ernie els senior tour wins

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Ernie Els wins for the first time on the PGA Tour Champions

Jed Jacobsohn

Ernie Els is a World Golf Hall of Famer who was eager to rejoin his contemporaries on the PGA Tour Champions, though they might have preferred he continued competing against the younger generation.

In only his third start on the senior tour, Els won the Hoag Classic at Newport Beach (Calif.) Country Club on Sunday. In his senior debut in January, he tied for second in the Mitsubishi Electric Championship, losing in a playoff.

"It was pretty tight, you know?" Els said. "I felt a little uncomfortable on the greens. I didn't have that free-flowing feeling, I had to work hard for it and that's a good thing to do, to work hard for something. You don't want something falling in your lap. I'm glad the first one's over with and we can move on now and it gets more comfortable after this. After being in a playoff in Hawaii, coming close to winning there, I didn't want to mess this one up. I had a great opportunity and I wanted to try and take that."

It was his first victory since 2013, when he won the European Tour’s BMW International Open, a year after he won the British Open, his fourth major championship.

Els finished with a four-under par 67 to finish 54 holes in 16-under par 197, two strokes ahead of Newport Beach resident Fred Couples, Robert Karlsson and Glen Day.

A fivesome — Els, Couples, Day, Karlsson and Scott McCarron — was tied for the lead midway through the back nine. Day and Karlsson briefly took the lead, though Day was undone by an 18th-hole bogey and Karlsson by a 16th-hole bogey

Els, meanwhile, claimed the lead by holing an eight-footer for birdie at 15, then sealed it with a birdie at the par-5 18th hole.

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Els win on PGA Tour Champions, denies Langer record title

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NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. (AP) — Ernie Els kept making birdies no matter how he gripped the putter Sunday, and it carried him to a 6-under 65 to win the Hoag Classic and deny Bernhard Langer a chance at setting the career victory mark on the PGA Tour Champions.

Els started the final round five shots behind Langer when the big South African rolled in three straight birdie putts to get in the mix, and he closed it out with a 65-yard bunker shot to 12 feet and a birdie on the 18th hole about the time Langer began to falter.

Langer has 45 career wins on the PGA Tour Champions, tied for the most with Hale Irwin. The 65-year-old German began the final round with a one-shot lead and picked up an early birdie. He was still tied for the lead when he made two bogeys on the back nine, and failed to make birdie on the par 5s.

Langer finished with a 2-over 73 and tied for seventh, three shots behind. He is in the field next week in Rancho Mirage, California, where he gets another shot at the record.

“It's disappointing to shoot 73,” Langer said. “Obviously, Ernie had a great day, so my hat’s off to him, but I had a two-shot lead at one point in the round and would have loved to play a little better.”

Els won for the first time since October 2020, and the Hall of Famer never had a win quite like this. He had been practicing with the “saw” putting grip at home in Florida last week, but wasn't sure about whether to try it in a tournament.

He changed in the middle of the tournament, and then after missing a few, went back to a cross-handed grip. Either way, he was making enough putts to become a winner again.

“It's still a work in progress,” Els said.

His biggest challenge after he finished came from Steve Stricker and Doug Barron. Stricker, who leads the Charles Schwab Cup standings, made birdies on the 14th and 15th, but he missed chances coming in and his birdie on the 18th for a 67 left him one behind.

Barron also finished one back after finishing with six straight pars for a 70.

AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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Ernie Els Turns 50: Our Interview With The Big Easy

The four-time Major winner turns 50 today, here's our interview with him from last year...

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Ernie Els is now eligible for the senior tour having turned 50...happy birthday to the Big Easy!

The South African has been one of the very best players of his generation and made a huge impact on the game of golf.

Born in Johannesburg in 1969, Els went on to become a four-time Major winner with over 70 victories as a professional.

Read GM's Michael Weston's interview with Ernie from last year...

"I would never have done it any differently."

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The discussion veers towards a comparison of eras: Ernie’s versus today’s young guns battling it out for Majors and for domination of the top spot. When it comes to offering his opinion, he doesn’t mince his words.

“I’d like to see them a bit more aggressive with each other,” Ernie says frankly on the topic of Ernie’s versus today’s young guns battling it out for Majors and for domination of the top spot.

What follows is certainly no rant; it’s not a ‘Back in my day’ speech, just his stance on what he regards as the ‘Post Tiger ’ brigade.

“In our generation, Tiger, Phil, myself, Retief, we had a really long 20 years at the top of the game,” he adds.

“Then you had Sergio Garcia , Adam Scott , Lee Westwood . For 20 years you were hearing the same kind of guys. Now there’s a shift. There’s like ten guys now. Who’s going to step up?

"This is the new crop dominating and it’s taken almost 20 years for that to happen. I think now they’re finally starting to take over the mantle and good luck to them.”

“I like what Justin Thomas said after The Open at Birkdale in 2017. He said he felt jealous when Spieth won it. It really put the fire under his arse to go and win the PGA.”

As golf fans, that’s what we want to see, right? The odd bit of needle? Els, a four-time Major winner, agrees.

“Fans want to either like somebody or not, they either like Man City or they like Man United. This Man City, Man United loving each other dolly dolly, fans don’t do that.

"They want to be here or they want to be there. I didn’t see Retief or any other one of us win a Major and I’m standing there first to congratulate my buddy. I don’t want to take anything away from them, but you don’t see that in Formula One."

Making friends was not top of Els’ agenda when he set out on his career.

He reached number one in the world – a position he held for a cumulative total of nine weeks – and accumulated his extensive list of victories with a steely competitiveness that just didn’t allow for too much back-slapping and camaraderie with his peers, or compatriots for that matter.

