Ever wondered what clubs golf legend Ernie Els is swinging these days? If you’re a fan of smooth tempo and smart gear choices, you’re in for a treat. Let’s take a look inside Ernie Els’s WITB (What’s in the Bag) for 2025.
Known as “The Big Easy,” Ernie Els is a 4-time major champion whose effortless swing has inspired fans for decades. In his Ernie Els WITB 2025, he blends classic feel with modern technology—from his XXIO driver to that unmistakable yellow Srixon golf ball.
In this full gear breakdown, we’ll cover everything in his bag: driver, fairway woods, irons, wedges, putter—and yes, we’ll finally answer the popular fan question: Why does Ernie Els use a yellow ball?
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Tour | PGA Tour Champions (formerly PGA Tour & DP World Tour) |
| Country | South Africa |
| Age | 54 |
| Birthplace | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Nickname | “The Big Easy” (for his smooth swing and towering 6’3″ frame) |
| Turned Pro | 1989 |
| Career-Best Ranking | World No. 1 (1997) |
| Achievement | Overview |
|---|---|
| Major Championships | 4 Majors — |
| WGC Titles | 2 World Golf Championships |
| World Matchplay Wins | 7 Titles |
| Equipment Sponsors | XXIO, Srixon, Cleveland Golf, Bloodline.Golf |
Ernie Els WITB 2025 – Full Equipment List
- Driver: XXIO 13 (8.7° loft) – HZRDUS Smoke Black RDX 60 TX shaft
- 3-Wood: XXIO X (14°) – EvenFlow Blue 6.5 85X shaft
- Utility Irons (2–5): Srixon ZX Mk II – KBS S-Taper 130X shafts
- Irons (6–9): Srixon ZX7 Mk II – KBS S-Taper 130X shafts
- Wedges: Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore (52° MB, 56° MB, 60° LB) – KBS S-Taper 130X shafts
- Putter: Bloodline Vale mallet
- Ball: Srixon Z-Star XV (Tour Yellow)
- Glove: Srixon
Ernie Els Driver – What Kind of Driver Does He Use?
Current Driver (2025): XXIO 13 Driver (8.7° loft)
Built for moderate swing speeds, the driver offers high forgiveness—perfect for Els in his 50s. “It keeps me in play, even when I’m not at my fastest,” says Els.
Flashback: The Driver Behind His 2002 Open Championship Win
While his current bag features modern gear, Ernie Els famously won the 2002 Open Championship using a Titleist 975J driver. Known for its classic pear shape and low-spin performance, this club helped him navigate Muirfield’s tough fairways with precision and control.
It’s a reminder of how Els blended power and finesse—even back then—with gear that matched his smooth, effortless swing.
READ MORE: 5 WOOD VS 3 HYBRID GOLF CLUB DISTANCE.
3 Wood
Ernie Els’ 3-Wood – XXIO X, 14° with EvenFlow Blue 6.5 85X Shaft
In 2025, Ernie Els carries the XXIO X 3-wood (14°) paired with an EvenFlow Blue 6.5 85X shaft. Known for its lightweight construction and smooth energy transfer, this setup gives Els reliable distance and high launch, ideal for fairway control and long approach shots.
Irons (2–5)
For his long irons, Ernie Els trusts the Srixon ZX Mk II utility irons (2–5), each fitted with a KBS S-Taper 130X shaft. These clubs offer exceptional distance, forgiveness, and a penetrating ball flight—perfect for Els’ smooth, repeatable swing.
Irons 6-9
Srixon ZX7 Mk II Irons
From the 6-iron through 9-iron, Ernie Els plays the Srixon ZX7 Mk II irons, paired with KBS S-Taper 130X shafts. These irons deliver precision, control, and a pure feel—ideal for dialing in approach shots.
Wedges
Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore Tour Rack wedges 52MB, 56MB, 60LB with KBS S taper 130X.
Ernie Els carries three Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore Tour Rack wedges:
- 52° MB, 56° MB, 60° LB.
