Ernie Els

Had the natural talent to play rugby union, cricket or golf as a youngster, but reached scratch at the age of 14 and decided to concentrate on golf.In 1992 he matched the feat of compatriot, Gary Player by completing a hat-trick of South African Open, PGA and Masters titles.In 1993 Ernie was the first player ever to shoot four rounds under 70 in a British Open. Equalled the European Tour record of 12 birdies in a 61 his way to victory in the 1994 Dubai Dessert Classic.In 1994 became only the 4th foreign-born player since 1927 to win the US Open and repeated the feat, pipping Colin Montgomerie in 1997.Was ranked world number 1 over the week of 22/06/1997, for that week and then over the period of 12/04/1998 - 03/05 /1998 and once again over the period 17/05/1998 - 07/06/1998 each of these ran for four consecutive weeks. He is an Honorary Life Member of both the European Tour and Sunshine Tour. He won the 1991/1992 and the 1994/1995 Sunshine Tour Order of Merit and won the Volvo Order of Merit in Europe in 2003 + 2004.Formed the Ernie Els Foundation in 1999 for disadvantaged children. Established the Els for Autism Foundation in 2009, with son Ben, who is autistic, the driving force behind the mission. Also entered into wine production and in 2002, the 2000 Engelbrecht-Els wine was released and received the highest rating yet given to a South African wine.