“We were very private,” says the man from Johannesburg.

“We respected each other but we didn’t go out of our way.

"Even myself and Retief, we grew up together, but we weren’t the best of buddies.

"When we were in England we would have barbeques on Sundays and have the family over and so on, but we weren’t the best of friends.

"We didn’t travel together like these guys do, go on holidays together. I think it will work itself out eventually when these guys start winning golf tournaments.”

Winning is a topic this World Golf Hall of Famer can comment on with great authority.

He lifted silverware for 18 successive years between 1991 and 2008.

After a winless 2009, he was back in business in 2010 and ‘11, tasted Major glory for the fourth time in 2012, and in 2013 he triumphed at the BMW International Open in Germany.

In all, he has over 70 worldwide victories to his name. Although he admits to “letting the reins go a little bit” in recent years, he’ll go down as one of the greats. Finding himself edging towards the big 5-0, he reveals how his priorities have changed.

“Golf is not everything, like it was,” says the South African.

“When golf was everything, I could tell you every Major Champion from the ‘50s.

"For a long time I was very selfish. Now it’s taken a different meaning in my life and I’m happy.

"I want to keep playing as long as I can and compete with these guys, but it’s not everything, my family is.

"It’s amazing how the mind works. I think mentally there was a switch when I started doing more business work.”

Els acknowledges the significance of playing on both major tours in helping him become a better player, but he’s now reaping the rewards in other ways.

Related: Ernie Els' incredible career milestone

“It has helped my brand,” he says.

“Everywhere I go I’m recognised. Now I’m doing different things and people want to do things with you because they know you, so it’s been great travelling around the world.”

A browse of Els’ website gives an insight into his many businesses and charity work. It’s extensive. No wonder his priorities have shifted – yet he continues to compete. That’s what we all want to see.

Following his last victory in 2013, he said: “I’m still chasing Majors. Even after 50, I think I’ll still be fine.”

Whether or not he can elevate himself one more notch – alongside the likes of Seve Ballesteros and Phil Mickelson , on five Major titles – remains to be seen. Whatever happens, Els is not one to look back.

“I would never have done it any differently,” he says.

“Every single win I’ve ever had is really special, but a Major is an unreal feeling. It’s worth so much more. When you’re a Major Champion you get announced on the tee for the rest of your life as a Major Champion, so it just means everything in the game.”

As much of a buzz his business work gives him, you sense his appetite for further success is still what really drives him.

It’s his competitive nature that may help the International Team triumph at the Presidents Cup for the first time in over 20 years. Els will renew his battle with Woods when his International side face the Americans in Melbourne – and it’s got his juices flowing.

“It’s going to be great with Tiger. He’s got a hell of a team. I’ve watched previous captains and how they’ve reacted and most of them have said it’s one of the best experiences of their lives. I want to experience it. I want to win the damn thing and that’s my only concern.”

Related: Ernie Els in agreement with McIlroy over easy course set-ups

For all the latest golf news, check the Golf Monthly website and follow our social media channels @golfmonthlymagazine on Facebook and @golfmonthly on Twitter and Instagram

Elliott Heath is our News Editor and has been with Golf Monthly since early 2016 after graduating with a degree in Sports Journalism. He manages the Golf Monthly news team as well as our large Facebook , Twitter and Instagram pages. He covered the 2022 Masters from Augusta National as well as five Open Championships on-site including the 150th at St Andrews. His first Open was in 2017 at Royal Birkdale, when he walked inside the ropes with Jordan Spieth during the Texan's memorable Claret Jug triumph. He has played 35 of our Top 100 golf courses, with his favourites being both Sunningdales, Woodhall Spa, Western Gailes, Old Head and Turnberry. He has been obsessed with the sport since the age of 8 and currently plays off of a six handicap. His golfing highlights are making albatross on the 9th hole on the Hotchkin Course at Woodhall Spa, shooting an under-par round, playing in the Aramco Team Series on the Ladies European Tour and making his one and only hole-in-one at the age of 15 - a long time ago now!

Elliott is currently playing:

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Ball: Srixon Z Star XV

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Ernie Els storms back to win his second Hoag Classic title

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Professional golfer Ernie Els is nicknamed “The Big Easy.”

Winning PGA Tour Champions titles, though, has been anything but easy for the rangy South African.

He came into this weekend’s Hoag Classic with 33 top-10 finishes on the tour, yet just two trophies.

Els continues to find Newport Beach very much to his liking.

He fired a final-round 65 to win the Hoag Classic for the second time, in wet conditions at Newport Beach Country Club.

The last day of winter brought a misty light rain for much of the round. But it didn’t seem to trouble Els, a World Golf Hall of Fame member.

He shot 13-under-par for the tournament, a stroke better than Steve Stricker and Doug Barron at -12. Two of his three Champions Tour wins have come in Newport Beach. He also won the Hoag Classic in 2020 , and led heading into the final round last year.

On Sunday, Els, 53, became the fourth two-time winner of the tournament, joining Hale Irwin, Jay Haas and Fred Couples.

“I just love the place,” Els said with a smile after accepting the championship trophy and $300,000 first-place check, and posing for pictures in a Hoag doctor’s jacket as per tradition. “It fits my eye. The grass, the weather, the whole place, just feel at home here. I’ve always played well over here in California, winning at Riviera and so on.

“Yeah, hopefully they keep this tournament going for at least the next six years.”

Barron missed a 5-foot birdie putt on No. 18, which would have forced a playoff, wide right. He tied with Stricker, who earned a more-than-solid finish his first time playing the Hoag Classic.

