Theodore Ernest "Ernie" Els, a South African professional golfer, born on October 17, 1969, competes on the PGA Tour Champions as of February 2025. Turning professional in 1989, Els earned his first victory at the 1990 Spoornet SA Classic on the Sunshine Tour. By June 1997, he reached world No. 1 on the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), holding the position for nine weeks. Over his career, he has won 79 professional events, including 19 on the PGA Tour and 28 on the European Tour. A four-time major champion, he claimed the U.S. Open in 1994 and 1997 and the Open Championship in 2002 and 2012. He also recorded runner-up finishes at the 2000 & 2004 Masters Tournament and a third-place finish at the 1995 & 1997 PGA Championship.
Besides major championships, Els has won other international events, such as the 2004 and 2010 WGC tournaments. He also represented South Africa in team events, winning the 1996 World Cup of Golf alongside Wayne Westner and the 2001 WGC-World Cup with Retief Goosen. Further, Els was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011. Since joining the PGA Tour Champions, he has won seven events, including the 2024 Kaulig Companies Championship, a senior major.
| Name | Theodore Ernest Els |
| Net Worth | Estimated $85 million (per Celebrity Net Worth) |
| Age | 55 years old (born 17 October 1969) |
| Residence | Wentworth, Surrey, England; George, Western Cape, South Africa; Palm Beach Gardens, Florida |
| Marital Status | Married (since 1998, Liezl Els) |
| Source of Wealth | Golf, Endorsements, Business |
| Salary | $3.5 million (per Forbes) |
| Endorsements | Boeing, Callaway Golf, RBC, SAP (as per Forbes) |
How much is Ernie Els' net worth in 2025?
Ernie Els' net worth is estimated to be $85 million as of February 2025, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Ernie Els' salary
Ernie Els’ salary/winnings is $3.5 million as per Forbes.
Ernie Els' endorsements
Ernie Els has endorsement deals with Boeing, Callaway Golf, RBC, and SAP, according to Forbes, earning $16 million.
Ernie Els' other sources of income
Ernie Els started his winemaking company, "Ernie Els Wines," in 1999 to pursue his interest in winemaking. Since 2005, the winery has concentrated on making a range of wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon. Els is also involved in the golf course design business.
In 2019, Els branched out into two new businesses: Champion Pet Products and Ernie Els Biltong. Originally sold online, Ernie Els Biltong is sold at a few professional stores in the US. Ernie Els Champion Pet Products debuted the same year as his Biltong business, with "Ernie Els Champion Training Treats," a pet food available in chicken and salmon flavors. Later, the company expanded to include a variety of pet toys. (via Ernie Els website)
Ernie Els' charity
Ernie Els established the "Ernie Els and Fancourt Foundation" in 1999 to promote golf among underprivileged South African youngsters. In 2018, Els also co-founded ASM Scholarships, a college recruitment agency. The organization assists athletes from all around the world in obtaining scholarships to participate in NJCAA, NCAA, and NAIA tournaments at American colleges.
Els launched the "Els for Autism Pro-Am," a charity golf tournament held at the PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, in 2009. The first event brought about $725,000 for the Renaissance Learning Center, a non-profit autism charter school. (via Celebrity Net Worth)
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FAQs on Ernie Els
A. Ernie Els has 19 PGA Tour wins out of his 79 professional wins as of February 2025.
A. Ernie Els is known as "Big Easy" because of his large frame and fluid golf strokes.
A. Ernie Els has been married to Liezl Els since 1998.
A. Yes, Ernie Els was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011.
A. No, Ernie Els has not won a Masters Tournament as of February 2025. He finished as the solo runner-up in 2000 and 2004.
