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‘The Big Easy’ is coming to Calgary.
That’s a big deal for the Rogers Charity Classic.
Tournament official announced Wednesday that Ernie Els has booked a tee-time for the PGA Tour Champions stop next month at Canyon Meadows. The smooth-swinging South African is a four-time major champion and a World Golf Hall of Fame inductee.
“It’s always good to have a superstar like Els,” beamed Sean Van Kesteren, the executive director for the Rogers Charity Classic. “He has one of the best golf swings of all-time. I think everybody would say that he may have the best tempo ever. I mean, he’s the Big Easy, right? And he’s having a good season, too, with the back-to-back victories recently.
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“We’re pretty excited that he’s going to be joining us for the first time.”
Now 54, Els has collected trophies all over the world, having starred on the Sunshine Tour, the European Tour, the PGA Tour and now PGA Tour Champions. His remarkable resume is highlighted by a pair of U.S. Open titles and two more major triumphs at the British Open. He had three separate stints as the top-ranked golfer on the planet, not an easy feat during some of Tiger Woods’ prime years.
Els boosted his professional win total to 78 with consecutive victories last month on the senior circuit and is currently sitting third in the Charles Schwab Cup points race. Strange thing is, with all his past success, he has never topped a leaderboard on Canadian soil. He will be trying to change from Aug. 16-18 at Canyon Meadows.
“I look forward to playing in Calgary at the Rogers Charity Classic,” said Els, who has been major difference-maker through his Els for Autism Foundation, in Wednesday’s announcement. “It is an area I have wanted to visit and a tournament known for its deep roots in the community and tremendous power to influence childrens’ charities to make our communities a better place, which closely aligns with my own goals. As a player, hearing this charitable focus is very powerful.
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“This tournament is very respected by the players, so I am glad it fit my schedule this year. I look forward to getting up there and supporting the effort.”
The news that Els has committed to the Rogers Charity Classic will only crank the excitement about what will be a special summer on Calgary’s golf scene.
The Mickelson National Invitational runs this week, while Brooke Henderson and the rest of the LPGA Tour stars will be arriving later this month for the 2024 CPKC Women’s Open at Earl Grey.
The Rogers Charity Classic, which has raised north of $100 million over its 11-year history, has a reputation as a can’t-miss event, both for local golf fans and for the legends on the PGA Tour Champions.
“This will be the strongest field we’ve had, in terms of depth and Hall-of-Famers and all that,” said Van Kesteren, teeing up the 2024 edition. “We’re trying to get a couple more signed up, but it’s all leaning towards a really strong field this year. And adding Ernie in there, it’s going to be really good. We’re thrilled to have him.”
Els will be making two trips to Canada in the coming weeks. He’ll also serve as an assistant to International team captain Mike Weir at the 2024 Presidents Cup in Montreal.
Weir might consider asking his longtime friend to play instead. Els has won a record 20 career matches for the International side.
wgilbertson@postmedia.com
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