Trevor Immelman said countrymen Gary Player and Ernie Els transcend the sport of golf in their native South Africa.
"(Player) is kind of like the Muhammad Ali of South African sport," Immelman, the 2008 Masters champion, said Friday on "Morning Drive."
"Mr. Player has been around, set the trend for South African sportsmen. He did it at the toughest times, playing during apartheid in areas where he wasn't always welcome. He really did the hard yards for the rest of us and showed us it could be done."
As for three-time major winner Ernie Els, Immelman sees him as the King of South African golf.
"Ernie would be like the Arnold Palmer of South African sport," he said.
The Big Easy is wildly popular in his home country, but is highly scrutinized for everything he does.
"Ernie really is a polarizing figure in South Africa. When he's down there, if he breathes, people know about it. He's had to bear the brunt of a lot of that."
-
Tags: Trevor Immelman, Gary Player, Ernie Els
Related Articles
Wiesberger holds off Els to win in Indonesia
by Ryan Lavner | May 5, 2013 9:29 AM ETErnie Els continues to draw closer to his first post-British Open victory, falling one shot shy in Indonesia on Sunday. Read More
Jet-lagged Els just one shot back in Indonesia
by Will Gray | May 4, 2013 12:28 PM ETAfter flying from New Orleans to Asia, Ernie Els has fought off jet lag and sits just one shot off the pace at the Indonesia Masters. Read More
Video: Improve your lag putting
by Golf Channel Digital | Apr 22, 2013 7:00 PM ETWith nine major championships to his credit, Gary Player knows a thing or two about putting, and he wants to help you improve your lag putting. Read More
Ballengee is a GolfChannel.com contributor who writes for GTC and Fantasy Insider.
Latest News
- Garcia apologizes to Woods | Tee times
- Sergio 'fried chicken' jab | Tiger: 'Hurtful'
- Mell: Disagree with anchor ban, but pure intent
- Sergio sponsor TMaG: Comment 'offensive'
- Z. Johnson back at Colonial | Groupings | Tee times
- Colonial reax: Garcia remark | Singh, anchor
- Fantasy: BMW PGA, Crowne Plaza power rankings
- Lewis in rainy Bahamas | Under water | Tee times
- USGA, R&A ban anchored stroke | Explanation
- Chapman set to defend at Senior PGA | Tee times
- Fowler plans to donate $100K to tornado relief
- McIlroy denies G-Mac rift, mum on management