Putter – Bloodline Golf
Ernie Els trusts Bloodline Golf for his putting, favoring their innovative stand-alone putters that let him line up shots without assistance. Since becoming an ambassador and investor in 2018, Els has primarily used the Bloodline R1-J blade putter, helping him finish 2017 ranked #4 in PGA Tour “Total Putting” stats. He’s also been seen with the Bloodline Vale mallet, both featuring self-standing technology for improved alignment and consistency on the greens.
Golf Ball
If you’ve caught Ernie Els on the PGA Tour Champions lately, you’ve probably noticed something bright soaring down the fairway—his signature yellow Srixon Z Star XV. While most players stick with the usual white ball, Ernie’s choice not only stands out in the air but also in performance.
This high-performance, 4-piece ball is built for serious speed off the tee and excellent spin control around the greens. It’s a perfect match for Ernie’s smooth tempo and precise shot-making, helping him stay competitive even decades into his career.
Why Does Ernie Els Use a Yellow Ball?
Ernie Els uses a yellow Srixon Z-Star XV for better visibility. The bright color helps him track the ball more easily in different light conditions—especially important on the PGA Tour Champions. Combined with its low spin, fast speed, and great control, it’s a smart, performance-driven choice from a veteran who knows what works.
Glove
Ernie Els wears a Srixon golf glove, offering a soft, premium feel with excellent grip and durability—ideal for maintaining control throughout his smooth, effortless swing.
Ernie Els’ 2025 Yardages (Carry Distances)
PGA Tour Champions averages – all distances in yards
Driver
- 280
(XXIO 13, 8.7°)
- 280
3 Wood
- 260
(XXIO X, 14°)
- 260
Utility Irons
- 2-iron: 235 (ZX Mk II)
- 3-iron: 225 (ZX Mk II)
- 4-iron: 215 (ZX Mk II)
- 5-iron: 204 (ZX Mk II)
Blade Irons
- 6-iron: 189 (ZX7)
- 7-iron: 176 (ZX7)
- 8-iron: 162 (ZX7)
- 9-iron: 150 (ZX7)
Wedges
- 52°: 125 (Cleveland RTX6)
- 56°: 112 (Cleveland RTX6)
- 60°: 97 (Cleveland RTX6)
Ernie Els – Recent Career Highlights
Ernie Els continues to shine on the PGA Tour Champions, adding several impressive wins to his storied career:
2025 Victory
➢ Mitsubishi Electric Championship – Hualalai Golf Club, Hawaii
Scorecard: 67-65-66 (Total: 198, 18-under par)
2024 Wins
➢ Principal Charity Classic – Wakonda Club, Des Moines, Iowa
Scorecard: 62-68-65 (Total: 195, 21-under par)
➢ American Family Insurance Championship – University Ridge Golf Course, Wisconsin
Scorecard: 71-64-69 (Total: 204, 12-under par)
➢ Kaulig Companies Championship – Firestone Country Club, Akron, Ohio
Scorecard: 70-68-64-68 (Total: 270, 10-under par).
Ernie Els has claimed victories across the globe—including South Africa, Europe, the United States, Asia, the Middle East, the Far East, and Australasia. He earned a spot in the South African Golf Hall of Fame in 2009 and was honored with induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011.
Beyond Golf: The Ernie Els Story
Born in South Africa on October 17, 1969, Ernie Els was a standout athlete from a young age, excelling in tennis, rugby, and cricket. At 14, he won the World Junior Golf Championship, and by 16, he was competing against professionals. He turned pro in 1989 and quickly became a global golf icon.
Beyond his four major wins and Hall of Fame status, Ernie built a thriving business portfolio—spanning golf course design, luxury hospitality, fine wine, and even pet products and traditional South African Biltong.
Ernie is also deeply committed to giving back. In 2009, he co-founded the Els for Autism Foundation, creating a global impact through research, education, and support services. In South Africa, his Ernie Els Foundation, launched in 1999, has nurtured the careers of top talents like Louis Oosthuizen and Branden Grace, offering education and golf opportunities to underprivileged youth.
