Ernie Els, an SAP Ambassador since 2003, has achieved 64 professional career victories, including three major championships and a record seven World Matchplay titles. The global reach (across Europe, the United States, Asia, the Far East, the Middle East and Australasia) of his victories is almost without parallel. He is one of golf's truly global players.

Ernie Finishes on a High at the HSBC Championships in Shanghai

Ernie shot a final round 63, his lowest round of the year, to finish second in the WGC – HSBC Championships in Shanghai. Having covered the first 17 holes in 10 under par, he found water on the 18th and made a bogey, which allowed world number two, Phil Mickelson, to beat him.

Ernie achieved his best result of the year – with 22 birdies and two eagles, including his ninth career hole-in-one in a tournament. Ernie now places 9th in the European Tour Race to Dubai standings, moving him up to 16th in the Official World Golf Ranking – and keeping him on target for his goal to return to the top 10 before 2010.

With the exciting, new finish to the European Tour season ending at the Dubai World Championship, this is perfect timing for Ernie to find his form.

Auspicious Golf Records: Second Only to Tiger Woods

As one of the most successful golfers in the game's history – Ernie Els has won more than 60 professional tournaments internationally, including two U.S. Opens, a British Open, and a record seven World Matchplay titles.

Born in South Africa, as a youngster Els played excellent soccer, cricket, rugby, and tennis – before choosing a career in golf and competing against professional golfers at 16. From the mid-1990s to the present, his haul of trophies is second only to Tiger Woods'. As a former World No.1 ranked player, Ernie holds the record for the most weeks in the world's top ten.

Ernie Els Foundation and SAP

Ernie is also renowned for his charity work. Partnering with SAP's founder, Hasso Platner, Ernie set up the Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation, which nurtures golfing talent in underprivileged children in his homeland of South Africa. But the cause really close to his heart is autism, since Ernie and his wife Liezl discovered their son, Ben, was affected. They have worked hard to raise money and awareness for autism through the Els for Autism charity.

Describing his commitment, Ernie has stated, "This isn't just about me and my family, though. This is about the millions of families all over the world who has a loved one affected by this condition. That's why I contacted 'Autism Speaks' – it's why I put the logo on my golf bag. I want to raise awareness and raise money for the disorder, which impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others."

In addition to his commitment to golf and his charities, Ernie has established Ernie Els Wines and The Big Easy restaurant, in Stellenbosch, South Africa.

An SAP Ambassador since 2003, together with his relationship with Callaway Golf, Ernie Els epitomizes the same drive for perfection and dedication that SAP puts into helping companies become best-run businesses.