In recent times, I wrote about the men’s major golf championships (Masters Tournament, PGA Championship, U.S Open, and The Open Championship). These four tournaments are considered to be the most prestigious events in men’s professional golf, and winning one of them is a significant achievement for any golfer. Afterwards, I explained in detail in a later edition the criteria for golfers to participate in these four major tournaments.
This edition focuses on the few African golfers who have carved a niche for themselves over time. The golfers have performed extraordinarily well and made the continent proud by leaving indelible memories in the minds of golf enthusiasts around the world.
Gary Player
Gary Player is considered to be one of the greatest golfers throughout history. The South African retired professional golfer won nine major championships on the regular tour and nine major championships on the Champions Tour. Dubbed the “Black Knight,” Player won the 1965 U.S. Open and became the only non-American to win all four majors in a career at the age of 29. He was the youngest player to attain this, though Jack Nicklaus (26) and Tigers Woods (24) subsequently broke this record. Player, also known as Mr Fitness, became only the third man in history to win the Career Grand Slam, following Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen, and only Nicklaus and Woods have performed the feat since. Player won over 150 professional tournaments on six continents over seven decades.
Ernie Els
Ernie Els, is a South African professional golfer who is widely recognized as one of the greatest golfers of his generation. Nicknamed “The Big Easy,” Els is known for his smooth and effortless swing. Els won a total of four major championships in 1994 at Oakmont Country Club and 1997 at Congressional Country Club. Els won The Open Championship (British Open) twice, first in 2002 at Muirfield and then in 2012 at Royal Lytham & St Annes. The former World No. 1 achieved success around the world, including the PGA Tour and the European Tour. In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Els was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011. His impact on golf extends beyond his playing achievements.
Retief Goosen
Retief Goosen is a South African professional golfer who has had a successful career on both the PGA Tour and the European Tour. He was born on February 3 1969, in Polokwane, South Africa. Goosen is known for his smooth and consistent golf swing and has earned the nickname “The Goose” among fans and fellow players. Goosen secured victories at the U.S. Open twice: first in 2001 at Southern Hills Country Club and then in 2004 at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. His 2001 U.S. Open win is particularly memorable for his playoff victory against Mark Brooks. Goosen ranks among the best who have graced the game of golf, and in recognition of his achievements, he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2019. He has represented the international team in the Presidents Cup multiple times, contributing to the team event.
Trevor Immelman
Trevor Immelman is a professional golfer from South Africa. He is known for his smooth and technically sound golf swing and has had success on both the PGA Tour and the European Tour. The biggest moment of Immelman’s golf career was in 2008 when he won The Masters. He displayed exceptional play at Augusta National Golf Club and secured his first and only Major Championship victory. Immelman’s win at The Masters propelled him into the spotlight on the international golf stage. Immelman represented the International Team at the Presidents Cup multiple times. He has also been a member of the European Ryder Cup Team, participating in one of golf’s most exciting team events.
Louis Oosthuizen
Louis Oosthuizen, aged 40, is widely recognized for his powerful and elegant golf swing. The South African professional golfer has achieved success on both the European Tour and the PGA Tour. Oosthuizen’s biggest career victory came in 2010 when he won The Open Championship at St. Andrews in Scotland. He dominated the field and secured a memorable victory, finishing with a remarkable score of 16-under-par. This win established him as a major force in the world of golf. In addition to his Open Championship victory, Oosthuizen has been a consistent contender in Major Championships. He has finished as a runner-up in three other Majors: the 2012 Masters Tournament, the 2015 U.S. Open, and the 2015 Open Championship. Oosthuizen has had significant success on the European Tour, where he has won multiple tournaments, including the 2010 Africa Open, the 2011 Africa Open, and the 2012 Volvo Golf Champions.
Charl Schwartzel
Aged 38, Charl Schwartzel is known for his smooth and powerful golf swing. Schwartzel’s most significant victory came in 2011 when he won The Masters at the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, USA. In a thrilling final round, he birdied the final four holes to secure the green jacket. His Masters win catapulted him into the spotlight as one of Africa’s elite golfers. Before making his mark on the global stage, Schwartzel had considerable success on the Sunshine Tour, which is South Africa’s professional golf tour. He has been ranked among the top golfers in the Official World Golf Ranking, reflecting his consistent performances and competitiveness on the international circuit. Schwartzel’s victory at The Masters and his achievements at Major Championships have cemented his status as one of Africa’s top golfers.
Branden Grace
Branden Grace is a professional golfer from South Africa. Born on May 20 1988 in South Africa, Grace has competed on both the European Tour and the PGA Tour and achieved significant success in his career. He won multiple tournaments on the European Tour, establishing himself as one of Africa’s top golfers. Some of his notable victories on the European Tour include the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, and the Nedbank Golf Challenge. He has also secured victories on the PGA Tour. His most significant win on the PGA Tour came at the 2016 RBC Heritage, where he shot a final-round 66 to claim the title. Grace has represented the International Team in the Presidents Cup, showcasing his skills in the prestigious team competition. He has not won a major championship yet, but he has been a consistent contender in Majors and has recorded several Top Ten finishes. His best performance at a Major came at the 2015 U.S. Open where he finished tied for fourth. Grace has been ranked among the top golfers in the Official World Golf Ranking, reflecting his strong performances and competitiveness at the highest level.
Refrences:
Auclair, T.J. “15 Greatest Golfers of All Time”. PGA of America. 12 August, 2018
“Immelman withdraws from U.S. Open due to injury” PGA Tour. 14 June 2009
“Players who have reached the Top Ten in the Official World Golf Ranking since 1986” European Tour Official Guide 09 (38th ed.) PGA European Tour 2009.
(Edited by Bimbo Ajayi)
