Ernie Els, an SAP Ambassador since 2003, is one of the most successful golfers in the history of the game. Currently, Ernie has earned 64 professional career victories, including three major championships and a record seven world matchplay titles. Not only is he one of the most prolific winners of his generation, his victories across the globe are far reaching. One of golf's truly global players, Ernie has triumphed in tournaments worldwide – including Europe, the United States, Asia, the Far East, the Middle East, and Australasia.

Ernie Ties Second in the PGA Playoffs at The Barclays

Ernie Els narrowly missed out on victory in the opening tournament of the PGA tour playoffs at The Barclays at Liberty National, New Jersey, USA. His bogey-free final round of 66 tied him with other major winners Tiger Woods and Padraig Harrington – but it was one shot too many. Heath Slocum, with a shot in hand, got into trouble off the 18th tee and needed to hole a 25-foot putt for victory – or face a playoff with the three golf greats. However, Slocum showed no pressure while making a remarkable putt for the biggest win of his career to date.

The playoff was Ernie’s best result of the year and places him 11th in the FedEx Cup standings going into week two of the Playoffs. "From where I've come from, where my game has been, where my confidence has been, this is moving in the right direction," said Els. Everyone at SAP wishes him all the best during upcoming tournaments.

Auspicious Golf Records: Second Only to Tiger Woods

Ernie Els is one of the most successful golfers in the history of the game, having won more than 60 professional tournaments around the world, including two U.S. Opens, a British Open, and a record seven World Matchplay titles.

Born in South Africa, as a youngster Els was outstanding in soccer, cricket, rugby, and tennis, and ultimately began on a professional career in golf. He first competed against professional golfers at 16 years of age. With such auspicious beginnings, Ernie's record since turning pro continues to be sensational. From the mid-1990s to the present day, his haul of trophies is second only to that of Tiger Woods. Ernie is a former World No.1 ranked player and holds the record for the most weeks in the world's top ten.

Ernie Els Foundation and SAP

Ernie is also renowned for his charity work. In partnership with SAP's founder, Hasso Platner, he set up the Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation, which helps nurture golfing talent in underprivileged children in his homeland of South Africa. But the cause really close to his heart is autism. Since Ernie and his wife Liezl discovered their son, Ben, was affected by this condition, they have worked hard to raise money and awareness for autism, which led to the charity Els for Autism.

Regarding his commitment to this cause, Ernie has stated, "This isn't just about me and my family, though. This is about the millions of families all over the world who has a loved one affected by this condition. That's why I contacted 'Autism Speaks' – it's why I put the logo on my golf bag. I want to raise awareness and raise money for the disorder, which impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others."

In addition to his life on tour and commitment to his charities, Ernie has established Ernie Els Wines and The Big Easy restaurant, in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

An SAP Ambassador since 2003 and together with his relationship with Callaway Golf, Ernie Els epitomizes the same drive for perfection and dedication that SAP puts into making companies become best-run businesses.