Royal Dublin
Ernie Els
Ernie Els, “The Big Easy”, known for his height - 6ft 3 ins- and his beautifully rhythmic swing, has won four regular Tour Majors.
His first was the 1994 US Open, the second the 1997 US Open.
Els showed his affinity for links golf with success in the 2002 and 2012 stagings of The Open Championship.
Ireland rates highly with the former World number one.
He first played here in the 1992 Irish Open in Killarney and in his prime, made a number of trips to Irish links courses, including Royal Dublin, in preparation for The Open Championships.
His experiences in Ireland made a very favourable impression on the globe-trotting South African who has added course design to his business portfolio.
Speaking with Royal Dublin member and top Tour caddie Colin Byrne prior to the 2019 BMW Championship at Wentworth, Ernie recalled his last visit to the Dollymount links.
“I have fond memories of playing Royal Dublin in 1998 in preparation for the Open Championship.
“My father and Johan Rupert joined me on a fabulous day at the old Harry Colt links.
“I have a great affinity with Colt given my association with the West course at Wentworth.
“Apart from playing the links in a demanding westerly, my most lasting memory is of meeting Christy O’Connor and listening to some of his many yarns about his days on the links.
“What a wonderful test of golf. I found it in impeccable condition. It is one of the most impressive facilities, wonderfully situated so close to the city.
“Please pass on my warm regards to everyone at Royal Dublin.”
Ernie turned professional in 1989 and within five years had catapulted himself into the highest levels of golf by winning the 1994 US Open.
As his career graph continued to rise, Els did not forget his early struggles to gain traction as a Tour player, so he set up the Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation to assist promising young South African players to fund their development.
Among the most spectacular beneficiaries of the Els & Fancourt Foundation were major champions Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel, both of whom competed in the Irish Amateur Open at Royal Dublin in 2002.
The Royal Dublin Golf Club
North Bull Island Nature Reserve , Dollymount, Dublin 3 , Ireland
Phone: +353 1 833 6346 Fax: +353 1 833 6504
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