Son's autism gives golf ace Ernie Els a grand ambition From Nkepile Mabuse, CNN April 24, 2012 -- Updated 1656 GMT (0056 HKT) Close to home A playful dad Ben diagnosed South African roots A family's love 1 Ernie Els is throwing his support behind ambitious autism center The South African golfer hopes the foundation in Florida will be the best in the world He is inspired by his son Ben, who was diagnosed with autism as a four-year-old Two-time U.S Open winner still needs to raise $5 million to reach his $30 million target (CNN) -- For a man dubbed "The Big Easy," Ernie Els isn't putting his feet up anytime soon. One of the most successful golfers in the world, the 42-year-old boasts an incredible three major championship crowns and nearly 70 wins in a stellar career spanning 22 years. But far from basking in his golfing glory, the South African is throwing his weight -- and his millions -- behind an important cause close to his heart. 1's son Ben was diagnosed with autism five years ago, and Els plans to open a world-leading research and education center -- "something the world's never seen before." We have one child in our family with autism. I've seen families with three kids with autism and I want to tell you it must be one of the hardest things in the world because just to do your normal, everyday life stuff must be almost impossible," he told CNN. He's nine years old and he's not speaking yet. He goes to a very good school in Florida. That's another thing that's lacking around the world, is education for autistic children. That's why we moved from England to go to Florida for proper treatment for him. Until recently, Els had remained private about his family life. Now he's using his status -- winning the U.S. Open in 1994 and 1997 and the British Open in 2002 -- to help fund the Els for Autism Foundation in Florida. Since 2009, he has been hosting golf tournaments to raise money for his dream center. It will be based in the U.S. but it is hoped its programs and research will help autistic children around the world. Els has so far raised around $25 million towards the project, but is still $5 million short of his target for construction. And the man who topped the European Tour's money list in 1993 and 1994, and is nicknamed for his six-foot-three-inch frame and seemingly effortless golf swing, hasn't limited his enterprises to autism research. Giving it back: Els' off-course passions Els' golf foundation, now in its 13th year, was established to help under-privileged kids take up a sport unaffordable to most in his native South Africa. He also contributes to the economy of the Cape region where he grew up, investing in a wine and restaurant business plus an award-winning golf resort that he helped design. So while Els has spent most of his life carving a name for himself as one of the best golfers in the world, he says he now wants to be remembered for dedicating the rest of it to autism research.