Louis Oosthuizen

Louis originally hoped to become a tennis player (like his brother and father who both achieved at the provincial level), but after his brother introduced him to the game of golf aged nine, he was hooked. Louis was born in Mossel Bay and spent his childhood playing at Mossel Bay Golf Club. He progressed through the ranks since then to represent his province and country at every level. Louis' early career was supported by Ernie Els through the Ernie Els and Fancourt Foundation which he joined in 2000, three years before turning professional at the age of 19 (in 2002). Louis has been exceptionally successful on the Sunshine Tour, never finishing outside the top 20 on the Order of Merit, despite playing in both Europe and the US. Strangely, he's not yet managed to win the Order of Merit and finished second in the 2006/2007 season and again in 2007. Louis biggest achievement to date is his domination of the 2010 Open Championship at St Andrews. After gaining the lead in the 2nd round he never relinquished, becoming the fourth South African to claim the famous Claret Jug. Louis has won seven times on the Sunshine Tour including successfully defending his title at the 2012 Africa Open (co-sanctioned with the European Tour). Louis has followed in Ernie's footsteps and set up his own foundation in Mossel Bay to assist the growth of the game in his home town. He also enjoys farm life and famously bought a tractor with his winnings from the 2010 Open Championship.