Ernie Els has received an invitation to play in next year’s Masters despite his five-year exemption running out in 2017.
The 48-year-old South African received a five-year exemption into all the majors after winning the Open Championship in 2012, so he teed it up at Augusta National last year knowing that in all likelihood that it would be his last appearance at the Masters.
But Els announced on Christmas Eve, via social media, that he has received a special exemption to play in next year’s tournament from the Masters’ committee. “Thank you for a great Xmas present @TheMasters. I can’t wait”, Els wrote.
It’s the first special exemption issued for the Masters since Ryo Ishikawa received one in 2013.
Assuming Els takes Augusta up on the offer, he will make his 24th appearance in April. His strong history at the event includes two runner-up finishes and six top-10s..