Meanwhile Els, apart from handling his profitable wine business and the Big Easy restaurant in Stellenbosch, is helping underprivileged South African kids. “The Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation helps kids from underprivileged backgrounds. We have been very pleased with the results. Louis Oosthuizen, a former member, played at Augusta this year at the Masters. There are other golfers who have already won professional events and we have a good young crop now, so it is exciting. This programme has helped make kids more aware of golf and the opportunities it can give you in life,” Els said.