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The three-time major champion switched to the PGA Tour Champions in 2020 and has dominated with six victories within a short time.
This article looks at what’s in the bag for the South African professional golfer in 2024.
Ernie Els WITB 2024 Quick Summary
Driver: XXIO 13 Driver – 8.5°
3-Wood: XXIO X Fairway Wood – 14° | EvenFlow Blue 6.5 85 X Graphite Shaft
Irons (2-5): Srixon Z U85 Utility Irons
Irons (6-9): Srixon ZX7 MK II Irons – KBS S-taper 130X Steel Shaft
Wedges: Cleveland RTX ZipCore Wedge – (52°, 56°, 60°) | KBS S-Taper 130X Steel Shaft
Putter: Bloodline R1-J Blade Putter
Golf Balls: Srixon Z Star XV Golf Balls (Yellow)
Ernie Els Quick Facts Table
| Full Name | Theodore Ernest Els |
| Birthday | October 17, 1969 |
| Birthplace | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Age | 54 |
| Year Turned Pro | 1989 |
| Tournament Wins | 66 |
| PGA Tour Major Wins | 3 Majors US Open Championship (1994)The Open Championship (2002, 2012) on the PGA Tour |
| Senior World Ranking | 4 |
| Equipment Sponsor | XXIO, Srixon, Cleveland Golf, Bloodline.Golf |
Ernie Els Driver
XXIO 13 Driver
Driver
New for the 2024 season, Mr. Els operates with a premium XXIO Eleven big stick, set at 8.7°, which suits fast to moderate swing speeds.
I find this driver provides superior stability at contact to restrict face twisting, maintain ball velocity, and lower spin.
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Ernie Els Fairway Wood
XXIO X 3 Wood
3 Wood – 14•
The Big Easy sticks with XXIO for his fairway wood needs and swings a 14° 3 wood on the PGA Tour. As you may notice, he only carries on wood in his bag and no hybrids.
In my experience, this golf club helps moderate swingers accelerate clubhead and ball speed for a high launch and optimal distance on approach.
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Ernie Els Irons (2-5 Irons)
Srixon Z U85 Utility Iron
Irons 2 -5
Last year Ernie Els played the Srixon ZX MK Utility Irons. We noticed at the 2024 Chubb Classic he swapped out to the Srixon Z U85 Utility Irons.
He keeps it traditional and leaves out hybrids, instead seeking the workability of the irons.
The U85 utility iron is made out of 1020 carbon steel with a high strength SUP10 steel face for a premium feel, and known for adding as much ball speed as possible.
Ernie Els was using a KBS S-taper 130X shaft with Srixon ZX MK Utility Irons. We were unable to confirm if he stuck with the same iron shaft for 2024.
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Ernie Els Irons (6 – 9 Irons)
Srixon ZX7 MK II Irons
Irons 6 – 9
Srixon remains Ernie’s irons of choice as he selects the ZX7 range to carry his mid to short iron play.
They clearly work for the big fella as he hit 83.33% of greens in regulation last season on the Tour in 2023.
The Srixon ZX7 MK II Irons offer the look and feel of blades but generate the consistency and forgiveness of a player’s distance irons.
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Ernie Els Wedges
Cleveland RTX 6 ZipCore Wedge
52°, 56°, 60°
The South African switches to Cleveland RTX ZipCore Wedge for his short-game needs, a brand also owned by the Japanese conglomerate.
In my experience, these wedges deliver ample forgiveness, consistency, and a controlled flight on short full shots.
Learn more about the RTX ZipCore wedge in our review of the best wedges.
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Ernie Els Putter
Bloodline R1-J Blade Stand Up Putter
Putter
Bloodline is not a brand that springs to mind when your foursome starts discussing their favorite flat sticks. The man from Gauteng province has worked hard to change that since he became an ambassador for the brand in 2018.
Ernie has utilized the Bloodline R1-J Blade Putter since 2017 on the PGA Tour and announced he will continue with the golf club in 2023. The premium-priced putter features a trendy red finish and a CNC-milled face, which provides a pure feel and a smooth roll across the face.
An additional feature to mention, is its Stand Up construction that keeps the putter upright without you holding it. That helps golfers step back from the line and ensure the putter face points at their target line.
⛳️ Fun Fact: Ernie likes to use a left hand low putting grip.
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Ernie Els Golf Ball
Srixon Z Star XV Golf Balls
Golf Balls
If you watch the PGA Tour Champions, you will see Ernies yellow golf ball flying through the air. Usually, I leave this section out because we often see players using the same ball.
In contrast, the twice Open Championship winner operates with the Srixon Z Star XV Golf Balls.
This 4-piece golf ball prompts low driver spin, accelerated ball speed, and increased greenside spin for all-around performance.
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Final Thoughts
For 2024, Ernie continues to like to use a mix of XXIO, Srixon, and Cleveland equipment, all part of the Dunlop sports brand, which Sumitomo Rubber Industries owns.
With his easy swing and hard work ethic, more silverware is just around the corner for the big man. Let me know if Ernie Els WITB features any of your chosen golf clubs.
