Ernie Els earns entry into World Golf Hall of Fame alongside former President George W. Bush
South African Veteran Ernie Els achieved another benchmark of his career when he was inducted in the World Golf Hall of Fame on Monday night, May 9th. Els was among the six people who were voted to be inducted in the coveted club through an International
ballot, though Els himself was nominated from the PGA Tour ballot.
The other five included, Japanese golfing legend Jumbo Ozaki, winner of more than 100 titles worldwide, Doug Ford and late Jock Hutchison, both two-time major winners. Former US President George H.W. Bush, Late Frank Chirkinian, the famous CBS broadcaster,
were inducted in the Life Time Achievement category.
Els has come a long way in his career in golf and is among the few players who are known for their globetrotting across the world. He has perhaps, played more tournaments around the world than any of the contemporary players, following in the footsteps of
his idol the great Gary Player. The 41-year-old former World number one is also known as “The Big Easy” for his robust built and a seemingly effortless swing.
Els grew in the suburbs of Johannesburg in Kempton Park and started playing golf from the age of eight. He won the Junior World Championship in San Diego when he defeated Phil Mickelson and went over to win three major titles including the US Open in 1994
and 1997, and the Open Championship in 2002. He has won 64 professional titles after turning pro in 1989. Also, he is the only active player inducted in the Hall of Fame after Vijay Singh.
"It's been a long journey coming from South Africa," Els said at the two-hour ceremony. "You don't get inducted in here without doing something to catch people's attention, whether it's winning 18 or 19 majors like Jack Nicklaus or building golf courses
like Pete Dye."
The player went on to add, "There are people here that have done special things in the game of golf. I feel I've won my fair share of tournaments around the world, a truly global golfer like my idol, Gary Player."
Els is also actively involved in the research and funding of the disease called Autism as his eight year son is suffering from it since birth. With the present induction, the number of World Golf Hall of Famers has soared to 136 worldwide.
Els and Ford were the only inductees who were present at the ceremony. Ozaki, battered by back injury and also because of devastation caused by earthquake in his hometown, was not able to attend the ceremony.
Chirkinian, who passed away few months back, had recorded a video message to be played at the ceremony. The famous CBS broadcaster had died on March 4, and was informed of his selection only few days before his death.
Bush, who became the second US President to be inducted in the Hall of Fame after Dwight D. Eisenhower, was also not available for comments.
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