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 All1998 Presidents Cup: How the International Team Won at Royal Melbourne
The International Team's only Presidents Cup victory came at Royal Melbourne in 1998, powered by Peter Thomson's side and Shigeki Maruyama's 5-0 week.
2003 Presidents Cup Tie: Fancourt, Woods, Els, and the Shared Cup
The 2003 Presidents Cup ended 17-17 after a Woods-Els playoff was halted by darkness, creating the only tied match in event history.
The Shield: How Ernie Els Gave the International Team an Identity
Ernie Els' International Team shield did not win the 2019 Presidents Cup, but it gave the side a lasting identity that still matters before Medinah 2026.