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Els finally gains win
in 2001
Ernie Els, crediting a sports psychologist for his strong play, shot a 7-under-par
65 Sunday to win the $175,000 Vodacom Players Championship by a stroke in his
home country.
Els had a four-round total of 15-under 273. U.S. Open champion Retief Goosen
of South Africa shot a 72 on a windy day and shared second at 274 with Scotland's
Alan McLean (72) and South Africa's Martin Maritz (67) and Trevor Immelman (67).
``It was one of my best rounds of the year,'' Els said. ``A little bit of this
trophy belongs to Jos Vanstiphout.''
Els worked with the Belgian sports psychologist Saturday and Sunday. Vanstiphout
worked with Goosen throughout the year.
``I didn't change anything about my approach,'' Els said. ``In golf, sometimes
it happens or you, sometimes it doesn't. I kept the ball in play a lot today,
tried to focus and hit the shots that I needed.''
Els said it is the first time he has worked with a sports psychologist.
``We have a lot of work to do still,'' Els said. ``I get the feeling things
are turning around for me.''
Els had a strong run from the second through seventh holes. When he eagled
the par-5 fifth he put himself in position to win.
``That was almost as good as I can play,'' Els said. ``I got the start I wanted
while the wind wasn't blowing too much in the morning.''
It was a frustrating finish for McLean, who led the tournament after the second
and third rounds. On the 18th hole, his ball found a greenside sand trap.
``It was unfortunate for Alan,'' Els said. ``But it's wonderful to win in South
Africa again.''
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