“Challenging little course, you know, because the greens are tough and tough to putt,” Stricker said. “You’ve got a lot of short irons in your hand, but it was hard to get the ball close. But it was fun, it was a great area, fans came out. It was a fun week.”

Dicky Pride, Rob Labritz and Miguel Angel Jimenez finished tied for fourth at -11. Bernhard Langer, the Saturday leader who was trying to earn his PGA Tour Champions record 46th title , carded a final-round 73.

Langer was one of six golfers at -10, tied for seventh.

“The south breeze was a little harder than the westerly breeze for me, made certain holes a lot longer and difficult, and it was cold and wet,” Langer said. “But basically came down to the putter, I didn’t putt well.”

Els, who came into Sunday tied for 14th place, made seven birdies on his round to rally for the title. That included two birdies in the final three holes.

On the par-five No. 18, he found a cross bunker on the left, leading to a difficult third shot. But he got it on the green, then made the birdie putt.

“I think that [third shot] is the shot of the tournament for me,” Els said. “Just really raining a bit and I tried to get the second shot as close as possible to the green ... I had a 63-yard shot, which is not a very nice yardage to have, but luckily the greens-keeping’s great, it was a nice firm lie. That shot, we don’t really practice those shots, we’re kind of going on instinct there.”

Els pumped his fist after the final birdie, taking the outright lead into the clubhouse, though he had to wait for the last group of Barron, Langer and Jimenez to finish.

None could catch Els, a former world No. 1 who won four majors on the PGA Tour.

“Getting close and not winning gets a little [old], you know,” Els said. “Then having a chance today and missing the short putt [on 15], they were kind of not great feelings coming through me. Then I made the putt on 16 and 18, so good to win.

“Finishing the way I did ... I haven’t finished that way for two years, that’s why I haven’t won. Those are the kind of things I used to do when I was winning events when I was in my prime. So I want to get those feelings back, and this was a really great start.”

Like Langer, Newport Beach resident Couples fired a final-round 73. He finished at eight-under, tied for 15th place.

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An aging ernie els went to lighter shafts — and now he's got the 36-hole lead at a pga tour champions major, share this article.

The inevitability of growing older strikes all of us at some point. Even the Big Easy.

Now at the ripe age of 53, Ernie Els found himself looking for a little help when it came to his shafts, and he admitted after shooting a 66 during the second round of the Regions Tradition at Greystone G&CC in Birmingham, Alabama, on Friday that he recently made a switch.

“I’ve got a kind of a new set in my bag, my clubs have new shafts and I’m getting used to them, but it feels good,” Els said. “I’ve been playing a lot golf lately so I know where my game is. I just want to get out there and do as best as I can, I’m in contention, and that is all you can ask for.”

Els hasn’t needed much of a boost, as he’s posted five top-10 finishes in seven starts on the PGA Tour Champions this year, including a win at the Hoag Classic in March. Sitting at 10 under after two rounds, Els has a one-shot lead over Paul Broadhurst and a two-shot edge over Stephen Ames, Steve Stricker and Tim O’Neal.

But the move to lighter shafts could help him in his quest to win his first major on the PGA Tour Champions. He has three victories on the senior circuit, but has yet to capture a major.

“I’ve been thinking about it for a while, and then two weeks ago I started working on it and getting them into the bag, that’s fully fledged, every club is changed now,” he said. “It’s a little lighter shaft, I’ve been playing 140-range shafts and I went down to a little lighter shaft, I’m getting older.”

Birdie Bogey Birdie @TheBig_Easy makes up for the bogey on the last with this slick putt @RegionsTrad . pic.twitter.com/q9wnu2R5oM — PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) May 12, 2023

As for looking ahead to the final two rounds of play, Els knows there’s plenty of competition to face. Although Els has played well at this event before in two previous starts, he’s seen Stricker run away from the field both times.

This time, Els is determined to keep it simple.

“I just managed myself around the course well. I hit some shorter clubs off the tee to make sure I got it in the fairway, then the greens are putting beautifully and I made some putts, so it was a nice day to stay in it,” he said. “I felt like guys were going to shoot low today because of the rain we had last night so I wanted to get it somewhere in the 60s and that’s what we did.”

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Ernie Els: "Masters? Bad taste in my mouth"

E rnie Els was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011. By that time, he had won three of his four majors: the U.S. Open in 1994 at Oakmont and in 1997 at Congressional, and the Open Championship in 2002 at Muirfield.

The fourth would come in 2012, again at the Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St. Annes. Missing from his resume are the PGA Championship and the Masters Tournament. In a recent interview with Golf Monthly, which covered his entire career, one question focused on his annus horribilis.

According to Els, 2004 was one of the years when he played his best golf. He had the opportunity to contend for victory in all four majors, but did not win any.

Ernie Els, statements

But he has no doubt about his biggest disappointment: "They all hurt a bit, but not winning the Masters will leave a bitter taste in my mouth forever." In the 2004 edition, the South African teed off on the 1st hole of the final round tied for fourth at -3.

He finished the round with a 67, the second-best score of the day, which propelled him into the lead with a two-shot advantage over K.J. Choi. As the clubhouse leader, he awaited the arrival of Phil Mickelson, who was playing two under par, with the 18th hole to play.

We know that the 18th hole is not to be taken lightly, a bogey is just around the corner, But Phil Mickelson went beyond, making a birdie with a 5-meter putt that put him in the history books and sent shivers down Els' spine.

Els continued: "It's such a fascinating event, so prestigious, and it means so much, but that day the best player won." "I finished second behind Phil, playing one of my best rounds that Sunday, making putts under pressure and making several birdies on the back nine." "It was very painful." Ernie Els made his last appearance at the Masters in 2017, and a couple of years later, he stated: "I want to be honest, I don't miss that place." "I've had enough." "Especially in the last five editions, I've played terribly."

