Christiaan Bezuidenhout, a former member of the Ernie ElsFoundation, won his maiden Sunshine Tour event in October 2016.

Bezuidenhout, who had secured his Tour card by topping the previous year’s Big Easy Sunshine Tour Order of Merit, triumphed in the R700,000 Sun Fish River Challenge at Fish River Sun Hotel and Country Club. And what a way to do it! Bezuidenhout had endured a potentially disastrous mid-round wobble on a day of gusting winds and fluctuating fortunes, but the young man showed incredible maturity and talent down the stretch to get the ‘bus back on the road’. He made a birdie on the 15th, an eagle on the 16th, a par on the 17th and a decisive birdie on the 18th to beat Danie van Tonder into second by two strokes.

Ever since securing his playing privileges Bezuidenhout has looked like a winner-in-waiting, having finished runner-up in his very first tournament of 2016, the BMW SA Open. Getting this win under his belt, though, is obviously a significant moment. “One of my goals was definitely to win an event,” he said. “I’ve had a few chances so far and just couldn’t get the job done, so I’m glad to tick the box now.”

Speaking from his home in Florida, Ernie commented, “I send my congratulations to Christiaan. It was only 12 months ago that we were praising him for securing his 2016 Tour card in the Big Easy Tour Championship at The Els Club Copperleaf, a fine effort in his rookie year. Now here he is with his first main Tour win under his belt already; it’s a fantastic moment for any young player, that first win on Tour. We’re all proud of you Christiaan and wish you continued success in your career.”

For all the latest news on The Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation, follow on Facebook @EEFFoundation.

The post Former EEFF member wins on Tour appeared first on Ernie Els.

Bertie Lubner – business leader, philanthropist, and dear friend of the Els family – sadly passed away on Monday 18 April at the age of 85.

Bertie Lubner and his brother Ronnie built PG Group into one of South Africa’s most successful companies. However, he will perhaps be remembered most for the extraordinary scope and impact of his charitable work, aimed at improving the lives of under-privileged youngsters in some of the most deprived areas in the country. “We’re at war against poverty,” Lubner once said.

“He was an amazing friend of not just the family but all our foundations,” commented Ernie. “Bertie was a true gentleman with an amazing sense of humour! He was a visionary, mentor, friend and one who will never be forgotten. Liezl and I send our sincere condolences to all the family at this very sad time.”

Among the many non-profit charitable organisations to which he lent his support, Lubner was chairman and co-founder of Afrika Tikkun, established to spearhead meaningful transformation and to empower individuals from disadvantaged circumstances to become skilled, educated and productive; to be masters of their own fate.

Lubner was also a recipient of numerous awards including the President’s Order of Meritorious Service. Indeed, President Mandela described Lubner’s work with Afrika Tikkun as a miracle. “I never expected organisations of this nature, which have brought hope to the disadvantaged,” said Mandela.

A statement on the Afrika Tikkun website read: “In true humanitarian spirit, Bertie put the interests of the community needs first. Up to his final days upon this earth, the thoughts of his heart and his commitment remained touchingly with the beneficiaries of Afrika Tikkun. We have lost a hero, one whose accomplishments in the thousands of lives changed through Afrika Tikkun extends beyond measure.”

A spokesperson for the Smile Foundation, also founded by Lubner in order to help improve the lives of disadvantaged children in South Africa, commented: “Dr. Bertie Lubner was a kind and generous man who did so much for so many and will be sorely missed. He truly was a legend in his lifetime.”

The post Ernie remembers ‘an amazing friend’ Bertie Lubner appeared first on Ernie Els.

The PGA TOUR and Southern Company have announced that Ernie Els will be the recipient of the 2015 Payne Stewart Award.

Ernie receives this award for his devotion to improving the lives of those with autism spectrum disorder (Els for Autism) as well as development of junior golf talent in South Africa (Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation). Ernie will be honored at a ceremony on Tuesday, September 22, in conjunction with the TOUR Championship by Coca-Cola in Atlanta and televised live on Golf Channel as part of a GolfCentral special from 7-8 p.m. ET.

The Payne Stewart Award is presented annually to a professional golfer who best exemplifies Stewart’s steadfast values of character, charity and sportsmanship. Stewart, an 11-time winner on the PGA TOUR and World Golf Hall of Fame member, died tragically the week of the TOUR Championship in 1999. That week in tribute to Payne, many golfers competing in the TOUR Championship, including Ernie, wore his signature attire of plus-fours (pictured below).

Southern Company, the “Official Energy Company of the PGA Tour and the Champions Tour,” was the TOUR Championship sponsor the year of Stewart’s passing. A year later, the PGA TOUR created the Payne Stewart Award in his honor, and Southern Company has supported the annual presentation since its inception. Past winners have all distinguished themselves through their respect for the game, the TOUR’s tradition of charity and their ability to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

“I have so many fond memories of Payne and always had the greatest respect for him as a golfer and as a person and I think this award is a wonderful way to honor his memory and the values that he stood for,” commented Ernie. “To be considered worthy of receiving such an award makes me feel proud and very humble. It really means a lot. Of course, the work that we do is a massive team effort and I thank my wife Liezl and everyone at the foundations for their work and commitment as well as all the individuals and corporations that support us in helping improve the lives of kids, young adults and families who need and deserve our help. Thank you also to everyone at the PGA TOUR and to Southern Company for the incredibly generous donation that will help us in our ongoing mission to support causes close to our hearts.”

“Ernie is a legendary figure in our sport, both on and off the golf course,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. “His 70 victories across the globe speak for themselves, but his commitment to using his talents and celebrity to improve lives has made him a true Hall of Famer. It’s only fitting that we announce this award on the heels of an amazing milestone in his charitable work through Els for Autism, as Ernie and Liezl celebrated the grand opening of the first two buildings of The Els Center of Excellence on Monday.  The number of lives that will be – and have already been – impacted through his passion and dedication to this cause is immeasurable.  Ernie’s name belongs on the roster of distinguished names who have won the Payne Stewart Award before him, and he sets a high bar for those who aspire to be named after him.”

Southern Company Chairman, President and CEO Thomas A. Fanning said, “Southern Company is proud to join the PGA TOUR in recognizing Els for making a difference beyond the golf course. Ernie’s commitment and leadership in serving others align with our company’s values and honors Payne Stewart’s enduring legacy.”

In addition to a sculpture by Bob Pack presented to the recipient, the Payne Stewart Award is accompanied by an annual Payne Stewart Award Grant made possible by Southern Company. The $500,000 grant supports several initiatives in Stewart’s name and is distributed as follows: $100,000 to Payne and Tracey Stewart’s primary charity, The Stewart Family Foundation; $100,000 in Stewart’s honor to The First Tee of the Ozarks located in Missouri at Kids Across America, which is affiliated with Kanakuk Kamps; and $300,000 to a charity designated by the winner. Els has chosen Els for Autism and the Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation.

Els is the 18th recipient of the award, joining a distinguished group of respected golfers including Sir Nick Faldo, who was recognized in 2014, and the inaugural recipients Byron Nelson, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer (2000). Other recipients include Peter Jacobsen (2013), Steve Stricker (2012), David Toms (2011), Tom Lehman (2010), Kenny Perry (2009), Davis Love III (2008), Hal Sutton (2007), Gary Player (2006), Brad Faxon (2005), Jay Haas (2004), Tom Watson (2003), Nick Price (2002) and Ben Crenshaw (2001).

The post Ernie to be honored with Payne Stewart Award appeared first on Ernie Els.