When Ernie Els last played at Pinnehurst number two, he found himself with the weekend off. Now, six years later the two-time United States Open winner has learned from his mistakes.
”In ’99 I wasn’t quite on my game and I wasn’t hitting it in the fairways and that cost me,” explained Els here on Tuesday as he prepared for the 105th US Open.
”I was a bit too agressive at times,” he added.
This week, the South African insists his driver is on form and he cannot wait to tee-off on Thursday.
”I’m driving the ball well. I’m hitting my iron shots very well. My game is pretty close to where I want it to be. I think good things will come,” said Els.
If the good times are back, it will also give Els a chance to wipe the memory of his last-round collapse at Shinnecock last year.
”I don’t know if it was the most fustrating time in a major but it was right up there,” said Els.
”But that’s the way it went on that Sunday. Not too many things went right for me.”
And he is convinced that the US Golf Association will not allow Pinehurst to get into the state Shinnecock got on the final day.
”I think the golf course the way it is now is set up wonderfully. The greens are firm but not crazy. The fairways aren’t too firm so the ball can stay on the fairways.
”The way it is right now is 100%,” he enthused.
Els says that he will need all his shots to take a third US Open title.
”The design of the course is such where it really tests your whole golf bag. It’s going to test your ability to shape shots into the fairways and into the greens,” he explained.
”This design, if you miss a shot on the green, the ball can roll 30, 40 yards off. You have so many different options. You can putt the ball from 30 yards off the green onto the surface, you can lob it up, whatever is your fancy,” he added.
One shot Els will not be trying is using his 3-wood as a putter from off the green.
”I did try it for a little while but I’m not comfortable with that shot, unlike the other players.
”I don’t know what it is. It’s probably just the way I am. The 3-wood, I’ve never really been comfortable with that club around the greens,” he said.
With three majors to his credit, Els is fully focused on adding to his collection.
”I’m still looking for winning at least all four of them once and I’m halfway there. I’m 35-years-old so I’ve got a lot of time. My game is feeling good so I can win more,” he said.
Els knows that Pinehurst will be a tough test.
”I don’t even know if under par is going to win. To be honest I think even par. I’ll take that now and go sit in the clubhouse.
It’ll be a good score,” he forecast.
But tough test ahead or not, Els is eager to go.
”I’m ready to play,” he said. – Sapa-AFP