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• Ernie’s 76 Career Wins

Ernie’s victory in last season’s Hoag Classic was the 76th professional win of his career, including four Major Championships, two World Golf Championships and a record seven World Matchplay titles.

Here is the full list of wins…

1990 Spoornet SA Classic, Kimberley Golf Club, South Africa

Highveld Classic, Witbank Golf Club, South Africa

1991 Amatola Sun Classic, King Williams Town GC, South Africa 70, 72, 67: 209, 4-under par

1992 Protea Assurance South African Open, Houghton GC, South Africa 65, 69, 69, 70: 273, 15-under par  

Lexington South African PGA Championship, Wanderers GC, South Africa 69, 66, 65, 71: 271, 9-under par  

South African Masters, Dainfern CC, South Africa 67, 70, 71, 67: 275, 13-under par

Hollard Royal Swazi Sun Classic, Royal Swazi Sun CC, South Africa 74, 67, 64, 64: 269, 19-under par

First National Bank Players Championship, Royal Johannesburg GC, South Africa 68, 68, 65, 69: 270, 18-under par

Goodyear Classic, Humewood GC, South Africa 71, 69, 69, 67: 276, 12-under par

1993 Dunlop Phoenix Tournament, Phoenix Country Club, Japan 68, 69, 65, 69: 271, 17-under par

1994 Dubai Desert Classic, Emirates GC, Dubai 61, 69, 67, 71: 268, 20-under par

US OPEN , Oakmont CC, Pennsylvania, USA 69, 71, 66, 73: 279, 5-under par (Ernie shoots 74 in Monday’s 18-hole three-way playoff with Colin Montgomerie and Loren Roberts, then defeats Roberts after two holes of sudden-death, to win his first Major)

Toyota World Matchplay Championship, Wentworth Club, England Beats Colin Montgomerie in final, 4&2, Ernie’s first World Match Play title

Johnnie Walker World Championship, Tryall GC, Jamaica 64, 64, 71, 69: 268, 16-under par

Sarazen World Open (inaugural), Chateau Elan G&CC, Atlanta, Georgia 67, 73, 68, 65: 273, 15-under par

1995 GTE Byron Nelson Classic, TPC Four Seasons Resort & Cottonwood Valley GC, Texas 69, 61, 65, 68: 263, 17-under par

Toyota World Matchplay Championship, Wentworth Club, England Beats Steve Elkington in final, 3&1, Ernie’s second World Match Play title

Bells Cup, Fancourt Golf Club, South Africa 69, 67, 69, 70: 275, 13-under par

Lexington South African PGA Championship, Wanderers GC, South Africa 65, 71, 71, 64: 271, 9-under par  

1996 South African Open, Royal Cape GC, South Africa 65, 70, 74, 66: 275, 13-under par

Buick Classic, Westchester CC, New York 65, 66, 69, 71: 271, 13-under par

Toyota World Matchplay Championship, Wentworth Club, England Beats Vijay Singh in final, 3&2, Ernie’s third World Match Play title

Johnnie Walker Super Tour Event, played on multiple venues across Asia 67, 71, 71, 65: 274, 14-under par

World Cup of Golf, Erinvale GC, South Africa with Wayne Westner (Ernie also wins individual title 68, 72, 65, 67: 272, 16-under par)

1997 Johnnie Walker Classic, Hope Island GC, Australia 70, 68, 71, 69: 278, 10-under par

US OPEN , Congressional CC, Bethesda, Maryland 71, 67, 69, 69: 276, 4-under par

Buick Classic, Westchester CC, New York 64, 68, 67, 69: 268, 16-under par

PGA Grand Slam of Golf, Poipu Bay Resort GC, Hawaii 68, 65: 133, 11-under par

Dunhill Links Championship, The Old Course St Andrews, Scotland South African team of Els, David Frost and Retief Goosen win in matchplay format over four days

1998 South African Open, Durban CC, South Africa 64, 72, 68, 69: 273, 15-under par

Bay Hill Invitational, Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Florida 67, 69, 65, 73: 274, 14-under par

Dunhill Links Championship, The Old Course St Andrews, Scotland South African team of Els, David Frost and Retief Goosen win in matchplay format over four days  

1999 Alfred Dunhill South African PGA Championship, Houghton GC, South Africa 67, 69, 69, 68: 273, 15-under par  

Nissan Open, Riviera CC, California 68, 66, 68, 68: 270, 14-under par

Nedbank Golf Challenge, Sun City Resort, South Africa 67, 66, 64, 66: 263, 25-under par

2000 The International, Castle Pines, Colorado 48 points in modified stableford format (joint-highest score in the tournament’s 20-year history)

Nedbank Golf Challenge, Sun City Resort, South Africa 66, 67, 67, 68: 268, 20-under par

Standard Life Loch Lomond Tournament, Loch Lomond GC, Scotland 69, 67, 69, 68: 273, 11-under par

2001 World Cup of Golf, Taiheiyo GC, Japan with Retief Goosen 64, 71, 63, 66: 264, 24-under par

Vodacom Players Championship, Royal Cape GC, South Africa 70, 68, 70, 65: 273, 15-under par

2002 Heineken Classic, Royal Melbourne GC, Australia 64, 69, 69, 69: 271, 17-under par

Dubai Desert Classic, Emirates GC, Dubai 68, 68, 67, 69: 272, 16-under par

Genuity Championship, Doral, Florida 66, 67, 66, 72: 271, 17-under par

THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP , Muirfield GC, Scotland 70, 66, 72, 70: 278, 6-under par (wins four-man, four-hole playoff against Thomas Levet, Steve Elkington and Stuart Appleby)

