One of the world’s truly global golfers with more than 60 victories worldwide including three Major Championships and spent a record 758 weeks in the top ten of the Official World Golf Ranking. Won The European Tour Order of Merit in 2003 and 2004 but was denied a hat-trick in 2005 when he injured ligaments in his left knee in a sailing accident. Was unanimously accorded Honorary Life Membership of The European Tour in 1999 in recognition of his US Open Championship wins and his unprecedented three successive World Match Play Championship wins (1994-95-96), a feat he went on to repeat in 2002-03-04 and then won for an incredible seventh time in 2007. Notched his 26th European Tour title in the second event on the 2011 International Schedule, the South African Open Championship, holding off Retief Goosen to win the tournament for the fifth time in his career. Played tennis, rugby union, cricket or golf as a youngster, but reached scratch at the age of 14 and decided to focus 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 which propelled him on the road to glory. 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.