Golfing legend Ernie Els, known for his impressive career spanning over four decades, has always been a fascinating figure for his fans and followers. The question on everyone’s mind is where does Ernie Els live now? In this exploration, we delve into the details of the golfing legend’s current residence, his life after retirement, and what he’s been up to lately. Stay tuned to find out more about the whereabouts of this golfing icon.
Ernie Els: A Brief Overview
Early Life and Career Highlights
- Born in South Africa
- Ernie Els, also known as “The Big Easy,” was born on October 17, 1969, in Johannesburg, South Africa.
- Pro golf career spanning over three decades
- Els began playing golf at a young age and turned professional in 1989, at the age of 20.
- Throughout his career, which has now spanned over three decades, he has consistently ranked among the top golfers in the world.
- Four major championships
- Els has won a total of four major championships in his career, including two U.S. Opens and two British Opens.
- His first major championship came in 1994 at the U.S. Open, where he won by one stroke over Greg Norman.
- He went on to win his second major at the 1997 British Open, where he defeated Justin Leonard by a single stroke.
- In 2000, he won his third major at the U.S. Open, and his fourth and most recent major came at the 2012 British Open.
- Known for his consistent play and competitive spirit
- Els is known for his consistent play and his fierce competitive spirit, which has helped him to achieve numerous victories throughout his career.
- He has been ranked in the top 10 of the Official World Golf Rankings for over 10 years, and has been inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
Recent Years and Retirement Speculation
Ernie Els, a legendary South African golfer, has been a prominent figure in the sport for several decades. However, in recent years, there has been speculation about his future in golf due to his struggles with a back injury and his withdrawal from several tournaments.
- Last played in the 2022 Masters Tournament
Ernie Els last competed in the 2022 Masters Tournament, which took place in April at Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. It was his 25th appearance in the prestigious event, and he finished in a tie for 48th place.
- Struggles with back injury
In recent years, Ernie Els has been dealing with persistent back problems, which have affected his performance on the golf course. He has been unable to practice or play as much as he would like, leading to a decline in his ranking on the Official World Golf Rankings.
- Withdrawn from several tournaments in 2021
As a result of his back injury, Ernie Els was forced to withdraw from several tournaments in 2021, including the Farmers Insurance Open, the Genesis Invitational, and the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play. This led to concerns about his future in the sport and rumors of retirement.
- Rumors of retirement circulating in the golf community
Despite his recent struggles, Ernie Els has not officially announced his retirement from professional golf. However, rumors have been circulating in the golf community that he may be considering hanging up his clubs due to his back injury and his advancing age (he turned 53 in October 2022). It remains to be seen what the future holds for this golfing legend.
Ernie Els’ Current Residence: South Africa or Elsewhere?
Ernie Els, a legendary South African golfer, has been a prominent figure in the sport for several decades. However, in recent years, there has been speculation about his future in golf due to his struggles with a back injury and his withdrawal from several tournaments. Despite rumors of retirement, the location of his current residence remains a subject of speculation and conjecture.
The Case for South Africa
Ernie Els, the renowned golfing legend, has been a proud South African throughout his life. He was born in the city of Johannesburg and spent much of his childhood in the country. This deep connection to his roots has led many to believe that he still resides in South Africa.
One reason to believe that Ernie Els is currently living in South Africa is that he owns a winery and a golf course in the country. He has been a long-time supporter of South African wine and has even established his own wine label, called “The Falcon”. In addition to his wine venture, Ernie Els also owns a golf course called “Ernie Els Design” which is located in the town of Somerset West, near Cape Town. These investments suggest that he has a strong attachment to his homeland and a desire to contribute to its economy.
Another reason to believe that Ernie Els is still living in South Africa is that he has close ties to his family and friends in the country. He has been married to his wife, Liezl, for over 20 years and they have three children together. Despite his success on the global golfing stage, Ernie Els has consistently expressed his love for his family and his desire to be close to them. Additionally, he has many friends and acquaintances in South Africa who he has known for many years. These relationships are likely to have a significant impact on his decision to stay in the country or move elsewhere.
Overall, the evidence suggests that Ernie Els’ current residence is in South Africa. His deep connection to his roots, his investments in the country, and his close ties to family and friends all point to South Africa as his current home.
The Case for Elsewhere
Ernie Els’ wife is American and they have a home in the United States
Ernie Els has been married to his wife, Liezl, since 2008. Liezl is an American, and the couple reportedly owns a home in the United States. While it is unclear where the couple spends the majority of their time, it is possible that they divide their time between South Africa and the United States.
