All the latest news and stories from the world of golf, Ernie Els Design, Ernie Els Wines, and across Ernie’s philanthropic interests.
1. Ernie receives Francis Ouimet Award at Boston banquet
Ernie was proud to receive the 2023 Francis Ouimet Award from Richard F. Connolly, Jr. at the organisation’s annual banquet at Encore Boston Harbor on April 3, in recognition of his contribution to golf and the community through his philanthropic endeavors, notably Els for Autism.
“Thank you again to the team at the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund for this honor and for helping raise more awareness for the work that we’re doing at Els for Autism and for the autism community in general,” commented Ernie on the evening of the organisation’s annual banquet, America’s largest golf dinner, where appropriately the wine was supplied by the team at Ernie Els Wines in South Africa.
Ernie went on to say, “Mr Ouimet was of course a great golfer, but also a real gentleman who used his name and his fame to help people less fortunate than himself. We can all applaud that. I’m proud to be associated with this award. Liezl and I had a wonderful evening and it was nice to be back in beautiful Boston again!”
The Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund awards millions of dollars in need-based college scholarships each year to deserving young men and women who have worked at Massachusetts golf courses.
Francis Ouimet is one of the most honoured players in history. He shook up the golfing world winning the 1913 US Open, one of the greatest upsets in the history of sport. He won the U.S. Amateur in 1914 and 1931. He also played on the first eight Walker Cup Teams and was Captain of the next four. Revered as a golfing goodwill ambassador, he became the first American elected Captain of the R&A in 1951. He has been named to every golf Hall of Fame, has a room named after him in the USGA Museum. The U.S. Senior Open Trophy is also named after him, as are several others around the country.
2. Ernie secures 76th professional career win at Hoag Classic
Ernie’s victory in last month’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.
“It’s getting on for two-and-a-half years since my last win, so as you can imagine, it’s a fantastic feeling winning my second Hoag Classic title,” commented Ernie. “I’ve been competing well this season on the Champions Tour and playing some good golf, but just hadn’t been able to put it over the finish line. I felt like we just needed to find some momentum and get on a bit of a roll. Basically make some putts! The pieces finally clicked into place at the weekend in Newport Beach. This is what we play for, so I’m going to do everything we can to try to carry this momentum into the coming weeks and months. You know, I’m feeling comfortable with my game, the confidence is coming back, so I’m excited about the rest of the season.”
Just as impressive as the tally of 76 wins is the global reach of Ernie’s victories, which is arguably without parallel in the modern era. The former World No.1 has triumphed in tournaments in South Africa, Europe, the US, Asia, the Far East, the Middle East and Australasia. For the full list of Ernie’s career wins as a professional, click here.
3. Another top accolade for Ernie Els Wines
Ernie and head winemaker Louis Strydom had cause to raise a glass to the news that the winery’s acclaimed 2013 Ernie Els Signature had been awarded the best wine overall in The Amorim 10-Year-Old Wine Report by Winemag, with an outstanding score of 94 points.
“The award was an excellent demonstration of our Signature blend’s ability to gracefully age for a decade or more,” said a member of the winemaking team. “The recent introduction of traditional fermentation vessels in the cellar, including Nico Velo concrete tanks and terracotta amphoras, serve to further enhance our winemaking methods by focusing on natural insulation and minimal yeast aggravation, factors which are known to improve the ageing potential and flavour profile of wines by lengthening the structure and adding ample depth.”
With auspicious beginnings as a maiden vintage in 2000, the 10-year-old iconic Bordeaux-style blend is comprised of the classic cultivars grown exclusively on the property: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. It’s available from the Ernie Els Wines online shop in a beautifully-presented vertical gift pack, which includes the 2013, 2014 and 2015 Signature vintages.
