Ernie Els excelled as a youth at just about every sport. He decided golf was his strongest and favorite sport; in 1984 at age 14 he won the Junior World title in San Diego, beating local favorite Phil Mickelson. Ernie uses an Odyssey Putter and is known as "The Big Easy" for his fluid swing and calm, easygoing demeanor. He competes globally and on the PGA Tour.

In July, Ernie came from six shots off the final round lead to win the Open Championship. He trusted a RAZR Fit Driver and a HEX Black Tour Ball to win his second Claret Jug and his fourth major. After earning the win, he said, "The Callaway people have stood behind me and really helped me out." He also received lifetime membership from the PGA European Tour in 1998. Els was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame on May 9, 2011.