoag Classic twice and the SAS Championship while competing against other golf greats. His prize money from this part of his golfing career continues to contribute to his overall net worth.
Career Earnings
Ernie Els’ salary in the 2000s was a couple million dollars. However, this significantly rose in the 2010s from his tournament prize money and brand endorsements. About $50 million of his value comes from his winnings.
However, Ernie Els has other business interests that contribute to his net worth. He owns a business dedicated to designing golf courses. Moreover, he is a partner in a successful winery. As a result, his estimated net worth is about $85 million.
Awards and Recognitions
Ernie Els was once considered the top golfer in the world. He holds the record for the most consecutive weeks in the top 10 Official World Golf Rankings.
Moreover, Els holds the record for the most consecutive cuts on the European Tour. He has been named the European Tour Player of the Year three times – in 1994, 2002, and 2003.
What’s more, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011, solidifying his mark in professional golf. He is also an inductee of the South African Golf Hall of Fame.
Personal Life
Ernie Els married his wife Liezl Els in 1988. They have two children – a daughter named Samantha and a son named Ben. They live in the south of England but have properties in South Africa and Florida.
Els also runs a charitable foundation.
How the South African Professional Golfer Spends His Money
The Ernie Els net worth fortune goes toward real estate and luxury cars. The golfer also owns a collection of opulent watches.
Conclusion: Ernie Els Net Worth
The tournament prize money from Els’ golfing career contributes to much of his overall net worth. However, his golf course design business ventures and contributions to a winery also generate profitable returns.
Els continues to golf in the Champions Tour and dedicates his money to charities, real estate, and cars.
