Els’ legacy helps to unify global Cup squad
South African delighted Presidents Cup squad has five fellow countrymen
Ernie Els looks at an Internationals Presidents Cup squad with five South Africans and marvels at the living legacy his foundation has given golf and his homeland.
The two-time US Open and two-time British Open winner helps young players in South Africa through his foundation. He sparked the careers of Branden Grace and 2010 British Open winner Louis Oosthuizen and helped inspire 2011 Masters winner Charl Schwartzel.
These boys are quite lively. They remind me of myself when I was in my 20s
“It feels weird. It’s hard to explain,” Els said. “Them going through the programme. They were juniors and then amateurs, and we go against each other as professionals.
“Now we’re playing on the same team together. It’s a big deal. We helped, but they had the talent. That’s why they are here.”
That foursome, together with South African Richard Sterne and Zimbabwe’s Brendon de Jonge, give Africa half the 12-man roster and help unite a team of worldwide players against a favoured American side led by world number one Tiger Woods and reigning British Open champion Phil Mickelson.
“These boys are quite lively,” Els said. “They remind me of myself when I was in my 20s.”