Ernie's Expanding

Date: 01/02/2006
Author: UpFront Magazine - Lisa Witepski

Most 16-year-olds are worried about pimples and peer pressure. Ernie Els was worried about turning pro. He shouldn't have been too concerned, though; young Ernie had been winning world titles since the tender age of 14, and he hasn't stopped since. Nor has the Big Easy been content to stop at simply swinging a golf club; he's gone on to design golf courses and, through the Ernie Els Foundation, is encouraging more young enthusiasts to go for the greens. Oh, and he's pretty highly respected as a winemaker too. UpFront caught up with this man of many talents.

As a youngster, you excelled in many sports. Why did you choose golf? Any regrets that you didn't choose another sport?

Yeah, I played a lot of sports. But golf was the one I loved most. I think I realized pretty early on that I wanted to become a professional golfer.

Your father has said that when you were first learning the sport, you really enjoyed caddying, and that this is the difference in your game. Do you agree?

I think one of the good things about caddying is you get to understand the game - you know, the correct etiquette, how to behave and also how to play the game. When you're young, you obviously learn a lot from simply watching the way things are done.

Do you have any mentors, any other golfers you admire?

Gary Player was obviously a big hero back in South Africa. I think the way he's conducted himself and being the big champion that he is has been a fantastic inspiration to a lot of golfers, myself included. When I was growing up. I'd say that Seve (Ballesteros) was probably my favourite. I loved watching him play golf; there was no one else like him when he was in his prime.

Your wife. Liezl, has said that there is a 'love-hate' relationship between professional golfers. How would you describe the dynamic? Do you all hang out after tournaments, or is it a more complex dynamic?

I don't know if it's that complicated. I mean, some people you get on well with and you become friends - you know, have dinner or whatever. Others - maybe your personalities don't click so you're not going to be that friendly. It's pretty normal, really.

Are there ever times when your nickname, The Big Easy, feels as though it doesn't fit; when you feel anything but easygoing?

I've never really felt that nickname suited me, to be honest with you. I know I look laid back because of the way I walk and the way I swing the golf club. Also, I don't show my emotions as much as some other players. But inside I'm very competitive and driven.

Tell us about Ernie Els Winery, your winemaking business. What drew you to making wine? Are you enjoying the business?

Well, it started in 1992 when I met Jean Engelbrecht - owner of Rust en Vrede wine farm - while I was playing in a golf tournament in Cape Town. He invited a few of us back to his place, and that was when I first got into tasting wines. When I decided I wanted to get into the wine busienss, it seemed natural to team up with Jean.

That was in 1999. Now we're great friends, and also partners in the business. Jean's got a real passion for the subject and we're producing some great wines now. For me personally, It's very exciting to be part of that. I feel like we've started something special and it's gone really well so far.

But we've got even bigger plans for the future. We've now got three different wines in our portfolio and we're increasing production to meet demand.

You're clearly very family-oriented. What do you enjoy most about being father to Samantha (six) and Ben (three)? Any hopes for future golfers in the family?

The simple things, that's what's great about being a father. With me being on the road so much, just spending time around the house with Liezl and the kids is a treat for me and something that I love doing. That's been one of the few benefits of the knee injury; I guess you could say that I've had a pretty normal like for the first time in maybe 15 years. (Ernie was forced to miss out this year's golfing season due to an injury he sustained while sailing in the Mediterranean). Golf-wise, my daughter Sam has a great swing already. Not sure about Ben, though - he's been slow as far as golf goes. He's a big boy and I think rugby might be his game.

You are now based in the United Kingdom. Do you miss living in South Africa? What do you miss most, and would you ever return?

You, I miss it sometimes. The things I miss most are the weather, the food, and my house. I mean, it's just so relaxed down there in George. There's no hassle. I love it. I wish I could spend more time down there, but obviously it's not practical with the life we have.

What is your proudest sporting moment?

All of my three major championships are special, but I'd say the British Open with at Muirfield in 2002 is my proudest moment. I loved Muirfield the first time I played there in the 1992 Open and I couldn't wait to get back; I really felt like I had a great chance on that golf course. And obviously this is the oldest championship in the world; basically, winning the Open is the ultimate for any golfer.

Are your most disappointing?

I guess the major championship in 2004 were all disappointing, because in all four I had a good chance to win, but I came away empty-handed. But you know, that's the way it goes sometimes. I gave it everything; on those occasions it wasn't enough.

And your favourite course?

Hard to pick just one, but Augusta National, Muirfield and Royal Melbourne would be right up there at the top. I'd be happy to play any of those for the rest of my life!

South Africa has a history of producing great golfers. Who are the rising stars we should be watching out for now? Are we producing the right kind of talent for the next generation - for example initiatives like the Ernie Els Foundation aim to attract more black players to the sport, but are they succeeding?

I think we'll see a lot of good players coming through in the next few years. Obviously, my wish is that the Foundation will play its part... and it already has. You look at Matthew Kent, who came through our programme - he's a really good player and I think he'll do well. That's great to see. And hopefully there'll be lots more boys and girls doing well in years to come. Who knows... maybe we'll find the next Tiger or Annika.

- Lisa Witepski