Els: Results will come
After a tough week at the US Open, Ernie Els remains confident that his game is in a good spot and the 46-year-old is hopeful that strong finishes will come in the next few weeks.
Despite seeming in full control of his game and striking the ball crisply at Oakmont, a pair of 75's for Els meant that he did not make the cut at the US Open. That will have hurt Els, who has had great success on the Pennsylvania track in the past. It was of course there that Els won his first US Open back in 1994.
However, the affable South African was not discouraged about last week. Quite the opposite in fact. In writing a blog for the PGA's official website, he insisted that he took many positives from the week that was and is looking forward to competing at the upcoming Quicken Loans National which takes place at Congressional Country Club, coincidentally the venue where Els won his second US Open back in 1997.
"I made a couple of minor errors during that marathon Friday, where I played 35 holes as a result of the weather delays, and that cost me two double-bogeys and a triple-bogey," Els wrote.
"That right there is the difference between missing the cut and being on the fringes of contention going into the final 36 holes.
"Overall, though, I thought I played some really good golf in those first two rounds, hitting a lot of quality shots and giving myself a bunch of opportunities.
"As I said, apart from a few mistakes I felt like my game was right where it needed to be and I like what I'm working on with David Leadbetter right now. The swing feels really comfortable, even if it’s not showing-up in my results in recent weeks. That will come.
"I'll certainly be going into this week’s Quicken Loans National at Congressional with a positive mindset.
"It is another major championship course and I'm relishing the opportunity to come back and compete at this historic club. I love these traditional old courses up in the North East and I've been blessed to win quite a few times in this part of the US."
Els has been paired with Charley Hoffman and Bill Haas for Thursday and Friday and all three players have realistic chances of winning and so will be worth keeping tabs on.
Latest
-
European Tour‘Is this where I am going to die?’ Nicolas Colsaerts on kidney disorder battle
The Belgian is the focus of attention this week as he belatedly defends the Cazoo Open de France title he won three years ago.
-
Ryder CupOn this day in 2008: Ryder Cup misery in Louisville for Nick Faldo’s Europe team
Faldo was heavily criticised for his tactics in the closing singles.
-
LIV GolfOpen champion Cameron Smith wins first LIV trophy in just second start
The world number two is the highest-ranked player to join the rebel series.
-
European TourRobert MacIntyre beats Matt Fitzpatrick in play-off to win Italian Open
MacIntyre birdied the first extra hole at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, the venue for next year’s Ryder Cup.
-
European TourMatt Fitzpatrick holds narrow lead ahead of final round at Italian Open
Rory McIlroy and Aaron Rai are one shot off the pace.
-
European TourRory McIlroy picks up the pace to claim lead ahead of Matt Fitzpatrick in Rome
McIlroy’s group looked unlikely to complete their second rounds after taking three hours to play nine holes.
-
NewsMatt Fitzpatrick leads way at Italian Open despite ‘inconsistent’ display
The US Open champion held a one-shot lead over fellow Englishman Tom Lewis,
-
European TourRory McIlroy rues a late night until eagle gets him flying in Italian Open
The four-time major winner was only a shot behind leader Matt Fitzpatrick after the first round of the Rome event.
-
European TourRory McIlroy begins Italian Open with superb 67 after recovering from slow start
He kick-started his round by holing out from 115 yards for an eagle on the par-four third.
-
European TourShane Lowry: Golf risks alienating fans with disgusting amount of money involved
The BMW PGA Championship winner insists he was never tempted to join LIV Golf.