With a brilliant display of golf and a final round of 66, Ernie Els hoisted a PGA trophy for the first time in two years, as he won the WGC this March at Doral. In the best form we've seen from Els in years, he left no question that his game is perfectly grooved for the upcoming 2010 season and, more specifically, for next month's Masters. Already with 17 wins on the PGA Tour and more than 60 victories worldwide, Els has been a prolific winner and a true force to be reckoned with for the best part of two decades.
But, despite much success as an athlete (Els was also a champion tennis player and accomplished at every sport he played as a youth), there is no question that life has not always been easy for the Big Easy.
Since a major knee injury interrupted his career in 2006, Els has struggled to regain the form that made him one of the world's best golfers. All things considered, ACL surgery was small potatoes, when compared to the shock suffered when son Ben was born with Autism. Now 7 years old, Ben was fortunate to be born to parents who are driven and strong... The Els family has been dedicated to raising money and awareness of/for autism ever since.
It is a wonder that Ernie has been able to remain a solid family man, father, advocate for Autism and champion golfer for all these years. With that in mind, it is no wonder that he remains one of golf's most admired men and beloved characters.
As the clock ticks down to the Masters, we can't help but hope that Els will be able to bring his unique blend of power and finesse to that venue. It will be an added bonus for fans to watch as Ernie takes on his arch rival Tiger Woods.
It is not a mystery that there is absolutely no love lost between Ernie and Tiger. The two have exchanged barbs several times over the years. Recently, for example, Els called Woods selfish, while Woods previously accused Els of not working hard enough to recover fully from his knee injury.
At a time when golf needs a shot in the arm, a renewed rivalry between two of golf's giants would be a welcome turn of events.
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