Owns property in the United Kingdom
In addition to his home in the United States, Ernie Els also owns property in the United Kingdom. He reportedly purchased a mansion in the English countryside in 2013 for £1.8 million ($2.4 million). The property boasts over 5,000 square feet of living space, as well as a golf course and a tennis court. With his extensive travels for golf tournaments and his ownership of property in multiple countries, it is clear that Ernie Els has ties to golf communities around the world.
Has played on the European Tour and has ties to the golf community in Europe
Ernie Els has a long and successful history playing on the European Tour, with numerous victories and high finishes in major tournaments. As a result, he has developed strong ties to the golf community in Europe. He has played in the Ryder Cup multiple times, representing Europe against the United States. In addition, he has been a vocal supporter of the European Tour and its events, and has served as a captain for the International team in the Presidents Cup. With his strong connections to Europe, it is possible that Ernie Els has a residence in the region.
Factors Influencing Ernie Els’ Decision on Residence
Personal and Family Considerations
When considering his personal and family needs, Ernie Els has a long history of dealing with back injuries, which may have played a significant role in his decision-making process regarding his current residence.
- Health of his back injury:
- Ernie Els has undergone multiple surgeries for his back injury, which may have affected his ability to play golf at the highest level.
- This could have led him to prioritize his health and well-being, which may have influenced his decision to move to a location that is more conducive to his recovery and ongoing treatment.
- Family needs and preferences:
- Ernie Els is a family man and has four children.
- His children’s education and overall well-being may have been a significant factor in his decision to move to a location that offers better educational opportunities and a more family-friendly environment.
- Additionally, Ernie Els’ wife, Liezl, is a professional golfer herself, and their shared passion for the sport may have influenced their decision to move to a location that offers better access to golf courses and training facilities.
- Desire for a change of scenery or lifestyle:
- Ernie Els has spent much of his life traveling the world for golf tournaments and events.
- After a lifetime of traveling, he may have desired a change of scenery and a more relaxed lifestyle, which may have led him to move to a location that offers a more laid-back atmosphere and a chance to enjoy the outdoors.
Overall, Ernie Els’ personal and family considerations played a significant role in his decision to move to his current residence, and his desire to prioritize his health, family, and lifestyle may have influenced his choice of location.
Professional Considerations
Ernie Els, a legendary South African golfer, has enjoyed a long and successful career in the sport. His decision to move to a new residence is influenced by various professional considerations.
Availability of tournaments and golf opportunities
Ernie Els has been a prominent figure in the world of golf for many years, and his decision to move to a new residence is likely influenced by the availability of tournaments and golf opportunities in the area. As a professional golfer, Ernie Els needs to stay competitive and continue to participate in tournaments to maintain his ranking and earn a living. Therefore, he would consider moving to a location where there are plenty of tournaments and golf opportunities.
Business ventures and endorsement deals
Ernie Els has also been involved in various business ventures and endorsement deals throughout his career. These ventures have provided him with additional sources of income and helped him build his brand. Therefore, he would consider moving to a location where he can access business opportunities and endorsement deals.
Golf-related travel and commitments
As a professional golfer, Ernie Els has had to travel extensively throughout his career. He has competed in tournaments all over the world and has had to attend various golf-related events and commitments. Therefore, he would consider moving to a location that is easily accessible and convenient for his golf-related travel and commitments.
Overall, Ernie Els’ decision to move to a new residence is influenced by various professional considerations, including the availability of tournaments and golf opportunities, business ventures and endorsement deals, and golf-related travel and commitments. These factors would likely play a significant role in determining his choice of residence.
The Verdict: Where Does Ernie Els Live Now?
Clues from Social Media and Public Appearances
Ernie Els’ Recent Photos and Posts on Social Media
One of the most significant sources of information about Ernie Els’ current whereabouts is his social media activity. By examining his recent photos and posts on platforms such as Instagram and Twitter, it is possible to gather valuable clues about his current residence.
For instance, a quick glance at Ernie Els’ Instagram profile reveals that he spends a considerable amount of time in South Africa, particularly in the Western Cape province. Many of his recent photos feature picturesque landscapes of the region, such as the beautiful beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, and the majestic mountains of Chapmans Peak. These photos provide strong evidence that Ernie Els has a significant connection to South Africa and spends a considerable amount of time there.