Nedbank Golf Challenge, Sun City Resort, South Africa 70, 65, 69, 63: 267, 21-under par

Cisco World Match Play Championship, Wentworth Club, England Beats Sergio Garcia in final, 2&1, Ernie’s fourth World Match Play title

2003 Mercedes Championship, Kapalua CC, Hawaii 64, 65, 65, 67: 261, 31-under par (PGA TOUR 72-hole record score)

Sony Open in Hawaii, Waialae CC, Hawaii 66, 65, 66, 67: 264, 16-under par

Heineken Classic, Royal Melbourne GC, Australia 70, 72, 66, 65: 273, 15-under par

Johnnie Walker Classic, Lake Karrinyup CC, Australia 64, 65, 64, 66: 259, 29-under par

Barclays Scottish Open, Loch Lomond GC, Scotland 64, 67, 67, 69: 267, 17-under par

Omega European Masters, Crans-sur-Sierre GC, Switzerland 65, 69, 68, 65: 267, 17-under par

HSBC World Match Play Championship, Wentworth Club, England Beats Thomas Bjorn in final, 4&3, Ernie’s fifth World Match Play title

2004 Sony Open in Hawaii, Waialae CC, Hawaii 67, 64, 66, 65: 262, 18-under par

Heineken Classic, Royal Melbourne GC, Australia 60, 66, 68, 74: 268, 20-under par

Memorial Tournament, Muirfield Village GC, Ohio 68, 70, 66, 66: 270, 18-under par

WGC – American Express Championship, Mount Juliet GC, Ireland 69, 64, 68, 69: 270, 18-under par

HSBC World Match Play Championship, Wentworth Club, England Beats Lee Westwood in final, 2&1, Ernie’s sixth World Match Play title

Nelson Mandela Invitational, Arabella Golf Estate & CC, South Africa 64, 66: 130, 14-under par (partnered with Vincent Tshabalala)

2005 Dubai Desert Classic, Emirates GC, Dubai 66, 68, 67, 68: 269, 19-under par

Qatar Masters, Doha GC, Qatar 73, 69, 69, 65: 276, 12-under par

BMW Asian Open, Thomson Shanghai Pudong GC, China 67, 62, 68, 65: 262: 26-under par

2006 Dunhill Championship, Leopard Creek CC, South Africa 71, 67, 68, 68: 274, 14-under par

2007 South African Airways Open, Humewood GC, South Africa 67, 66, 66, 65: 264, 24-under par

HSBC World Matchplay Championship, Wentworth Club, England Beats Angel Cabrera in final, 6&4, Ernie’s seventh World Match Play title

2008 Honda Classic, PGA National GC, Florida 67, 70, 70, 67: 274, 6-under par

King Hassan II Trophy, The Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, Morocco 69, 67, 71, 68: 275, 17-under par

2010 WGC – CA Championship, Doral, Florida 68, 66, 70, 66: 270, 18-under par

Arnold Palmer Invitational, Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Florida 68, 69, 69, 71: 277, 11-under par

PGA Grand Slam of Golf, Port Royal GC, Bermuda 68, 69: 137, 5-under par

2011 South African Open, Durban CC, South Africa 65, 65, 64, 63: 257, 25-under par

2012 THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP , Royal Lytham & St Annes GC, England 67, 70, 68, 68: 273, 7-under par

2013 BMW International Open, Golfclub München Eichenried, Germany 63, 69, 69, 69: 270, 18-under par

2020 The Hoag Classic, Newport Beach CC, California (Champions Tour) 66, 64, 67: 197, 16-under par, Win

SAS Championship, Prestonwood CC (Champions Tour) 70, 68, 66: 204, 12-under par, Win

2023 The Hoag Classic, Newport Beach CC, California 70, 65, 65: 200, 13-under par, Win

TEAMS Alfred Dunhill Cup: 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 (winners), 1998 (winners), 1999 & 2000

World Cup: 1992, 1993, 1996 (individual and team winners), 1997 & 2001 (winners)

Presidents Cup: 1996, 1998 (winners), 2000, 2003, 2007, 2009, 2011 & 2013

Individual Record: Played 40, Won 20, Lost 18, Halved 2

Ernie captained the Internationals at the 2019 Presidents Cup in Australia.

• Ernie Els Group Newsletter
• The 2023 season in numbers
• Ernie Els Group Newsletter – September 2023
• Ernie plays his 107th major
• Ernie Els Group Newsletter – December 2022
• Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund announces honor for Ernie
• Ernie Els Group Newsletter – November 2022
• 2022/23 Schedule & Results

About Ernie Els

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Can a LIV Golf player win the 2024 Masters? Ask them

Pat McAfee appreciates Jon Rahm's honesty after the LIV golfer admitted he missed playing in certain PGA Tour events. (1:43)

• Senior college football writer
• Author of seven books on college football
• Graduate of the University of Georgia

MIAMI -- LIV Golf League captains Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka were sitting on a stage at Trump National Doral on Wednesday when a moderator asked if a LIV Golf player could win a green jacket at the Masters.

"I don't know, obviously chances are pretty good," Koepka said. "There's a lot of good players. I don't know how many guys are in the field. Usually about 90, right? Usually about 90 [it's 88 this year]. So, you know, probably got, what, 15%?"

Koepka turned to DeChambeau: "You're better at math and numbers."

"Something like that -- it's 15 to 20 [percent]," DeChambeau said.

