Ernie Els among newcomers to Hoag Classic golf tournament

Ernie Els, a four-time major champion and recent Presidents Cup International team captain, has committed to play in the Hoag Classic golf tournament, Orange County’s PGA TOUR Champions event, at Newport Beach Country Club from March 4-8.

The 50-year-old South African is a two-time winner of the U.S. Open (1994 and 1997) and The Open Championship (2002 and 2012). Els is on a short list of six golfers that have won both of those major tournaments twice.

“We are excited to announce the commitment of Ernie Els for this year’s Hoag Classic,” Hoag Classic executive director Jeff Purser said in a press release. “Attracting a field of professional players that rival any major championship in golf, we are proud to host an event that not only contributes to the health and vitality [of] our community, but creates a compelling competition for our fans to enjoy.”

Els was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2011.

Also among the newcomers to the Hoag Classic are Retief Goosen (South Africa), Angel Cabrera (Argentina) and Tim Herron.

Goosen, who was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame last year, won the U.S. Open in 2001 and 2004.

Cabrera is also a two-time major champion, having won the U.S. Open in 2007 and the Masters in 2009.

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