Ernie Els makes waves after round of golf with Donald Trump

South African golfing legend Ernie Els has made headlines following a round with former American President Donald Trump.

Els posted on his social media channels that he played golf over the weekend at the famed Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Els played alongside the former American President, with the four-time major winner writing that it was "fun to watch the ball roll in for a hole-in-one".

A post shared by Ernie Els (@ernieelsgolf)

It's uncertain who shot the ace but according to the New York Post, Trump has taken credit for the shot.

Trump said he was playing with pro golfers Els, Gene Sauers, Ken Duke and Mike Goodes when he made the shot.

"Many people are asking, so I'll give it to you now, it is 100% true," Trump is quoted as saying. "I hit a 5-iron, which sailed magnificently into a rather strong wind, with approximately 5 feet of cut, whereupon it bounced twice and then went clank, into the hole."

Trump is an avid golfer who owns several courses, and is estimated to have played golf 298 times during his four year term as US President.

But Trump is also a controversial figure. He's often been criticised for offensive remarks and maintains that widespread voter fraud was behind his defeat to Joe Biden in the 2020 presidency.

Trump's presence alongside Els did not sit well with several of the South African golfer's followers on Twitter.

A few of the critical tweets read:

Not a good look Big Easy. Hanging around with a man with no morals. People are judged by the company they keep.

Disappointed you played with Trump. I’m a big fan of yours. You’re better than that. Even Tom Brady stays clear of that guy. He tried to undermine the core of our democracy.

Ernie, my golf GOAT, better even than the