Together, DeChambeau and Koepka dissected the numbers, eliminating amateurs, first-timers and golfers who might be nervous playing in the first major championship of the season in front of tens of thousands of patrons at Augusta National Golf Club, one of the most famous courses in the world.

"I can give that whole speech again, but I'll save everybody the five minutes," Koepka said.

Koepka was referring to his news conference at the 2019 PGA Championship at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York. Before a tee was even in the ground, Koepka suggested he had to worry about beating only a handful of golfers because he was better than half the field and many others would probably be too nervous to win.

The five-time major champion captured the second of his three Wanamaker Trophies five days later.

Heading into the Masters a year ago, there were similar questions about LIV Golf players. After leaving the PGA Tour, they were playing fewer tournaments -- and only 54 holes when they did. The circuit that claimed to be "Golf But Louder" seemed a lot more relaxed with its unique team names, on-course music and shotgun starts.

That doubt was put to rest at Augusta National Golf Club when Koepka and fellow LIV Golf League captain Phil Mickelson tied for second behind Jon Rahm . Former Masters champion Patrick Reed tied for fourth, putting three LIV Golf players in the top five.

"I think the outside perception was definitely that these guys have gone away and they're never going to be able to play competitively again," Australia's Cameron Smith said. "I guess our performance at the Masters definitely kind of turned a lot of heads."

Now the Saudi Arabian-financed LIV Golf League has Rahm, who became the fourth golfer from Spain to win the Masters with a 4-stroke victory a year ago. He jumped to LIV Golf in December and signed a multiyear contract that is reportedly worth more than $350 million. He is captain of the Legion XIII team.

Rahm, the third-ranked golfer in the world, and Smith, the 2022 Open Championship winner, are among 13 LIV Golf players who will compete in the Masters this week. Smith withdrew after the first round of the LIV Golf tournament in Miami because of illness.

Past Masters champions Dustin Johnson , Charl Schwartzel and Bubba Watson will also be there, along with Tyrrell Hatton and Adrian Meronk .

"I think that was something that, you know, some people came with to try to kind of take credit away from us, [by] saying that we're all done," said 2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia . "I think it's been proven the other way, so I think people don't look at it that way anymore. They realize that we can still play and play really well."

Last year, Koepka said if he hadn't seriously injured his right knee in a fall in March 2021, he might not have left the PGA Tour for LIV Golf. He missed the cut at the Masters in 2021 and 2022 while recovering. Koepka came in hot last year, having won a LIV Golf tournament in Orlando, Florida, the week before. He captured his third PGA Championship title at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York, about a month later.

Koepka said he never had doubts about his ability to compete in major championships again -- even if others did.

"I mean, I already knew that," Koepka said. "I kept telling everybody, but nobody believed me. I think it was more validation for everybody else."

Now, the 33-year-old Koepka seems as confident as ever. He would be only the eighth golfer to win the three U.S.-based major championships; Raymond Floyd, Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson , Jack Nicklaus , Gary Player , Gene Sarazen and Tiger Woods also won the Masters, PGA Championship and U.S. Open.

"This is kind of my time," Koepka said this week.

Mickelson was even further off the radar when he delivered his historic performance at the 2023 Masters. The six-time major champion had fallen to 425th in the world rankings. Since winning his last tournament at the 2021 PGA Championship at Kiawah Island, South Carolina, Mickelson had missed the cut in three majors and tied for 62nd in a fourth.

Augusta National always seems to bring out Mickelson's best, however, and it did again last year. He carded a 7-under 65 on Sunday -- his best final round in the event -- and the lowest round in Masters history by any golfer aged 50 or older.

Mickelson, who was 52, also became the oldest player to finish in the top five of the Masters.

He will arrive at Augusta National Golf Club this week near the 20th anniversary of his first Masters victory -- the moment that broke his 0-for-46 record in major championships. In the final round in 2004, he walked to the 12th hole trailing Ernie Els by 3 strokes. Mickelson responded by making birdies on five of the final seven holes, including one on the 72nd hole when he sank an 18-foot putt that led to his iconic leap.

"I obviously love the place," Mickelson said. "It's a course where I feel I don't have to be perfect. When I go through the gates and drive down Magnolia Lane, I relax a little bit because if we miss it on the right side of the hole, given the pin placement, if we miss in the correct side, we can still salvage par utilizing our short games.

"You can still be creative and recover at Augusta, which is why I think it's so fun to watch. ... The trees are high enough where you have a swing, as opposed to take an unplayable lie and wedging out."

The odds of a LIV Golf player slipping on a green jacket in Butler Cabin on Sunday night only increased when Rahm signed. The Masters will be the first time that Rahm has competed alongside PGA Tour players since he defected. According to ESPN Stats & Information, he has the best scoring average (70.5) in Masters history among more than 400 golfers who have played at least 15 rounds.

Rahm would be the fourth golfer to win back-to-back Masters titles, joining Woods (2001-02), Nick Faldo (1989-90) and Nicklaus (1965-66).

"You know, there [are] quite a few major champions in LIV, and there are a few that are major champion-quality golfers," Rahm said. "So just pure numbers, if you go with math, wouldn't be the highest, but I'm confident that one of us can get it done this year."

Player profile

Date of birth

South Africa

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Latest on Ernie

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Last 5 performances.

One of the world’s truly global golfers with more than 70 victories worldwide, including 28 European Tour titles.

The former World Number One won his fourth Major title at the 141st Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes, ten years after he captured the Claret Jug at Muirfield.

He spent a record 758 consecutive weeks in the top ten of the Official World Golf Ranking and was European Number One twice, in 2003 and 2004.

He is an Honorary Life Member of the European Tour and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011.

