Ernie Els was described as “one of the greatest champions in the history of golf,” by David Charles, Senior Director of Championships for the PGA of America, following the South African’s victory at the British Open on Sunday.Els’ win qualified him for the end-of-season Grand Slam of Golf which will be held at Port Royal Golf Course in October.Providing he accepts the invitation he will join Masters champion Bubba Watson and US Open winner Webb Simpson.In 2010, Els came from behind to win his second Grand Slam title after he was invited as an alternate.“Ernie Els is one of the greatest champions in the history of golf and always a crowd favourite, so he undoubtedly raises the value of a ticket to the Grand Slam,” said Charles.“And if Ernie’s visit is anything close to 2010, golf fans are in for a real treat.”It was during that tournament that Els played ‘cricket’ with West Indies legend Brian Lara who was watching the event.The two sportsmen are long-time friends and played together in the Grand Slam Pro-Am.“The sight of the South African and West Indian playing cricket and golf together delighted fans. It was very memorable,” said Andy Burrows, Chairman of the 2012 PGA Grand Slam of Golf.“Ernie talked openly about what a great time he and his family had during their last visit to Bermuda. It will be a pleasure to host them again.”The Slam features the winners of the year’s four Major championships the Masters, the US Open, the Open Championship, and the PGA Championship, which will begin on August 12 at the Ocean Course on Kiawah Island.This year’s Slam, from October 22-24, marks the event’s 30th anniversary and will again be televised on TNT. It was previously held in Hawaii.It will be hosted by the Bermuda Department of Tourism, Port Royal Golf Course and the Fairmont Southampton.Organisers have repeatedly pointed out that ticket-carrying fans get closer to the pros at the Grand Slam than at any other competitive golf tournament.Because there is only one group during the event, spectators are permitted to follow the players down the fairways of every hole, standing just a few feet from the action in some cases.This year’s tournament has a $1.35 million purse, with the winner receiving $600,000; second place $300,000; third place $250,000 and fourth place $200,000.