Ernie Els
"The Big Easy"
Ernie Els, affectionately known as "The Big Easy" for his gentle demeanor and graceful, powerful swing, is a World Golf Hall of Famer and one of the most decorated players in the history of the sport. A four-time major champion, he has been a cornerstone of the International Team since its early days. His contributions as both a dominant player and a transformative captain have left an indelible mark on the Presidents Cup.
Vitals
In The Bag
Presidents Cup Record
Debut: 1996 • Appearances: 8
Defining Moment
"While he had many great moments as a player, his defining contribution was his captaincy at the 2019 Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne. He completely revamped the team's identity, creating a new shield logo and fostering a level of unity and belief that had been missing for years. He strategically guided a young, underdog International Team to the brink of a historic victory, a performance that is widely credited with revitalizing the entire event."
Major Championships
Latest News
View AllThe Miracle at Melbourne: How the International Team Shocked the World in 1998
Revisiting the only outright victory for the International Team in Presidents Cup history. We analyze Peter Thomson's masterclass strategy, Shigeki Maruyama's 5-0 performance, and the perfect storm at Royal Melbourne.
A Handshake in the Dark: The Untold Story of the 2003 Presidents Cup Tie
When the lights went out at Fancourt, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player made a decision that changed golf history. We revisit the 2003 Presidents Cup, the sudden-death playoff between Tiger and Ernie, and the controversial 'Gentleman's Agreement'.
The Shield: How Ernie Els Redefined the International Team Identity in 2019
It looked like another loss on the scoreboard, but the 2019 Presidents Cup was a turning point. We analyze how Ernie Els created 'The Shield' and transformed a group of individuals into a unified force.