Ernie Els
Ernie Els
Theodore Ernest "Ernie" Elsis a South African professional golfer. A former World No. 1, he is known as "The Big Easy" due to his imposing physical stature) along with his fluid golf swing. Among his 71 career victories are four major championships: the U.S. Open in 1994 at Oakmont and in 1997 at Congressional, and The Open Championship in 2002 at Muirfield and in 2012 at Royal Lytham & St Annes. He is one of six golfers to twice win...
NationalitySouth African
ProfessionAthlete
ball fine overly tried
I've tried to play the way you play in Opens, which is to get the ball in play, not be too overly aggressive, and play away from the flags. But there's a fine line. You need to be careful, but you can't play defensive.
ball few front great heard kirk left loudest played quite saw shot watching
It was unbelievable, ... That's probably the loudest I've ever heard it. It was quite loud in '98 when I played with Jack, especially when he made a few birdies on the front nine. It was exciting. If you were watching on television, it must have been good. Kirk made that 1 in front of us on 16 -- I never saw the shot but I heard that roar, and then K.J. on 11, that ball never left the flag. It was great golf.
ball delighted good hitting swinging week
I've been swinging good and hitting the ball really well this week and I'm delighted to be back in contention.
ball conditions days driving easiest good
I was very good off the tee. I haven't had many better days driving the ball here. Conditions were also just about perfect, too. It's probably the easiest day we'll have here.
average ball body change club dig feet good lower middle sand selection sitting slightly stable swing
From a good lie in the middle of a fairway bunker, I'll make the same swing as I do from an average fairway lie. I'll dig my feet in slightly and keep my lower body stable so I won't slip, but I don't change my club selection or setup. It's only when the ball is sitting down in the sand that I'll make some modifications.
ball bit flatter game hard hitting last plane steep trying worked
I worked really hard on my long game the last two week, especially last week. I'm working on a bit of a flatter plane through the ball. I got a little bit steep on the ball so I'm trying to flatten it out a little bit through the hitting area.
ball brings cause head helps line peek putter solid sorts
Right before I start the putter back, I think about making solid contact. This brings your attention to the back of the ball and helps keep your head still at impact, which is a must. Many amateurs take a peek down the line too soon, and that can cause all sorts of mis-hits.
ball bit careful rough
That little bit of rough, it's rough now. You've got to be careful how the ball comes out there.
ball builder club confidence delighted hitting swinging
It's a real confidence builder after such a long layoff. I was swinging the club well and hitting the ball great, and I was delighted to be back in contention.
ball change clubs easier high higher hit low players position sand shots
Some players like to change clubs around the green to hit high or low shots. I play all of my short-game shots with my 54-degree sand wedge and change my ball position to hit it higher or lower. I think it's easier to learn one club than four.
ball careful inch iron major position
Ball position is everything in iron play. If you aren't careful about it, you can create some major problems in your game just by getting an inch or two off.
avoid ball club dry flyer hit loft open percent shots sitting swing top trying unless
Because of the grass and open face, I take one more club for shots from the rough, unless the ball is sitting on top of dry grass. Then, I use more loft and swing softer, trying to hit it about 70 percent to avoid a flyer over the green.
balls knew
For all the fun, don't forget: I always knew when to put my golf balls down and practice.
ball easily intended line lose putter settle sight
You should never get set over the ball and then aim your putter face. If you do it in that order, you can easily lose sight of your intended line. Instead, aim the face down your line first, then settle your body into position.