Ernie Els spent last week in West Palm Beach, resting and working on his game as he tries to peak for the Masters. It might not be long before he returns for good.
Golf’s most global player said on Thursday that he was planning to move his home base from London to south Florida, where the weather is more suitable for golf in the winter and he can get strong care for his son, Ben, who is autistic.
Els was raised in South Africa, but he has made London his home for most of his professional career. He lives on the 16th hole of the West course Wentworth Golf Club, home of the European Tour and the World Match Play Championship. His daughter, Samantha, is about to turn nine and it is tough to take her out of school.
”For me to stay in England in the off-season is tough for me to do,” Els said after opening with a 74 in the CA Championship. ”I’m a guy from South Africa. I love the sun. I can’t see myself sitting in the cold for three or fourth months. I don’t like that. I’ve always been comfortable down here. The schools for Ben, especially … there’s really good stuff happening over here for him.
”All in all, I think it will be a good move.”
Els disclosed two weeks ago that Ben, who is six, has autism. He now has an ”Autism Speaks” logo on his golf bag and wants to get involved raising money for research and awareness for the disorder.
He once had a home at Lake Nona in Orlando, but lived there only during long stretches of golf on the United States tour.
Els spoke to Nick Price, who grew up in Zimbabwe and has lived in Palm Beach County for years, during the Honda Classic, which the Big Easy won for his first PGA Tour victory in three-and-a-half years. Price is one of many friends in South Florida.
As for his golfing plans? Els does not think it will affect his schedule.
”I’ll still go to Dubai. I still got at the end of the year overseas,” he said. ”I might put one or two more events into the schedule. I’ll be closer to this side.” – Sapa-AP