Rickie Fowler sinks $1m hole-in-one for the Els for Autism Foundation

By Nick Lustig

Image: Rickie Fowler is lifted into the air by Ernie Else after hitting a hole-in-one

Rickie Fowler hit arguably the most charitable shot of his career on Monday, sinking a hole-in-one to earn $1m for the Els for Autism Foundation.

The American, who finished eighth at the WGC-Cadillac Championship on Sunday, took part at the Els for Autism Pro-am, an event aimed at raising money and support for fellow-golfer Ernie Els' charity.

Fowler was one of a number of golfers to try their luck on a "bonus" 19th hole and he proved to be the only successful player to sink his shot off the tee at the Old Palm Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. 

Image: Els, his wife Liezl Els and Fowler celebrate their success

"Kind of nothing to lose," Fowler told the Golf Channel. "Just having fun. It's a small target. It doesn't happen very often. Pretty cool to do that for Ernie and the foundation."

Els was seen lifting Fowler into the air in celebration, with Rory McIlroy and Louis Oosthuizen also among the players to congratulate the 27-year-old.  

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The South African and his wife, Liezl, set up the foundation in 2009 after their son Ben was diagnosed with autism. 

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