By Callaway. Lyle was right. This is a page lifted from Callaway's website.
Ernie must have seen my Aviator and thought 'I want a bit of that' Can't fault him really.
Callaway Golf announced today that it has reached an agreement with PGA and European Tour player Ernie Els. Currently ranked No. 6 in the Official World Golf Rankings, Els is expected to begin his endorsement by playing the
HX Tour 56 Golf Ball, carrying a Callaway Golf bag and wearing a Callaway Golf logo on the sides and back of his cap. He will work with Callaway Golf in the coming weeks to determine the woods, wedges and putter that best suit his game.
“I’m extremely excited to partner with Callaway Golf because of its ongoing product innovation and commitment to making the game of golf better for all golfers,” Els said. “I am always looking to improve my game and my new relationship with Callaway Golf will play a key role in achieving this.”
Nicknamed “The Big Easy” for his effortless golf swing and easygoing demeanor on and off the course, the 37-year-old Els is a three-time major championship winner. He captured the U.S. Open in 1994 and 1997 and the British Open in 2002. In 2006, he earned $2.3 million in prize money on the PGA Tour and won the South African Airways Open. A well-traveled player who competes on several continents each year, Els has 47 career worldwide victories, 15 of which have come on the PGA Tour.
“Ernie Els has the established career and character that aligns perfectly with the Callaway Golf brand and audience,” said George Fellows, CEO and President of Callaway Golf. “At Callaway Golf, we are impressed with Ernie’s commitment to not only improve his golf game, but use his influence to improve the lives of others.”
In mid-February, Els finished third at the PGA Tour’s Nissan Open in Los Angeles, a tournament won by Callaway Golf Staff Professional
Charles Howell III in a playoff over fellow Callaway Golf Staffer
Phil Mickelson. Els becomes the third South African on Callaway Golf’s professional staff, joining golf legend
Gary Player and 22-year-old, up-and-coming star
Charl Schwartzel, who plays on the European Tour.
Els also plays an integral role in several successful business ventures including the Ernie Els and Fancourt Foundation, which mentors youth that show a talent for golf and come from under-privileged backgrounds. The foundation provides financial, educational and moral support to help members reach their full potential. In addition to his charitable commitment, Els has designed many famous golf courses around the world and is involved in a highly respected winemaking venture.