The most dominant South African in European Tour history, Els is seventh on the all-time winners list with 28 victories to his name.

Made the jump to over-50s golf in 2020, earning two victories on PGA TOUR Champions later that year.

Formed the Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation in 1999 to identify and assist young individuals from families of limited resources who show golfing promise.

Established the Els for Autism Foundation in 2009 with his wife Liezl after their son Ben was diagnosed with autism.

DP World Tour Partners

Dinamo Elektrostal

Match results.

* Won by shoot-out

About Dinamo Elektrostal

Moscow’s Dinamo Elektrostal are gearing up for their fifth EHL season having frequently picked off impressive wins but have yet to top their particular group in their previous attempts.

They did get the best of arch rivals Dinamo Ak-Bars in both the Russian Cup and the Prometheus International tournament to show they are knocking on the door.

There has been a reasonable level of turnover from 2020 with Anton Noshin, Evgenii Mokrousov, Aleksei Godenkov and Ivan Zuikov joining the newly formed TsOP Moskomsport outfit. Danill Karagodin, Mikhail Nekludov and Ilya Larikov have all retired.

Their replacements are mostly youngsters with Dmitry Zheleznyakov, Aleksei Samylkin, Petr Agapov, Ilia Bartenev, Andrei Gribanov and Oleg Kulakov joining their line-up.

EHL History 2013/14 – ROUND1 2015/16 – ROUND1 2017/18 – ROUND1 2018/19 – ROUND1

ARTEMOV Evgenii

Kuraev dmitrii, proskuriakov mikhail, zaytsev zakhar, zhirkov alexander, arusiia georgii, zheleznyakov dmitry, skuratov andrei, dvoretskii nikita, okishev arsenii, khairullin marat, samylkin aleksei, agapov petr, kuraev andrei, rogov roman, loginov iaroslav, bondariuk nikolai, kulakov oleg, laptev dmitry, bartenev ilia, spichkin matvei, lepeshkin sergey, gribanov andrei.

Tour Details

Moscow metro tour: architectural styles of the subway.

Duration: 2 hours

Categories: Culture & History, Sightseeing

This metro tour of Russia’s capital and most populous city, Moscow, is your chance to get a unique insight into the beautiful and impressive architecture of the city's underground stations. Admire their marble walls and high ceilings representing Stalin's desire for glory after World War 2, and see first-hand how the interiors change with the rise of new political eras. Your guide will lead you through the complex network, which is one of the most heavily used rapid transit systems worldwide, with over two billion travelers in 2011.

Opened in 1935, Moscow’s underground system, now 190 miles (305 km) long with 185 stations, is today one the largest and most heavily used rapid transit systems in the world. On this Moscow metro tour, discover the impressive architecture of Moscow’s underground stations and learn how they reflect the Soviet era.

Getting around by metro, your local guide will take you through parts of Moscow’s infamous history. Stop at stations built during the time of the USSR (Soviet Union) that are praised as one of the most extravagant architectural projects from Stalin’s time. After World War 2, he was keen on establishing Stalinist architecture to represent his rising regime and a recognized empire. Learn how when his successor started the de-Stalinization of the former Soviet Union in 1953, the extravagancy of the architecture was toned down.

Discover how the unique character of each station reflected several different eras. While stations like Kievskaya and Slavyansky Bulvar have pompous halls and high stucco ceilings brimming with extravagant decorations, those built later, like Volzhskaya, are lightly adorned with sparse furnishings. Architect Alexey Dushkin and painter Alexander Deyneka were just two of the many artists who made these magnificent landmarks possible.

Revel in Moscow's glory days, as well as the years of scarcity, on this fascinating Moscow metro experience. Conclude your tour at one of the central stations in Moscow. If you're lucky, you may even find the secret entrance to the unconfirmed Metro-2, a parallel underground system used by the government -- a mystery which has neither been denied nor confirmed today.

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Culture Shock Rating

We have a wide range of tours designed to give you an insight into the destination you're travelling in and there is something for everybody. The culture shock ratings considers the destination visited, transport used, activities undertaken and that "Wow, I'm really not at home now!" factor. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

This is the least confronting of our tour range. Transport used on the trip is either private or a very comfortable public option, the activities included are usually iconic sites and locations that are not all too confronting.

The tour can include a mix of private and public transport providing a level of comfort that is slightly below what you would experience at home. Sites visited are usually iconic sites, tours can also include market visits, visits to communities etc that provide the traveller with a fantastic insight into destination.

Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether it's a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, a visit to a local market, a local community, you are sure to have an experience that is very different from what you're used to at home.

The comforts of your home town and the environment you are used to are more of a rarity. Expect some challenging transport options, visits to local sites and areas that don't resemble anything at home.

You're out there in the global community! You are likely to be exposed to the elements, travel in whatever means of transport is available and basically take it as it comes, whatever comes! It can be tough.

Physical Rating

Our physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

These tours have very limited physical activity. Usually climbing in and out of the transport provided, walking through sites, markets etc included in the itinerary.

These tours have a bit of physical activity but nothing that should challenge you too much. This could be climbing on and off public transport through to a walk through the destination you're travelling in, they can include walking only tours or a combination of walking and transport.

These tours involve a bit of physical activity from walking up and down hills in the destination you're travelling in or the surrounding areas. Climbing on and off local transport or riding a bike up to 30 kms along predominantly flat terrain or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.

These Tours will provide you with some solid physical activity. Whether its bike riding, walking, trekking, kayaking or riding on public transport you will need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this tour.

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. These tours are our most challenging and involve some serious walking, hiking or bike riding. Can involve step climbs by foot or pedal and some challenging public transport options in the destination you are travelling.

