Ernie Els
Professional Golfer, World Golf Hall of Fame Member, and Four-Time Major Champion · Golf - PGA Tour & European Tour
International Team (Presidents Cup) / South Africa
Era
2002 Open Championship (Peak Major Winning Era)
Item Type
Official tournament daily drawsheet / program
Condition
Excellent condition overall; the item shows minimal handling wear, and the signature is crisp, bold, and well-contrasted against the lighter section of the background imagery.
Rarity
Moderately scarce; while Ernie Els signs frequently for fans, items tied directly to specific historical major championships—such as his 2002 Open Championship victory at Muirfield—carry enhanced collector appeal.
Overall Assessment
A wonderful piece of golf memorabilia capturing a signature from Ernie Els during the exact week of his iconic 2002 Open Championship victory, offering great display appeal and solid collector value.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic based on the signature's characteristic fluid motion, correct looping letter forms for 'Ernie Els', and appropriate context from the 2002 Open Championship at Muirfield.
Signature Style
Semi-cursive stylized monogram featuring a distinct large initial 'E' interlaced with a sweeping, connected representation of his full name, executed with notable speed and smooth horizontal flourishes.
Signature Characteristics
Fast fluid execution, prominent loops, rightward lean, strong baseline flow, and lack of tremorous hesitation.
Ink & Medium
Black felt-tip marker or sharpie, displaying even ink flow, standard density, and no obvious signs of fading or bleeding.
Item Description
An official Daily Drawsheet from The Open Championship at Muirfield for Friday, 19th July 2002, featuring full-color tournament branding by The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and a scenic golf course photograph.
Estimated Value
$150 - $300 USD for authenticated major-related ephemeral material
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches standard exemplar signatures of Ernie Els from the early 2000s, displaying his characteristic sweeping signature style before his later, more abbreviated variations.
Authentication Tips
Compare the upward slant of the initial 'E', the fluid transition into the middle name/last name loop, and the consistent pen pressure without unnatural hesitation marks.
Certification Recommendation
Upper Deck Authenticated, PSA/DNA, or JSA (James Spence Authentication)
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed; the marker consistency and item context align logically with an in-person signing during the 2002 tournament week.
Provenance Notes
Originating directly from an attendee or official present at the 2002 Open Championship at Muirfield; keeping ticket stubs or personal accounts enhances future provenance value.
Historical Context
Ernie Els won the 2002 Open Championship at Muirfield in a dramatic four-man playoff against Stuart Appleby, Steve Elkington, and Thomas Levet, making items from this specific event highly significant to golf historians.
Market Trends
Golf memorabilia values remain steady, with items specifically connected to Major Championships (Masters, Open, PGA, US Open) retaining stronger demand than generic signed flags or cards.
Investment Potential
Stable medium-term hold; specialized major championship ephemera generally retains enthusiast demand well.
Similar Autographs
Tiger Woods, Colin Montgomerie, Vijay Singh, Retief Goosen, and Padraig Harrington items from the early 2000s era.
Display & Preservation
Frame with UV-protective acrylic and acid-free matting to prevent fading of the paper drawsheet and the dark marker ink.
Interesting Facts
Nicknamed 'The Big Easy' due to his imposing physical stature and famously smooth, effortless golf swing.
Notes
Open championship 2002