HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., – Ernie Els’ historic career adds another chapter, as the South African emerged victorious at the Kaulig Companies Championship for his first major victory on the PGA TOUR Champions.
Playing some of his best golf at age 54, the XXIO Global Ambassador showed no signs of slowing down this week. After shooting even par in the opening round, Els made his big move on Saturday with a 64 to catapult him up the leaderboard. From there, he did just enough on Sunday with a 68 to finish the tournament at 10-under and edge his opponents by one. Els secured his third win of the season and sixth overall on the tour. He is the first PGA TOUR Champions player to reach three victories this season.
Having played at Firestone Country Club many times before, Els’ familiarity with the course and finally getting a victory was a sigh of relief.
“This has been a long time coming on this golf course,” Els said about Firestone. “32 years ago, I started playing here, but I never got a win. So, this was really great.”
Using a combination of XXIO, Srixon Irons, and Cleveland Golf Wedges, Els’ consistency at the Kaulig Companies Championship and throughout the year, stems from his positive ball-striking. Els put himself into contention hitting over 76% of greens in regulation for the week, tying for second. He ranks fifth in the same category for the entire season.
This win moves Els into first place in the Schwab Cup standings and earns him a spot in next years THE PLAYERS Championship. He now heads to Royal Troon for the final major championship of the year on the men’s side, where he is a two-time champion.
Here is a full look at Ernie Els’ XXIO, Srixon, and Cleveland Golf equipment used at the Kaulig Companies Championship:
- XXIO Fairway (3)
- Srixon ZU85 Utility Irons (2i, 4i, 5i)
- Srixon ZX7 Mk II Irons (6-PW)
- Cleveland Golf RTX 6 ZipCore Wedges (52° MID, 56° FULL, 60° FULL)
- Srixon Z-STAR XV Tour Yellow
ABOUT Dunlop Sports Americas:
Based in Huntington Beach, CA and Greenville, SC, Dunlop Sports Americas (DSA) is the North American subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. We manufacture and sell premium golf and racket sports equipment to players of all skill levels under a portfolio of brands: Dunlop, Srixon, Cleveland Golf, and XXIO. DSA is also a licensed exclusive distributor of ASICS golf footwear. Our unique global sales network and infrastructure in R&D, manufacturing, and material science elevates our brands onto a global stage where we encourage players from around the world to experience our incredible products. For more information, please contact Noelle Zavaleta at noellezavaleta@srixon.com.