Luxury Rating

Some trips are like a stroll on the beach, while others have you trekking alpine passes. Some of you thrive on camping out on the savannah, while others may prefer a hot shower and a comfortable bed in a lodge. Follow the grading systems below to find the right trip for you.

To help you choose the trip that's right for you, we've broken all of our trips down into four service levels. Measuring the comfort level of the accommodation and transport. So whether you're travelling on a budget and want to save money by using public transport, or prefer upgraded accommodation and are happy to pay a little more, then we have a level for you.

This is grassroots travel at its most interesting

Authentic experiences with some of the comforts of home

For those who like to travel in comfort

All the unique experiences wrapped up with a gold ribbon

Steven Alker, Retief Goosen, Alex Cejka share first-round lead at The Galleri Classic

Daily Wrap Up

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Things to know

• Charles Schwab Cup leader Steven Alker, World Golf Hall of Fame member Retief Goosen and reigning Senior Open champion Alex Cejka share the first-round lead at The Galleri Classic presented by Spotlight 29 Casino.

Steven Alker, 33-33 – 66 (-6)

• Is 4-for-7 converting those into victories
• Last win: 2024 Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai
• Note: This is the sixth event of the 2024 season
• Making his fifth start of the 2024 season, he has finished in the top 15 in each of his starts
• Has a 67.5 scoring average at Mission Hills (four rounds)
• Has led the Charles Schwab Cup standings for all five weeks during the 2024 season

Alex Cejka, 33-33 – 66 (-6)

• Is 1-for-4 converting those into victories
• Last win: 2023 Senior Open Championship presented by Rolex
• Best finish: T3 (Chubb Classic)
• Making his second appearance at The Galleri Classic, he finished T16 in 2023.
• Entered the week ranked No. 10 in the Charles Schwab Cup standings.

Retief Goosen, 31-35 – 66 (-6)

• Previous instance: Cologuard Classic (second Round)
• Is 0-for-2 converting those into victories
• Last win: 2022 Hoag Classic
• Making his third start of the 2024 season, his best finish is T11 (Hoag Classic).
• Over his last two rounds at Mission Hills, he has played Nos. 1-14 in a combined 16-under and Nos. 15-18 in a combined 3-over

Other notes

• The 60-year-old seeks his fourth win on PGA TOUR Champions (226th start)
• Last win: 2015 Charles Schwab Cup Championship
• Seven players sit T5 at 4-under, including GRAIL ambassador Steve Stricker and World Golf Hall of Fame member Ernie Els.
• Defending champion David Toms sits T12 after shooting 3-under 69.
• World Golf Hall of Fame member Fred Couples withdrew before the start of the first round, and alternate Scott Dunlap (T44) took his spot in the field.

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Tour of famous Moscow Metro. Explore the Underground World! (2 hours)

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On this tour you take in some of Moscow's most important and highly decorated stations. Carrying up to 7 million passengers a day and covering almost the entire city, the Moscow Metro is one of the most extensive mass transit systems in the world. It's famous for the fine examples of social-realism which decorate many of its stations.

Visit some of the most important stations and get the chance to admire spectacular baroque-style ceilings, marble statues, busts of Communist heroes, stained glass windows, and ceiling mosaics depicting the bright Soviet future. Visit the most remarkable stations like Komsomolskaya, Kurskaya, Kievskaya and others, with the experienced guide who will bring you a full insight into their fascinating history.

• Tour of Moscow's Metro system visiting beautifully decorated key stations on the network.
• System that carries more than 7 million passengers per day
• Views of the most opulently designed tunnels & platforms
• Significance to the country—known as the “People's Palace”
• History & stories relayed by an expert local guide

If you wonder why the Moscow metro is considered one the most beautiful in the world, this tour is made for you!

Important info

Ask a travel expert.

• Professional English-speaking guide assistance. Other languages upon request (additional charge may apply)
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Personal expenses
• Gratuities (optional)
• Food and drinks
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Children must be accompanied by an adult

Departure and return point: nearest metro station to your central Moscow hotel  

Departure time:  flexible

Sights included in program

Thanks ! We will reply you in less than 24 hours (usually within 1-2 hours) .

Our flexible payment options allow you to pay 20% of a deposit first and the remaining 80% in 14 days prior to your tour date - payment can be done both online or over the phone. This gives you the peace of mind knowing your spaces are booked on the tours and that you do not miss out on making the most of your time in Russia.

Also you get the best, top-rated and most experienced and knowledgeable hand-picked tour guide appointed on a priority basis. In our experience, exceptional travel experiences are almost always delivered by exceptional people. With that in mind, we utilize a comprehensive approach to select and employ the best tour guides only. Multilingual and well travelled, each possesses deep insight into the diverse attractions and cultural patterns throughout the region. With us guides undergo a rigorous selection process, achieving outstanding knowledge of local culture and language. Rest assured that the best tour guides only will be working on the tours to give you excellent opportunity to explore the best of the sights during both short and long-term stay in Russia.

Once you complete your reservation, we will send you a booking confirmation email. As the day of the tour approaches, our logistics team will provide you with all relevant information for your tour.

Speak  to an expert Call us now

+1 (888) 845-8877

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Why Do You Need Our Travel Expert

Contact our experts, and they will help you to plan your best trip to Russia, with attention to every detail!

Our Experts have been in the travel industry for many years, guarantee to offer first class customer service, excellent value for money and unbiased advice. They are standing by to find and build your dream holiday to one of the world's most fascinating destinations - Russia. Your personal Travel Expert will guide you through each stage of the travel process, from choosing a program that fits you best to support during your trip.

Just tell us your e-mail, and we'll take care of everything!

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