Els ready for Whistling Straits

Ernie Els is prepared for anything at the week’s PGA Championship, which tees off at Whistling Straits on Thursday.
The four-time major winner is looking for his first win since The Open Championship in 2012. Els last played at the Quicken Loans National in July, where he placed tied for 46th.
While the South African has taken two weeks off to prepare for the year’s final major, Els indicated that there is no “perfect formula” when training for a major.
“There’s no perfect formula in preparing for majors,” the 45-year-old told sunshinetour.com.
“You can either play the tournament before or you can take the week off. It all depends how you feel at the time. I’ve had some success both ways.
“Being able to spend last week at home allowed me to work hard on my game and get properly rested and ready for the challenge of competing in the final Major of 2015. This is always a mentally and physically gruelling week, so it’s nice to come in to this Championship feeling fresh.”
The Big Easy enjoys playing on the Pete Dye masterpiece, where he has fond memories from the 2004 event. Else would finish tied for fourth in that edition, missing a playoff spot by one stroke.
“It feels good to return to Whistling Straits for our third PGA Championship in a 12-year span,” added the 28-time European Tour winner.
“They’re bringing the Ryder Cup here in 2020 as well, which further hints at the high regard people have for this golf course. We arrived on Sunday and it’s been fun getting out on the golf course again and seeing what’s in store for us this week…trust me, this place is a little bit special.
“When we first came here in 2004 the course was quite benign the first couple of days and the scoring reflected that. Then over the weekend the wind got up, the course played firmer and faster, and Whistling Straits really showed its teeth. In fact, it was a seriously tough test of golf that weekend, especially on the Sunday.
“Whistling Straits certainly has the multi-faceted challenge that is typical of a links. There are quite a few blind shots and you have to figure out your own way of getting around here and you have to use your imagination and play some shots. At over 7500 yards it’s a proper test and when the wind starts to blow hard off the lake as it did in the final round in both 2004 and on a couple of days in 2010, it can be brutal.”
Latest
-
News
Rory McIlroy on latest near-miss in Abu Dhabi: ‘I don’t feel like I played great’
McIlroy avoids mentioning final-round blues but admits he needs to get more consistent.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton eyes Ryder Cup spot after winning Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
Hatton carded a closing 66 to finish 18 under par.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton wins Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship as Rory McIlroy misses out
Australia’s Jason Scrivener recorded an eagle and five birdies in a back nine of 29 to claim second place.
-
News
Rory McIlroy leads the way in Abu Dhabi as he eyes overdue victory
McIlroy will have to keep his Ryder Cup team-mates at bay if he is to claim the trophy.
-
News
Tyrrell Hatton dominant as Rory McIlroy falters in Abu Dhabi
Hatton led by five shots at the end of a second weather-affected day.
-
News
Phil Mickelson on Tiger’s latest surgery: ‘I feel bad because golf should be a game of a lifetime’
Mickelson admitted he was saddened by the news of Woods’ latest back surgery.
-
News
Rory McIlroy makes brilliant start to fog-affected Abu Dhabi Championship
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes.
-
News
Rory McIlroy shines in Abu Dhabi to take first-round lead following flawless 64
McIlroy has a remarkable record in Abu Dhabi with four second-place finishes, three thirds and a fifth in his last nine starts, but has never won.
-
News
Justin Thomas on end of Ralph Lauren deal: ‘They moved on so that’s what I’m doing as well’
Justin Thomas said he was upset by...
-
News
My last win feels a long time ago – Rory McIlroy aiming to start year on a high
McIlroy has not tasted victory since November 2019.