1984 - 1991

In 1984 aged 14 and playing off a scratch handicap, Ernie won the world junior golf championship in San Diego, California. Ernie was awarded his Junior Springbok colours in 1984, the State President Sports Award in 1987, and in 1988 his full Springbok colours. Ernie turned professional in 1989 and in 1991 he won his first significant tournament on the Sunshine Tour, the Amatola Sun Classic.