Ernie Els
Champion golfer and successful winemaker weighs in on life and Flying Lady
What's Your Adventure?
Ernie Els is one of the most notable golf champions in the world. Ernie began playing and winning at a young age. He won the world under 14 title at San Diego California and turned professional by the time he was 20 years old.
He came into the professional scene with a vengeance, matching the prowess of his fellow South African golf professional, Gary Player, winning the South African Open, PGA and Masters Titles all in the first three years of his career.
Besides his outstanding professional golf career, Ernie established a foundation that provides educational assistance, moral and financial help to underprivileged youth who show promise in golfing. Since his own son’s diagnosis with autism, Els and his family are also active in charities devoted to raising money for autism-centered education and research.
His style matches his laid back personality on and off the course. His super power is in his ability to control his nerves and focus – intentionally staying flexible and fluid amidst the challenges on the course and in life.
He has been consistently ranked in the top five golfers of the world. Gaining more than 70 career victories including the US Open and Open Championships over his career. He is known to have the all-time smoothest swings in golf history which in part gave him his nickname, the “Big Easy” due to his great physical stature (he stands at 6 ft 3) and his graceful golf strokes.
His style matches his laid back personality on and off the course. He notably once said, “When I’m swinging the club at my best, it’s because I’m not thinking about mechanics at all. I feel like my body is loose. My arms are soft in front of me when I’m setting up, and my chest and shoulders feel as if they can move and turn easily.” His super power is in his ability to control his nerves and focus – intentionally staying flexible and fluid amidst the challenges on the course and in life,
How Do You Pair Your Adventure?
“I would pair my golfing with Flying Lady’s Cabernet Sauvignon. As a winemaker myself, I have come to appreciate fine wines, so when I get the chance, I have enjoyed Napa Valley’s Flying Lady’s Flagship Cab!”
