Big Easy prepares for Augusta

Ernie Els will compete at the Valero Texas Open this week in preparation for the Masters.
The veteran is hoping to build up some momentum in order to give himself the confidence to be competitive at Augusta in April.
“There’s no substitute for getting out there and playing some competitive golf – doing it ‘under the gun’ as they say,” said the four time Major winner on his most recent blog post.
“That’s why I’m excited about this five-week stretch of tournaments coming up, with the Masters sandwiched right in the middle.
The South African has finished second twice at Augusta, in 2002 and 2004. He posted an impressive three under 69 in the final round of last year’s tournament to earn him 13th position.
“Hopefully I can generate some momentum in my game and give myself that little bit of confidence and sharpness that you need in order to post some consistent numbers.”
Els played the the Texan course back in 2010 and he posted some great scores which saw him end on 12 under for a share of third place.
“I remember making a slow start that week, but I played pretty tidily over the weekend to finish 12-under par and tied for third a couple of shots behind Scotty (Adam Scott),” said the 44-year-old.
The world number 33 revealed the the course is a tricky one, especially on the greens which are difficult to read.
“It’s a tough test and you have to be very accurate, but also very creative,” continued Els., whose performance this weekend will gave him some indication of how he will fare at Augusta.
“Every green is different, with a lot of run-off areas, and it always keeps you thinking. It’s different to what we play most weeks, but personally I felt comfortable out here in 2010. I am hoping to have another strong week this time around.”
Latest
-
News
Collin Morikawa keen to draw inspiration from family ties to Hawaii at Sony Open
Venezuela’s Jhonattan Vegas has withdrawn from the event after testing positive for coronavirus.
-
News
R&A: ‘No plans’ for Open to head to Donald Trump-owned Turnberry in near future
Trump National in Bedminster was on Sunday stripped of next year’s US PGA Championship.
-
News
US PGA Championship moved from Donald Trump-owned course in New Jersey
Trump National in Bedminster had been set to host the event.
-
News
Justin Thomas : ‘I made a terrible, terrible judgement call’
Thomas admitted he was distracted by what happened on Saturday during his final round.
-
News
PGA Championship to be moved away from Donald Trump-owned course
It is the second time in six years the PGA has moved an event away from a course owned by Donald Trump.
-
News
‘It’s inexcusable’ – Justin Thomas apologises for homophobic slur in Hawaii
The world number three was heard using the derogatory word towards himself after missing a par putt.
-
News
Westwood, McDowell back petition to allow English golf courses to open
The duo have added their names to a petition that has passed 100 000 signatures.
-
News
Xander Schauffele pledges to ‘fake it until I make it’ after contracting Covid
Schauffele is one of 16 players in the Sentry Tournament of Champions who failed to win an official event last season.
-
News
After years with TaylorMade, Jon Rahm joins Callaway
Spaniard will have Callaway woods and irons in his bag at Sentry Tournament of Champions.
-
News
What to expect from the 2021 OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic
There are more prestigious events on the European Tour, but there’s no denying that the Dubai Desert Classic just has something about it.