Els keeping his hopes alive
The pressures of fighting to stay alive in the FedEx Cup seems to be doing Ernie Els’ game a world of good.
The pressures of fighting to stay alive in the FedEx Cup seems to be doing Ernie Els’ game a world of good.
Only just sneaking into the top 125 qualifiers who made it into the lucrative four-event play-off series, every day so far has a been a fight to survive one more round for the South African.
“It’s almost like a life-and-death situation. I know it’s not, but it is in golfing terms,” Els said.
“There’s pressure, and this is maybe something that I needed, probably what I needed to get my game back in shape. I feel like things are really starting to fall into place now.”
He found some long lost form last week in Boston to move into the top 100 and qualify for this week’s Deutsche Bank Championship, and now after two rounds in Boston he finds himself in the top 10, only three shots off the lead.
That’s good, because only the top 70 survive for the third event of the series, and Els would need to finish 17th or better to jump 29 spots.
His second-round 65 yesterday was his lowest round of PGA Golf since the season-opener in Hawaii back in January, when he shot a 64.
It’s his putter that has let him down all year so far, but he seems to be finally finding some form on the greens again.
He called the greens in Boston this week “probably the best we’ve putted on all year.”
The ultimate aim for Ernie is the Tour Championship, reserved for only the top 30 on the points list. He’s never missed the event in its short four-year history, and he wouldn’t like to start now.
“When you’ve made Atlanta, you’ve had a good year,” Els said, “so I’m trying to get to that week.”
Latest
-
NewsTrio take slender lead into the final round of Safeway Open
The leaderboard is tight in California.
-
NewsGeorge Coetzee in line for second title in as many weeks at Portugal Masters
The South African has replaced Julien Guerrier at the top of the leaderboard.
-
NewsAmy Boulden fires eight birdies to take first LET title at Swiss Ladies Open
The 27-year-old Welshwoman made a closing round 64 to claim a three-shot victory.
-
NewsSam Burns takes the lead at Safeway Open as Russell Knox drops to third
The American Burns shot a seven-under 65 to sit two shots in front.
-
NewsJulien Guerrier in control at midway point in Vilamoura
Overnight leader Liam Johnston could only add a 74 to his opening 61.
-
NewsJohn Daly reveals he has been diagnosed with bladder cancer
Daly won the 1995 Open at St Andrews.
-
NewsSuspense and surprise in store as US Open returns to Winged Foot
The venue has provided plenty of memorable US Open moments.
-
NewsRussell Knox leads on day one as PGA Tour starts in California
The Scot was a stroke ahead in northern California, where wildfires have caused significant evacuations.
-
NewsLiam Johnston sets pace at Portugal Masters with brilliant 61
The Scot was on course to record just the second 59 in European Tour history.
-
NewsTwo-time winner Brooks Koepka pulls out of US Open due to injury
The American has a knee issue.