By Lauren Hooie
AuburnTigers.com
AUBURN, Ala. – Parents clap as a joyful group of children crosses the stage to receive diplomas in blue caps and gowns. The children are graduating from the fifth grade from a world-class facility that caters to children affected by autism, the Els Center of Excellence.
Ernie Els, PGA Tour player and World Golf Hall of Fame member, started the Els for Autism Foundation in 2009. He and his wife, Liezl, have a 14-year-old son Ben who is affected by autism. Their nephew, Jovan Rebula, is a sophomore on Auburn's men's golf team.