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Ernie Els reflects on
a quiet season
World number four Ernie Els, the popular South Af-rican who possesses one of
the smoothest swings in the game, is often referred to as the Big Easy.
But ‘easy’ would not be the first adjective that would spring to his
mind as he reflects on his winless golfing campaign this year on both sides of
the Atlan-tic.
For the first time in eight straight seasons on the US Tour, he has failed
to register a single victory and narrowly missed out on the title in his last
two events – in Europe a fortnight ago and after a playoff in Houston, Texas
at the weekend.
The man who finished second in three of last year's four majors has also had
to battle various injuries in recent months, as well as some rather indifferent
form over the first half of the year.
Yet the twice US Open champion has still managed to climb to number three in
the European Tour money list while he is ranked 15th in the United States, a record
most players would be proud of.
On Sunday in the US Tour Championship, the South Afri-can impressively birdied
the final regulation hole to book his place in a four-way playoff for the season-ending
title – along with American David Toms, Spaniard Sergio Garcia and Canada's
Mike Weir.
“I gave myself a chance at least,” said Els, who completed with a
final round of 68.
“I wouldn't say I played picture-perfect golf out there but I'm quite
proud of myself, just hanging in there the last couple holes. But it didn't work
out for me this week, and I will just have to play better next year.”
Els admits he will now have to go back to the drawing board as he prepares
for 2002.
“Last year, I was in contention quite a few times, while I would say this
year I haven't been in contention that much.
“And I haven't played too much golf this year and I had a couple of injuries,’’
added Els.
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