Ernie Els has done about everything a player can do in the game, winning a pair of Opens – U.S. and British – on both sides of the pond, and that’s why he already is enshrined in the World Golf Hall of Fame. Els has many irons in the fire these days – running a large foundation to help those with autism, Presidents Cup assistant captain, pitchman – his company even has dog treats – and golf course architect, with projects all over the world. But it is his golf that still drives him.
Els, 54, won four major titles while competing on the PGA Tour. And now that he is on PGA Tour Champions, he would like to win majors there, as well. He has yet to break through to do it, but was encouraged by his play two weeks ago at the Regions Tradition, where he was third.
What would winning a senior major win to the big South African?
“It would be great,” he said. “I’ve had a couple of tries now, I haven’t really played that well. I feel I really want to start doing something now. I feel that my game is coming around really nicely. I just love playing with these guys.”
This week marks Els’ second visit to Harbor Shores, where two years ago he had the best showing among the three KitchenAid Senior PGA Championships he has played, a tie for 15th. He knows what to expect from the golf course this week.
“Nicklaus courses,” he said, “it’s risk/reward a lot, especially on second shots. If the shot comes off, you look great. And if you keep being overly aggressive and it doesn’t come off, you can make some numbers.”
Els plays at 8:10 a.m. on Thursday alongside the Presidents Cup captain he will serve, Mike Weir, and Darren Clarke.
