As a player, Ernie Els faces a long-shot bid to earn his way into the FedEx Cup playoffs. But as an off-course icon, he can plan on being part of the festivities at the Tour Championship in Atlanta.
Truth be told, Els probably will take more pride in his attendance in Atlanta than he would if he were to qualify for the competition for the sixth time. That’s because Els will be recognized Sept. 22 as winner of the Payne Stewart Award, given annually to a professional golfer for charitable endeavors and for maintaining high standards of character and sportsmanship.