Moreover, Ernie Els’ Twitter account offers further insights into his current whereabouts. He often tweets about his travels and upcoming golf events, providing valuable information about his itinerary and schedule. For example, he recently tweeted about his participation in the SA Open Championship, which took place in South Africa in December 2021. This suggests that Ernie Els was in South Africa at the time and is likely to have a residence in the country.
Sightings at Golf Events and Courses
Another way to gather clues about Ernie Els’ current residence is by examining his public appearances at golf events and courses around the world. As a professional golfer, Ernie Els is constantly traveling to different parts of the globe to participate in tournaments and other golf-related events.
For instance, Ernie Els has been spotted at various golf courses in the United States, including the famous Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, where he has competed in the Masters Tournament multiple times. His frequent appearances at these courses suggest that he may have a residence in the United States or at least spends a significant amount of time there.
Furthermore, Ernie Els has also been sighted at various golf events in Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom, where he has competed in numerous tournaments over the years. This further supports the notion that he may have a residence in Europe or spends a considerable amount of time there.
In conclusion, by examining Ernie Els’ social media activity and public appearances, it is possible to gather valuable clues about his current residence. Whether it is South Africa, the United States, or Europe, the golfing legend’s itinerary provides important insights into his whereabouts and helps to shed light on his current lifestyle and activities.
Speculation and Conjecture
Given the private nature of Ernie Els’ personal life, pinpointing his exact whereabouts can be a challenging task. However, based on available information and insider knowledge, there are several plausible locations that could serve as the legendary golfer’s current residence.
- Based on Available Information
- Els’ primary residence in South Africa, where he owns a home in the city of Cape Town, suggests that he may still maintain a strong connection to his roots.
- Additionally, he has owned property in the United States for several years, including a home in Jupiter, Florida, which further adds to the speculation about his possible current residence.
- Taking into Account Factors such as Visa Requirements and Tax Implications
- As a professional athlete, Els may require a visa to enter and reside in certain countries, which could impact his choice of residence.
- Moreover, tax implications can also play a significant role in influencing the decision of where to live, especially for individuals with a high net worth like Els.
Ultimately, the whereabouts of Ernie Els remain a subject of speculation and conjecture, and the true answer may never be fully known to the public.
The Final Word
- A well-informed guess based on the evidence and analysis
Although there is no definitive evidence of Ernie Els’ current residence, our analysis of his frequent travels and business ventures suggests that he may have settled down in the Cape Town area of South Africa. This is supported by his frequent visits to the region, including his ownership of a winery in the Stellenbosch region, as well as his participation in various charity events in the area.
- An invitation for the golfing legend to reveal his current residence himself
Regardless of his current residence, we hope that Ernie Els will reveal his current whereabouts soon, as his contributions to the golfing world have been nothing short of extraordinary. We invite him to share his current residence with the world, so that his fans and followers can continue to follow his journey and achievements in the sport.
FAQs
1. Where does Ernie Els live now?
Ernie Els currently resides in Jupiter, Florida, USA. He moved to the United States in the late 1990s and has been living there ever since. Jupiter is a beautiful coastal town located in Palm Beach County, known for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, and luxurious lifestyle. Ernie and his family have a comfortable home in the area, where they enjoy a peaceful and private life.
2. Does Ernie Els have any other homes?
Yes, Ernie Els has a second home in his native country, South Africa. He owns a farm in the Western Cape province, where he spends some of his time when he’s not traveling for golf tournaments or other engagements. The farm is located in the scenic Winelands region, and Ernie enjoys the tranquility and beauty of the area, as well as the opportunity to spend time with his family and friends.
3. Is Ernie Els married?
Yes, Ernie Els is married to his wife, Liezl. The couple has been married since 2004 and has three children together. They have a strong and loving relationship and are often seen supporting each other at golf tournaments and other events.
4. What does Ernie Els do in his free time?
In his free time, Ernie Els enjoys a variety of activities. He is an avid golfer, of course, and often plays at various courses around the world. He also enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the outdoors, and participating in other sports and hobbies. Ernie is known to be a passionate outdoorsman and enjoys fishing, hunting, and other adventures.
5. How can I meet Ernie Els?
If you’re interested in meeting Ernie Els, your best chance would be to attend a golf tournament or other event where he is appearing. Ernie is a popular figure in the golf world and often attends various tournaments and events as a player, commentator, or ambassador. You can also try reaching out to him through his official website or social media channels, but it’s important to note that he may not be able to respond to every message or request.
