Ernie Els has received the U.S. Open twice and a pair of Claret Jugs, so this week’s U.S. Senior Open at Newport Nation Membership ought to go well with his sport properly.
Els in contrast Newport to Royal Troon, the positioning of this yr’s Open Championship, as Newport, like Troon, sits proper on the coast, which means the weather have an important impression on the course. The wind will gust off the Atlantic, creating havoc at instances. However that can even require gamers to maintain the ball low and run it into the greens, very like what golf followers see in Scotland each summer season for The Open.
“The best way you’re going to need to play the course could be very a lot hyperlinks fashion, and the course is designed that manner,” Els assessed on Tuesday.
“It’s a golf course the place you may play the ball on the bottom, in contrast to final yr and regular U.S. Opens, the place we play the ball within the air. It’s going to be a unique style this week. The wind goes to play an enormous issue. Greens are very up, and there’s quite a lot of slope on them. In order that wind, when it comes, it’s going to be tough across the greens.
“There’s a little bit of room for us off the tee, which is good. As someone that’s performed within the wind, someone that’s used to British Open sort of golf, you’re going to need to hit these little 4-iron photographs that can run 20, 30, 40 yards. Those that are comfy taking part in within the wind will in all probability do nicely this week.”
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Of the 5 senior majors, the one one Els has not recorded a top-10 end in is the U.S. Senior Open. But, he has posted high 20 finishes within the final three iterations, together with his greatest end being a T-12 at SentryWorld Golf Course in Wisconsin final yr.
He has not but triumphed in a senior main however has come shut. Earlier this yr, Els tied for third on the Areas Custom. The South African then completed six strokes again of Richard Bland on the Senior PGA Championship, tying for sixth.
However he has picked up a pair of victories on the PGA Tour Champions since then, profitable the Principal Charity Basic and the American Household Insurance coverage Championship in back-to-back weeks in early June.
“I’ve been taking part in first rate golf. Simply began driving the golf ball higher, so giving myself extra alternative out of the quick grass to assault a few of the flags,” Els mentioned of his latest stretch.
“I made some good putts within the wins, and even after I didn’t win, I’ve been placing fairly steadily. Simply issues are a little bit bit extra in form. My total sport is in higher form.”
Contemplating his sport is rounding into kind on the proper time and that Els loves the structure of this course, don’t be shocked if ‘The Large Straightforward’ prevails for his first main title at Newport Nation Membership this week.
On the very least, he ought to contend so long as he can management his golf ball within the wind. However he has confirmed to have carried out so earlier than, so there’s no cause to imagine he won’t once more this week.
Jack Milko is a golf workers author for SB Nation’s Taking part in By. Be sure you try @_PlayingThrough for extra golf protection. You’ll be able to comply with him on Twitter @jack_milko as nicely.
