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Ernie Els has maintained a close personal relationship with Donald Trump for decades, frequently playing golf with him at Mar-a-Lago and Trump International Golf Club. Els has described Trump as a 'friend' and has defended their associatio…
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Els' primary public policy focus is autism advocacy through his foundation. While this is largely non-partisan, he has engaged with various government entities to promote awareness and funding for the cause.
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Els has participated in and supported events associated with LIV Golf , which has held multiple tournaments at Trump-owned courses (Bedminster and Doral). Trump has been a vocal proponent of LIV Golf as a disruptor to the PGA Tour.
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Els' primary public policy focus is autism advocacy through his foundation. While this is largely non-partisan, he has engaged with various government entities to promote awareness and funding for the cause.
Notes: The foundation is his most significant non-golfing endeavor.
His primary 'policy' footprint is philanthropic and non-partisan, which provides a neutral counter-weight to his personal political associations.
The Els for Autism Foundation was established in 2009 by Ernie and Liezl Els.
Els has been involved in discussions and potential collaborations regarding golf course design and tournaments at Trump properties. His brand 'Ernie Els Design' operates in the same luxury golf sphere frequently championed by Trump.
Notes: Els Design has worked on projects globally that cater to the same demographic as Trump's portfolio.
Professional alignment in the luxury real estate and golf development sector often mirrors political and social alignment within the MAGA-adjacent business elite.
Ernie Els Design is a full-service golf course design business.
Els has participated in and supported events associated with LIV Golf, which has held multiple tournaments at Trump-owned courses (Bedminster and Doral). Trump has been a vocal proponent of LIV Golf as a disruptor to the PGA Tour.
Notes: While Els remained on the Champions Tour, his participation in the ecosystem surrounding Trump-hosted golf events reinforces the tie.
The intersection of LIV Golf and Trump properties is a significant political flashpoint; Els' continued presence in these circles aligns him with Trump's sports-business interests.
Donald Trump has embraced the breakaway LIV Golf circuit, hosting its events at his clubs.
Els has frequently praised Trump's personality and competitive spirit on the golf course, describing him as a 'good golfer' and a 'character' in a positive light, contributing to a favorable public image of the former President.
Positive character testimony from a world-renowned athlete helps humanize and validate Trump's persona to a global audience.
Els said of Trump: 'He’s got good energy. He’s 73 and he goes hard. He’s a character.'
Els has been spotted at Mar-a-Lago not just for golf, but as a guest in the social environment of the club, which serves as the primary hub for the MAGA movement's leadership and donors.
Notes: Mar-a-Lago membership and presence are often cited as indicators of proximity to Trump's inner circle.
Social proximity to the 'Winter White House' during the Trump administration is a recognized signal of alignment with the Trump orbit.
Els is a regular at Trump's Florida clubs.
Following criticism for golfing with President Trump, Els publicly defended his decision, stating, 'He is the President of the United States... I’ve known him for 25 years.' He emphasized the importance of the office and their long-standing friendship.
Publicly standing by Trump during periods of high media scrutiny indicates a level of loyalty and normalization of Trump's presidency, aligned with Pro-MAGA sentiment.
Els said he has known Trump for many years and that 'he is the President of the United States' and deserves respect.
Ernie Els has maintained a close personal relationship with Donald Trump for decades, frequently playing golf with him at Mar-a-Lago and Trump International Golf Club. Els has described Trump as a 'friend' and has defended their association despite political controversies.
Notes: Els played golf with Trump and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe shortly after Trump's inauguration.
A consistent, high-profile association with the leader of the MAGA movement, especially during his presidency, serves as a strong signal of alignment and personal support.
Trump, Abe and South African golfer Ernie Els played at the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach.