Golfer Ernie Els and Int'l Sports Management agent Chubby Chandler "have split after seven years," according to Golf Channel's Tim Rosaforte. Els, who signed with ISM in '04, wrote on his website that the move "was to consolidate his business in Jupiter, Florida." There is speculation that Els "will eventually join Vinny Giles and Buddy Marucci, the former Walker Cup captains who have consolidated and have a management group in Jupiter.” Chandler "wouldn't be surprised if they share a beer together at the Dunhill Cup in a couple of weeks in St. Andrews and, as he says, change could do him good and his golf game good" (“Golf Central,” Golf Channel, 9/21). Rosaforte noted four of Chandler clients have won majors in the past 14 months, and there is a "belief that ISM had grown to the point where Els wasn't getting enough day-to-day attention" (GOLFDIGEST.com, 9/21). Els said, "I just feel like it's the right time to make this move. After so many years based in the UK and travelling the world golf circuit since turning pro, it is nice now to consolidate our activities in one place" (AFP, 9/21). Golf Channel’s Gary Williams said, “The key thing here for Ernie going forward: The Center of Excellence, Els for Autism. It’s a $30 million capital campaign. He’s put $6 million of his own money into this thing. They need sponsorship. This is a big thing for the balance of his life” (“Morning Drive,” Golf Channel, 9/22).
